Is it impossible to get a fire fighting job? (interviews, application, jobs)

[Packersnut21]

I am taking classes to get my AAS in Fire Science. I have been looking around and cant help but see there are a ton of people trying to get the same job I am. I am willing to move somewhere preferably in the north where it snows, to get a job but again it seems departments are overloaded with applicants. I is a bit nerve racking to think I would have to wait for years to get a shot at a fire department. So I guess im at a crossroad should I continue on or change to something I could have an easier chance at getting a job like a trade.

[elgusano]

Work for the Forestry Service or DOI fighting fires and get some experience. They're always looking for smoke jumpers, as well.

[carp killer]

You are going to have to pay your dues. Most, if not all firefighters I know started as volunteers and seasonal firefighters. And also got the EMT card too. If you are young, try the US government seasonal jobs like BLM, US Forest Service, National Parks. Then put in with maybe a Federal firefighting job like at an Air Force base or Army base. Or try your State or County seasonal jobs. I know of nobody that went strait into a full time/full benefits fire fighting job with out some seasons under their belt. Good luck

[Packersnut21]

Originally Posted by carp killer

You are going to have to pay your dues. Most, if not all firefighters I know started as volunteers and seasonal firefighters. And also got the EMT card too. If you are young, try the US government seasonal jobs like BLM, US Forest Service, National Parks. Then put in with maybe a Federal firefighting job like at an Air Force base or Army base. Or try your State or County seasonal jobs. I know of nobody that went strait into a full time/full benefits fire fighting job with out some seasons under their belt. Good luck

Is it hard getting the seasonal jobs? I would LOVE to do fight the wildfires to gain some experience. I should have my Fire I and II as well as an EMT cert.

[elgusano]

It's easy to get them up here. Are you single? Can you be gone for long periods?

[micrguy]

This was years ago, but I knew a couple of guys that got jobs with Rural Metro before they were able to get hired by the fire department. Check their corporate website to see if they post openings anywhere.

[Packersnut21]

Originally Posted by elgusano

It's easy to get them up here. Are you single? Can you be gone for long periods?

Im married but I can cope with being away for some months. I seems like most of the jobs would be on the west coast or in Idaho, Montana, etc. If I applied online would I have to pay to get out there or how would that work? Do they do interviews? and could they be done over the phone? Like I said before I would love to do this but it would be expensive for me to fly out there on my own dime.

[elgusano]

Drop me a DM, and I will send you some info. It may take until tomorrow, though. Long day.

[Fred314X]

Firefighter, you say? Go to NYC DCAS Home Page and see when the next New York City firefighter exam is going to be given.

[BOBBB17037]

Depending on what area you are interested in Montgomery Co. Md. (outside Wash DC) has openings .
"Montgomery County Fire and Rescue is now hiring. Our application process is open from August 18th to December 1st. The written exam is scheduled for January 23rd and 24th."
MCFRS link is MCFRS Home Page