How to Become a Firefighter in Nebraska

Firefighter Career in Nebraska

Firefighters are the professionals who are skillfully trained to address fire hazards and safeguard lives and properties in case of fire. Backed by advanced tools and equipment, firefighters show up at the fire emergency as rescuers. Although they are best known to fight fires, their work profile also includes, handling medical emergencies, treating injured people, educating the public about the fire hazards, and more.

Besides putting the fires off, firefighters also perform a great deal of behind-the-scenes operations such as maintain a fleet of emergency vehicles, continuous training and education, reports management, practicing safe driving techniques, perform preventive fire maintenance and working in close collaboration with local, state and federal offices when a suspicious or widespread incident occurs.

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Firefighter in Nebraska

The decision to become a firefighter in Nebraska is the most challenging choice ever. Aspiring firefighters need to ensure a high level of cardiopulmonary endurance along with muscular strength.

To take up a job as a firefighter in Nebraska, the candidate must:

1. Have a high school diploma or equivalent
2. Be at least 18 years old
3. Have an EMT certification done
4. Not have a past criminal record
5. Valid driver’s license to drive vehicle in Nebraska state
6. Meet Nebraska ’s pre-employment requirements in terms of background, pre-employment physical and drug screening, and psychological evaluation.

Job Duties of Nebraska State Firefighter

Being a  firefighter employed in the state of Nebraska, you are entitled to perform the following tasks:

1. Address fire hazards
2. Save and rescue victims
3. Educate masses about fire science
4. Fire investigation

Nebraska  Firefighter Certification Training

Firefighters in Nebraska are expected to receive formal education in the field of fire science. Fire science degrees are available at all levels of higher education. Pursuing these degrees enable the candidates to expand their knowledge base besides their already attained hands-on training. Depending on the degree level and experience in the field, students are expected to take courses that help them enhance their knowledge of firefighting techniques and required expertise.

The advanced courses also prepare them for higher designations like management and leadership positions along with business concepts. The students can opt for one of the following courses:

1. Online fire science degree program: If you are already working as a firefighter but look forward to enhancing your knowledge without long classroom course
2. Certificate in fire science: For those who want to be firefighters but need to attain education in a fast-paced environment and analyze if the career option is the right fit for them.
3. Associate fire science degree or related: You are ready to pursue a career in fire science but do not have the know-how to clear the exams
4. Bachelor’s fire science degree or related: For those who see firefighting as a lifelong career as managers, but lack a strong educational background
5. Master’s in fire science or related: For seasoned firefighters who want to enhance their career in the field

Top Firefighter Schools in Nebraska

Here are top fire training academies in Nebraska:

Firefighter Salary in Nebraska

The first question that someone may ponder upon while choosing a career is how much will they earn or what will be the average income.

Wages for Nebraska firefighters can vary according to the location of employment, type of service rank, and experience. In case you are wondering the same, here is a glance on how much does a Nebraska Firefighter get paid. Annual salaries for five fire service occupations at the entry (10th percentile), median (50th percentile), and advanced (90th percentile) levels have been tabulated.

Firefighter Jobs in Nebraska

Nebraska offers a grand pool of opportunities to the potential firefighters, inspectors, and EMT or paramedic professionals. Their work often requires them to be on the call round-the-clock. For that reason, while some firefighters choose to live at the fire stations, some take a call from their homes.

Fire Science professionals can pursue one of the available opportunities to upgrade themselves on expert career training and potential employment. As many as 1500 firefighters serve the people by putting out the fire, minimize the loss to lives and property from over 365 fire stations across the state.

One can choose to grab service opportunity available with the state, regional, and local fire departments, as well as a volunteer firefighter or emergency responder. The state offers 3.5% average job growth with 40 annual job openings.

You can choose from one of the following career choices available:

1. Firefighter
2. Forestry Fire Prevention Specialist
3. Building Inspector
4. Arson Investigator
5. Paramedic

References:

• https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/firefighter/
• https://www.firescience.org/fire-science-degrees-and-programs/nebraska/

Related Resources –

• Firefighter in Nevada
• Firefighter in New Hampshire