Forest Firefighters

• Extinguish flames and embers to suppress fires, using shovels or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps.
• Test and maintain tools, equipment, jump gear, and parachutes to ensure readiness for fire suppression activities.
• Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered.
• Rescue fire victims, and administer emergency medical aid.
• Establish water supplies, connect hoses, and direct water onto fires.
• Patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires.
• Inform and educate the public about fire prevention.
• Participate in physical training to maintain high levels of physical fitness.
• Orient self in relation to fire, using compass and map, and collect supplies and equipment dropped by parachute.
• Fell trees, cut and clear brush, and dig trenches to create firelines, using axes, chainsaws or shovels.
• Maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences.
• Maintain fire equipment and firehouse living quarters.
• Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.
• Transport personnel and cargo to and from fire areas.
• Take action to contain any hazardous chemicals that could catch fire, leak, or spill.
• Organize fire caches, positioning equipment for the most effective response.
• Participate in fire prevention and inspection programs.
• Perform forest maintenance and improvement tasks such as cutting brush, planting trees, building trails and marking timber.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Forest Firefighters.

• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Forest Firefighters.