City of Oceanside Fire Department

Firefighter

Meet Will Buchanon, Fire Engineer, who tells us all about his role with the City of Oceanside Fire Department. A Fire Engineer safely drives and maintains fire apparatus; selects the route to be taken to fire and locates apparatus at proper place for efficient and safe operation; operates apparatus and equipment; administers first aid; reports and acts to remedy conditions requiring attention; inspects equipment and makes minor adjustment and repairs; answers general questions of the public and provides information.

City of Encinitas

Firefighter

Meet Chris Pena, a firefighter/paramedic with the City of Encinitas. This public safety role requires Mr. Pena to work with the public on often what is one of the worst days of their lives. Firefighters need to be personable, have great communication skills, work well with a team and the ability to constantly learn to help ensure that the public remains safe. If you see yourself giving back to your community and think you would enjoy the life saving job of being a firefighter/paramedic, this could be the job for you.

This video was made in collaboration with the San Diego & Imperial Counties Community Colleges Center of Excellence.

CAREER SNAPSHOT

AVERAGE WAGE

$68,576/yr

*This figure represents the median wage for this career in San Diego County and not the wages of any specific interviewee

OUTLOOK

Warm

This career has a stable demand. There may not be rapid growth, but employers are expected to continue hiring for these roles

INDUSTRY

Public Safety

The implementation of government policy and the management of public programs act as the bridge between political decisions and citizen services.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Palomar College

Fire Technology Program

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CSU San Marcos

Bachelor of Science in Wildland Fire

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Is This Career Right For YOU?

What are the top traits for this career?

Realistic

You enjoy working with tools, equipment, and physical environments

Find my top traits