Popularly known as the ‘Gem State,’ the State of Idaho offers some great employment opportunities for individuals who want to have a Firefighting career. This guide will provide you all the information you need on how to become a Firefighter in Idaho.
If you don’t mind risking your life to help others, then you should seriously think about becoming a Firefighter.
The table below gives an overview of the minimum licensing, training, and education requirements for aspiring Firefighters. These stats and guidelines have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Career Outlook
Forecasts indicate that the job opportunities in this field will increase by 5% from 2018 to 2028.
Steps to Become a Firefighter in Idaho
If you want to find out detailed information on how to become a Firefighter in Idaho, then this section will prove useful to you. It will break down the entire process into different stages, to help you understand better.
Step 1: Meet the Educational Requirements
Firefighters are expected to have at least a high school diploma or a GED. Therefore, you will first need to graduate from high school, and then try to obtain an Associate’s degree or a Certificate in a relevant field.
Step 2: Fill out the Application
The next stage involves filling out a job application and sending it to the relevant department. Please note that incomplete applications are not entertained, so make sure you fill out all the mandatory sections on the application. Your application will then be assessed against given criteria. If your application gets shortlisted, you will be asked to appear for a written and physical test. If you manage to get a good score on the tests, you will be invited for an interview.
Step 3: Impress the Interview Panel
Once you make it to the interview round, you should start preparing for the interview questions. You can set up mock interviews with friends and family to improve your communication skills. On your interview day, you should try to follow the required dress code. Please bear in mind that this will be a formal interview, so don’t dress casually!
Step 4: Make Your Way to the Fire Academy
If you can impress the interviewers, you will be recommended for the position. However, you will only be allowed to join the Fire Academy if you can clear additional medical checks and screening. Once you have enrolled in the academy, you will get a chance to learn a range of job-related skills, which will come in handy later in your professional career. After completing the recruit academy, you will be hired as a probationary officer.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Idaho?
The process of becoming a Firefighter in Idaho can be exhausting and quite long. The first step is to earn a high school diploma, but earning a post-secondary non-degree award is also preferred. The time it takes to complete your education depends on which educational pathway you have chosen. Generally, Associate and Certificate programs typically take around 2 years to complete.
After getting done with the basic educational qualifications, you will have to apply for the Firefighting position. The hiring process is usually quite complex and involves numerous stages – these include written and oral tests, interviews, background screening, and a medical check. After clearing these stages, you will be sent to the recruit academy to receive job-related training. Upon the completion of the course, you will be hired on probation.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Firefighter in Idaho?
To become a Firefighter in Idaho, you will have to:
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Get a GED/high school diploma.
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Possess a valid driver’s license.
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Meet some physical and medical standards.
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Be a US Citizen.
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Be at least 18-21 years old.
Different localities in the state might have different age and certification requirements. So, to be on the safe side, you should first check with your local department and ask them whether they require any EMT or Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification.
How Much Does a Firefighter Earn in Idaho?
As per the income data displayed on BLS, Firefighters in Idaho earned an annual mean pay of $39,260 in 2019.