Prepared by: Centers of Excellence
Los Rios Community College District
July 2015
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C E N T E R S O F E X C E L L E N C E
FIRE SCIENCE
OCCUPATIONS
SACRAMENTO REGION
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements ... 2
Introduction... 3
Industry Composition ... 3–4
Labor Market Demand ... 5
Wages ... 5–6
Education and Certification Requirements for Fire Service Occupations ... 6–7
Educational Programs in the Region ... 7–8
Training Gap Assessment ... 8–9
Summary and Recommendations ... 9
Acknowledgements
The Center of Excellence (COE) would like to acknowledge and thank the community colleges in the greater Sacramento region who participated in telephone interviews to assist the COE with a better understanding about their fire science and fire academy programs. These include the following individuals:
• Steve Segura, Dean, Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center/McClennan Center, American River College • Bob Johnson, Dean, Careers and Technology, Cosumnes River College
• Virginia Berry, Dean, Career Technical Education and Instruction, Lake Tahoe College • Tim Palmer, Fire Technology Director, Sierra College
• Cori Gil, Public Safety Administrative Support, Yuba College
The COE would also like to thank Rodney Slaughter and Susan Pineau with the California State Fire Training, Office of the State Fire Marshall for generously contributing their time to provide and confirm information about education, training and certification requirements.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this research brief is to assess the labor market demand for employment in fire services in the Sacramento region.1 Six regional colleges currently offer programs in fire science.2 These programs are associated with California
Community College State Chancellor’s Office TOP codes 2133.00 (Fire Technology), 2133.10 (Wildland Fire Technology) and 2133.50 (Fire Academy).
Instructional programs in fire science provide training on principles and techniques of preventing, controlling and extinguishing fires in both municipal and forest areas, firefighter operations, fire rescue, use and maintenance of fire fighting equipment, and applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, colleges collaborate with local and state fire agencies to offer fire academies that provide courses and hands-on training to satisfy eligibility for state certifications for employment and post-employment advancement administered by the California State Fire Marshall.
1 The Sacramento region includes the following counties: Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba.
2 Six regional colleges offering fire science programs include: American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, Lake Tahoe College,
INDUSTRY COMPOSITION
Regionally, local government is the largest employer of fire service occupations followed by state government. Employers comprise municipal and wildland fire services within local, state, and federal sectors including all of the following: city and county fire departments, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Department of Defense.
Exhibit 1: Percent of Industry Employment for Fire Science, Sacramento Region
33 2014.3 – EMSI: QCEW Employees, Non-QCEW Employees, and Self-Employed.
Exhibit 2 shows the number of fire service jobs by sector for the six counties in the region. Sacramento County dominates the number of jobs in the region followed by Placer County, a distant second. Exhibit 3 on the following page maps these sector jobs by county.
Exhibit 2: Total Fire Science Jobs by Sector and County, Sacramento Region
3County 2014 Jobs GovernmentLocal State Government All Other Industries
Sacramento 1,832 79% 17% 3% Placer 437 98% 1% 1% Yolo 293 95% 2% 4% El Dorado 264 98% 1% 1% Sutter 163 98% 1% 1% Yuba 132 86% 4% 11% 3% 11% 86% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
All Other Industries State Government Local Government
INDUSTRY
COMPOSITION
4 2014.3 – EMSI: QCEW Employees, Non-QCEW Employees, and Self-Employed.
Exhibit 3: Total Fire Science Jobs by Sector and County, Sacramento Region
4Placer
Country
El Dorado
County
Sacramento
County
Yolo
County
Sutter
County
Yuba
County
Local Government
State Government
All Other Industries
LABOR
MARKET DEMAND
Over the next three years, employers in the region will need to hire more than 400 firefighters, supervisors, and inspectors to keep pace with industry growth and replacement needs. As shown in Exhibit 4, firefighters comprise the largest group with more than 2,650 positions in 2014, and are projected to have the most job openings, as many as 340 over the next three years. Conversely, employment for forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists is projected to have the least growth within this period with virtually no new jobs or replacements anticipated.
For each of the four occupations, replacement estimates include retirements and general separations, but not turnover within the occupation. As such, replacements and new job growth combined is a good measure of demand for workers.
Exhibit 4: Fire Service Employment Projections, 2014 - 2017
6Description 2014 Jobs 2017 Jobs New Jobs Replacements Total Openings First-Line Supervisors of Fire
Fighting and Prevention Workers
316 333 17 43 60
Firefighters 2,687 2,803 116 227 343
Fire Inspectors and Investigators 96 100 4 9 13
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
23 24 1 <10 <10
Total 3,122 3,260 138 281 419
Six community college programs in the Sacramento region provide fire science training leading to entry-level careers with municipal and wildland fire services (forests or vacant public lands). They also offer training for currently employed and volunteer firefighters to promote and advance to supervisory-level and/or specialist careers.
Programs prepare students for the following four occupations:
• First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers (SOC 33-1021.00) – Directly supervise and coordinate activities of subordinates engaged in fire fighting, fire prevention and control, and rescue efforts. Occupation includes both municipal and wildland locations.
• Firefighters (SOC 33-2011.00) – Control and extinguish fires, protect life and property, and conduct rescue efforts. Locate and rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites and administer first aid and CPR to the injured. Operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment. Includes both municipal and wildland firefighters.
• Fire Inspectors and Investigators (SOC 33-2021.00) – Inspect buildings and equipment to locate potential fire hazards and violations and enforce regulations. Conduct investigations at fire sites to collect and analyze evidence to determine the cause of a fire or explosion.
• Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists (SOC 33-2022.00) – Inspect forests for fire hazards and make recommendations related to prevention or control measures, and enforce fire regulations. Communicate information pertaining to forest fires and weather conditions.5
5 Source: O*NET, www.onetonline.org
Pct. 10
Pct. 25
Median
Pct. 75
Pct. 90
$29.81
$36.97
$45.20
$55.37
$67.99
$12.01
$20.20
$26.81
$35.76
$46.00
$23.28
$28.04
$38.09
$44.40
$52.64
$15.81
$19.12
$26.28
$35.99
$40.22
$15.13
$18.31
$22.69
$28.51
$35.12
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
$60
$70
$80
First-Line Supervisors of
FireFighting and
Prevention Workers
Firefighters
Fire Inspectors and
Investigators
Forest Fire Inspectors and
Prevention Specialists
Average – All Occupations
Exhibit 6: Fire Service Percentile Earnings, Sacramento Region
7WAGES
As shown in Exhibit 6, the four fire service occupation wages in the region increase with promotion and advancement from firefighter to supervisory and specialist jobs. The median wage for firefighters is $26.81 per hour, higher than the overall median hourly wage in the region.7 Their wages progress to $46.00 per hour for the top ten percent working in this
occupation. First-line supervisors of fire fighting and fire prevention workers earn the highest wages, $45.20 per hour as the median, progressing to as high as $67.99 for the top ten percent in supervisory, management and specialist positions.
LABOR
MARKET DEMAND
3,122
3,200
3,232
3,260
3,050
3,100
3,150
3,200
3,250
3,300
2014
2015
2016
2017
201
4
Jobs
Year
Exhibit 5: Fire Service Employment Projections, 2014 – 2017
78 International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, www.ifsac.org.
9 Pro Board Fire Service Professional Qualifications System, International Accreditation for Fire Service Organizations, www.theproboard.org.
The following education and certification requirements are required for entry-level fire service employment.
Fire Science Educational Certificates and Degrees: The State Board of Fire Services has increased the level of
professionalism for entry-level job applicants and those seeking career promotions and advancement. Previously, only a high-school diploma plus on-the-job training was required to compete for entry-level firefighter positions, and minimal academic coursework and on-the-job training was required to compete for supervisory, management or specialist positions. Now, candidates applying for firefighter jobs are more likely to successfully compete for a job if they possess either a certificate or associate degree in fire science. To apply for supervisory and management level positions, an associate or bachelor’s degree is required to meet minimal qualifications, in addition to possessing certifications.
EMT Certification: Fire fighter jobs at a minimum require an Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) certification that is
acquired by completing an EMT course with an acceptable grade and passing the National Registry EMT Basic examination.
California Firefighter 1 Certification: To be certified as a Firefighter 1 by the State Board of Fire Services, students
must enroll and complete an academy training program plus either six months full-time paid work experience or one year of volunteer experience as a fire fighter. According to the California State Fire Marshall, the total length in hours for the academy program is dependent upon meeting the specific needs of local fire agencies and is also determined by the number of students enrolled in each academy class.
Physical or Legal Limitations: Fire academy courses are physically demanding and a health clearance is required. Also, to
become certified as a Firefighter 1, a criminal background check is conducted and applicants with certain convictions will be unable to be employed.
Paramedic Certification: This additional certification may give candidates preference in the hiring process.
EDUCATION
AND CERTIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE SERVICE OCCUPATIONS
Revised Curriculum and Certification Requirements
Fire academy programs at community colleges follow California State Fire Marshall Firefighter 1 curriculum and certification standards. To insure uniformity and compliance in meeting recognition with national standards, the State Fire Training and Education System adopted new curriculum and certification standards in 2013. The revised curriculum and certifications are based on current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards for accreditation and qualifying applicants for certification examinations (written and skills test) from both the International Fire Science Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)8
and Pro Fire Service Professional Qualifications System.9 To meet the certification changes required, programs offered at
community college are being phased-in during a transition period for full implementation by the end of 2017. Currently, the only regional accredited college to offer the revised certification requirements is Sierra College, which is a beta test site in northern California. Their program fully satisfies IFSAC and Pro Board requirements and meets the California Fire Service for content and delivery. Other regional colleges are currently underway in their efforts to meet the new requirements by the phase-in date.technician is the fastest growing occupation, followed by assistant vineyard manager/vineyard manager, cellar worker, and assistant winemaker/winemaker.
10 Yuba College offered both a fire academy certificate and degree program until the program was discontinued in Fall 2013. The college is currently updating
their curriculum to meet the new California State Fire Marshall 1 standards and anticipate re-establishing the academy in Spring 2016.
11 California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Management Information Systems Data Mart.
EDUCATIONAL
PROGRAMS IN THE REGION
Exhibit 7: Fire Technology Degrees/Certificates Conferred, Sacramento Region
11Annual 2011-2012 Annual 2012-2013 Annual 2013-2014 3-Year Average
American River College 21 27 24 24
Cosumnes River College 9 6 5 7
Folsom Lake College 5 6 10 7
Lake Tahoe College 17 12 10 13
Sierra College 57 45 38 47
Yuba College 34 5 5 15
Total Awards Conferred 143 101 92 113
Exhibit 8: Fire Academy Certificates Conferred, Sacramento Region
Annual 2012-2013 Annual 2013-2014 Annual 2014-2015 3-Year Average
American River College 108 189 98 132
Cosumnes River College 15 14 15 15
Lake Tahoe College* 24 24 23 24
Sierra College 58 49 57 55
Total Awards Conferred 205 276 193 226
* Lake Tahoe College has submitted a request to the CCCCO to offer a fire academy associate degree to augment their existing fire academy certificate. The degree program is pending CCCCO approval.
It needs to be acknowledged that the number of certificate/degree completers and academy completers reported likely includes duplicates if a student obtained both a certificate or degree and also an academy certificate. In addition, the estimate of total number of fire academy completers may be higher due to students participating in regional fire academy programs not associated with community colleges.
There are six community colleges in the region that offer fire science programs. As shown in Exhibit 7, these colleges confer an average of 113 associate degrees and certificates annually. This estimate is based on data reported to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) Data Mart. Additionally, all but two colleges, Folsom Lake and Yuba,10 offer
a fire academy program. The academy programs confer an average of 226 certificates annually. Therefore, the combined degree/certificate programs and the fire academy programs confer a total of approximately 339 education awards annually in fire science.
While the CCCCO Data Mart provides student completion data through 2014 for degree and certificates in fire science, it does not provide either any or accurate student completion numbers for fire academy programs. To determine the number of students completing fire academies, colleges were contacted directly and requested to provide this data to the Center of Excellence. [Note: Degrees and certificates conferred represent a three-year annual average through 2014, the latest year for which Data Mart has available data; but for fire academy program data, colleges were asked to provide their most recent three years of completions through 2015.]
TRAINING
GAP ASSESSMENT
Exhibit 9: Training Gap Assessment, Sacramento Region
12-Month Estimate3-Year Estimate
172
Job Openings
Awards Confirmed
226
Oversupply
54
419
Job Openings
Awards Confirmed
678
259
Oversupply
This oversupply estimate appears reasonable as both the colleges and California State Fire Training indicate that due to a lack of jobs, some completers are forced to go to other areas in the state or out- of-state to obtain employment where the hiring of firefighters has increased. Conversely, the region’s fire academy programs regularly enroll students from outside the region or even from out-of-state because they have available class space where other regions’ programs may be impacted with higher enrollments. These out-of-region students may partially mitigate the projected oversupply should they return back to region post-graduation.
The training gap assessment compares the supply of newly trained workers and the projected number of job openings over the next 12 months and three years. Due to several untracked variables, the difference between supply and demand does not reflect an exact shortage or oversupply. These variables include, but are not limited to worker migration trends, employer preferences, worker preparedness, and graduate/completion duplication.12 Though there are limitations to supply
and demand analysis, it does provide a starting point to assess training challenges.
Over the next three years, municipal and state agencies will need to hire as many as 419 firefighters, supervisors and inspectors. While community colleges in the region graduate an estimated 339 students per year, and at this same level, project to graduate 1,017 students over the next three years, this estimate may be inflated due to duplicate counts. Therefore, the certificate and degree completers are not included in the gap analysis. Only academy program graduates were included reducing the estimate to 226 students completing per year and projected to graduate 678 over the next three years.
This suggests that there still could be an oversupply of qualified firefighters and other fire service personnel entering the field.
12 The training gap assessment does not take into account ‘skill builders:’ students that take one or more courses in CTE but do not obtain a degree or
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The demand for fire service workers is expected to grow moderately in the Sacramento region, adding about 170 new and replacement jobs over the next 12 months and as many as 419 new and replacement jobs through 2017. This moderate increase in employment is a reversal from the mid-to-late 2000’s when few new jobs in the fire service field were available. Community college fire academy programs train an average of 226 firefighters per year. Based on available data, the region can expect an oversupply should the colleges continue enrolling and preparing students for employment at the current levels. Further, Yuba College plans to reestablish a fire academy program starting in spring 2016 that will train additional students for fire service careers. Given the projected oversupply and moderate growth projections, community colleges in the region should not at this time consider adding or expanding programs unless an updated increase in fire service employment is projected to drive the demand.
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C E N T E R S O F E X C E L L E N C E
The Centers of Excellence (COE), in partnership with business and industry, deliver regional workforce research customized for community college decision making and resource development. This information has proven valuable to colleges in beginning, revising, or updating economic development and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, strengthening grant applications, assisting in the accreditation process, and in supporting strategic planning efforts.
The Centers of Excellence Initiative is funded in part by the Chancellor’s Office, California Community Colleges, Economic and Workforce Development Program. The Centers aspire to be the premier source of regional economic and workforce information and insight for California’s community colleges. More information about the Centers of Excellence is available at www.coeccc.net. For more information on this study, contact:
Theresa Milan, COE Director Northern California Region (916) 563-3221
This study was supported by Economic and Workforce Development funds awarded by the Chancellor’s Office, California Community Colleges. It was produced pursuant to grant agreement number 14-305-001.
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Important Disclaimer
All representations included in this report have been produced from primary research and/or secondary review of publicly and/or privately available data and/or research reports. Efforts have been made to qualify and validate the accuracy of the data and the reported findings; however, neither the Centers of Excellence, COE host District, nor California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office are responsible for applications or decisions made by recipient community colleges or their representatives based upon components or recommendations contained in this study. © 2015 Chancellor’s Office California Community Colleges Economic and Workforce Development Program
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