Fire Science Technology

Saving People and Structures

The modern fire service environment is indeed multifaceted and requires firefighters to be well-rounded in their knowledge and skills. The study of fire science encompasses various disciplines such as philosophy, history, chemistry, physics, and law, among others. Understanding these diverse areas is essential for effectively addressing the range of challenges faced by firefighters, including fire protection, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials incidents.

Program Awards

Our Fire Science Technology programs are included in the Higher Education Center at Otay Mesa field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Associate in Science Degree: Career/Technical	Otay Mesa	# Semesters
Certificate of Achievement - Entry Level Firefighter	Otay Mesa	# Semesters
Certificate of Achievement - Regional Fire Academy	Otay Mesa	# Semesters

Common Careers

A fire science degree indeed offers a wide range of career opportunities within the firefighting and emergency response fields. It's great to see the emphasis on education and qualifications for advancement within fire agencies. With the diverse roles available, individuals can find a career path that aligns with their interests and strengths, whether it's hands-on firefighting, fire investigation, or specialized areas like hazardous materials response. Additionally, the increasing requirement for higher education for promotions underscores the importance of continuous learning and professional development in this field. 

The average annual salary in this field is $68,760.

Typical Duties

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Assisting and Caring for Others
  Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Performing General Physical Activities
  Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Documenting/Recording Information
  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Handling and Moving Objects
  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objecs, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Controlling Machines and Processes
  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Training and Teaching Others
  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Developing and Building Teams
  Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Coaching and Developing Others
  Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies
  Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Scheduling Work and Activities
  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.