ELITE PYROTECHNICS - Idaho Fireworks & Pyrotechnics Display Services - Outdoor Aerial Firework Displays For Any Event In the Pacific Northwest

CAREER OUTLOOK

Pyrotechnician

THE JOB

Pyrotechnicians are experts in creating special effects using fire and smoke.

Working with production companies, pyrotechnicians are responsible for creating safe and convincing effects in movies, TV, theatre, concerts and sporting events.

Firework pyrotechnicians plan, build and light fireworks, as well as sell them at stands, tents and stores.

While a seemingly glorious occupation, it is important to remember that most of the work involves talking to people while arranging and designing effects and moving heavy objects. A small percentage of the time is spent actually firing off the effects.

SKILLS

Enthusiasm, patience, determination and a strong drive to learn are especially important in this profession where entry-level work is often temporary, repetitive and necessary.

An artistic eye, creativity and vast knowledge of the equipment are crucial for producing the desired illusions.

Pyrotechnicians must be detail-oriented and meticulous so they can establish safe environments.

EDUCATION

There are no training or degree programs strictly in pyrotechnics so experience is the most common way to learn. Private companies occasionally offer seminars and classes.

Although a majority of knowledge is gained through field experience, degrees in art, music, physics, chemistry, theatre and film arts may be helpful.

A federal and state license is required for most work with fire and special effects equipment. License requirements vary by state, type of fireworks and how the effects will be used. You must be at least 21, have a clean criminal record (no felony) and no history of mental illness to obtain a license, which often requires an ATF application, fee, fulfillment of minimum experience requirements and successful completion of a written test about laws and regulations.

OUTLOOK

Outlook information is not available for this field.

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KEYWORDS

Fireworks

Pyrotechnician

Special effects

Courtesy of Monster.com Job Search

FACTOIDS:

� Batman Forever contained more than 200 visual special effects.

� It took 10 special effects artists more than a year to complete the two-minute storm sequence in the opening of Disney�s The Little Mermaid.

� The largest firework was the five-color Universe I Part II at the annual Lake Toya Firework Festival in Hokkaido, Japan on July 15, 1998.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS

On the job training is provided for all who qualify.

Please Note:
Applicants must be 18 or over.
Applicants must be able to pass an FBI background check.
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

DISPLAY TECHNICIANS
Always in need of people to fire shows during the 2nd and 4th of July week. Most will provide training and safety classes for anyone interested.

In order to become a display technician a prospective employee/contractor must be 18 years of age, and will need to fill out an Employee Possessor Questionnaire from the BATFE. The applicant would need to receive an Employee Possessor Letter of Clearance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Upon receipt of the Letter of Clearance the employee/contractor must complete the Fireworks Displays Safety Training Course and apprentice on three shows in order to be eligible to be a Lead Operator.

LEAD DISPLAY OPERATORS
In order to become a Lead Display Operator for a display crew, a technician must complete all forms to become a Display Technician and serve as a crewmember for at least three separate displays. Many states also require that the Lead Operator be at least 21 years of age. It is also highly recommended that a Lead Operator go through the process of becoming a licensed Driver. By having the ability to legally transport the fireworks to the display site themselves, the operator can ensure the opportunity to fire more displays. All study materials will be provided by the company.

DRIVERS
To become a part time driver, it is required that the applicant be at least 21 years of age, receive a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) Letter of Clearance, posses a valid CDL (Commercial Drivers License) with the Hazmat endorsement. Drivers also need a medical card which is required when transporting hazardous materials, and go through a random drug and alcohol screening. These expenses are all reimbursable. All needed study material and information will be provided by the company. Drivers should also be familiar with all D.O.T. regulations such as "Federal Motor Carrier Safety," "Yellow Book of HazMat," and "Regulations Pocket Book." Since 9/11 all new rules and regulations must be strictly followed.