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FACTOIDS:
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•
Batman
Forever
contained
more than
200 visual
special
effects.
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•
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.
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•
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.
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Pyrotechnical Jobs
Are
you the type of person who is
fascinated by fireworks?
Have
you ever thought about being
involved in a show from the
production side of things? People
who work as pyrotechnicians take
their love of fireworks, creativity
and drive to put on a show that will
thrill the crowd observing it.
Most
people who are involved in this
million dollar industry do so
because they love everything to do
with fireworks, but there are some
paying jobs available.
People
who choose to become involved with
pyrotechnics are continuing a
tradition that started approximately
1,000 years ago. The custom of
setting off fireworks as a way to
mark special celebrations is a
long-standing one, and at one time
it was thought that the loud noises
would frighten away evil spirits.
Now, we don't worry nearly so much
about spirits trying to attack us,
but we still enjoy the sights and
sounds of a well-planned fireworks
display.
The
best complement that a viewer can
give to a pyrotechnician is to tell
them that the show they put on ran
smoothly and looked effortless.
There is a lot of work that goes on
behind the scenes, and the crew do
their best to make everything run
smoothly. Being able to think
logically and having good computer
skills are essential traits for a
person who is interested in working
at fireworks shows.
** Search for a Pyrotechnician
Jobs Here **
Since
a show operator needs to have a
valid commercial driver's license
and a Hazmat endorsement, we tell
you what the steps are to get these
important credentials.
The
process for getting licensed as a
pyrotechnician and becoming a
certified shooter are also covered.
We also share with you how the pay
scale works for crew members working
the shows. (Hint: For most of them,
it is a labor of love as opposed to
a main source of income.)
If
you want to pursue your interest in
setting off fireworks and possibly
make some money doing it, then check
out the helpful information in this
section of JobMonkey.com. Find out
how to join a crew and get the
training you need to turn your dream
of participating in a fireworks show
into a reality.
Pyrotechnical Industry History
People who work in the pyrotechnics industry are part of a very long tradition. The first fireworks were developed approximately 1,000 years ago.
Historians have traditionally credited the Chinese with creating the earliest version of fireworks by taking gunpowder and stuffing it into bamboo cases or paper tubes. It is also possible that the first fireworks were developed in India, though.
The sound that the earliest versions of the fireworks made was loud enough that the Chinese believed that they could scare away evil spirits. The practice was adopted for many kinds of celebrations, from marking the birth of a child, to part of the Chinese funeral rituals, to weddings and the coronation of a new ruler.
Fireworks were brought to America by the early settlers, who fired black powder to celebrate holidays. When Americans celebrate Independence Day by watching fireworks displays, they are keeping a tradition alive that started the year following the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Today, fireworks are used to mark celebrations of all kinds in countries around the world, including Fourth of July celebrations in the United States.
Most people who work in the pyrotechnics industry do so as a second job, since most of them don't get enough work to do this on a full-time basis. Despite the fact that most pyrotechnicians don't do this as a full-time job, the industry itself has been growing steadily over the last 10 years.
The following figures were provided by the American Pyrotechnics Association:
Annual Pyrotechnics Industry Revenue:
1998 ---------- $425 million
1999 ---------- $500 million
2000 ---------- $610 million
2001 ---------- $650 million
2002 ---------- $725 million
2003 ---------- $775 million
2004 ---------- $815 million
2005 ---------- $880 million
2006 ---------- $900 million
2007 ---------- $930 million
2008 ---------- $940 million
Most people who work in this industry are drawn to it because of the "fun" factor. They find that combining something that they enjoyed as children with a pay check to be quite fulfilling, even if they are only working on an occasional basis.
What is a Pyrotechnician?
A pyrotechnician is someone who is responsible for setting up a fireworks display, as well as discharging the fireworks in a planned series of events during the performance.
A person who wants to work in this field must be knowledgeable about the applicable laws (federal, state, and municipal) that govern the safety procedures that must be followed before and during a fireworks display. Depending on the state where the show is taking place, the fireworks operators may need to be licensed.
A full-trained pyrotechnician is responsible for training crew members and supervising them during the performance. The pyrotechnician needs to ensure that all the steps involved in putting on a fireworks display are running smoothly, from the initial set up to cleaning up after the show.
If the show the audience is watching is entertaining and exciting, then that means the pyrotechnician and his or her crew did their jobs. It's supposed to look effortless. To get the level of knowledge needed to put together a show, you need to understand the properties of fireworks and how they are set off.
Having a good base of knowledge in the laws of physics, as well as chemistry, will be very helpful if you want to work in the pyrotechnics field. Learning about computers is also a good idea, since the fireworks are rigged to go off in a set pattern that is controlled by computer. Having a certain level of artistic ability is a good idea for prospective pyrotechnicians as well, since they need to be able to choreograph a show (with or without music) in a pleasing manner.
As you can see, the work involves a lot more than simply grabbing some fireworks, lighting them and letting them go.
There is the potential for some very serious injuries if the pyrotechnic materials are not handled appropriately. The ability to be careful and methodical about handling hazardous materials is another important trait of a successful pyrotechnician. The display may be a lot of fun for the people viewing it, but there is no room for "hot dogging" on the part of a pyrotechnics crew.
How to become a Pyrotechnician
The first step in becoming a pyrotechnician is to ask yourself whether you are really enthused about working behind the scenes at a fireworks show instead of simply watching the show. Becoming a pyrotechnician involves putting in a number of hours working alongside someone with experience in the industry so that you can learn the ropes.
Another thing to consider before you pursue this option any further is whether you are willing to give up weekends and holidays (especially the Fourth of July) to work.
Each state is responsible for setting its own licensing requirements. You can find a list on the
American Pyrotechnics Association web site. Find out whether you need to get your license renewed each year, what kinds of fireworks can be used legally in the state, and whether you need to obtain a special permit before a show.
 Most people who want to become pyrotechnicians start off by approaching a local fireworks display company and volunteering to help someone who is working as a pyrotechnician. The minimum age to start working on a display fireworks crew is 18 in most parts of the United States. To be a Display Operator in charge, you must be at least 21.
Expect to have to undergo a criminal background check before you are able to start working on a fireworks crew, even on a volunteer basis. You may also be asked to undergo drug and/or alcohol testing as well.
An apprentice will work on several shows under the supervision of more experienced members of the crew. As the apprentice gains experience working on between three and six outdoor shows, their performance is being constantly supervised and evaluated.
People look on at a Fireworks DisplayAs the apprentice gains experience, he or she will be able to work on fireworks shows as the Display Operator's assistant.
The process of moving from a new apprentice to a fully-trained Display Operator will take between one and three years. The time frame will depend on how many shows the apprentice is able to participate in and how long it takes them to learn all the procedures involved in running a pyrotechnics show successfully.
Depending on the state where you are working, you may also be required to get a pyrotechnician's license. Candidates need to undergo testing and pay an annual fee to keep the license current. A Display Operator may also need to complete the requirements for a CDL
(Commercial Driver's
License) and a Hazmat (Hazardous Materials) endorsement.
Hazardous Materials Commercial
License Overview
If you are going to be transporting fireworks to the location for a show, you will need to fulfill the requirements for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) first. Under federal legislation, drivers must pass a state-administered test before being granted their CDL. The standards for driver testing in the United States were developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Commercial Driver's License Classes
A CDL may be issued in the following license classifications:
A Class "A" License is issued for vehicles weighing over 26,000 lbs that are towing a minimum of 10,000 lbs.
A Class "B" License is issued for vehicles weighing more than 26,000 lbs or a vehicle towing less than 10,000 lbs.
A Class "C" License is reserved for vehicles that don't fit into a Class "A" or "B" category. It includes vehicles that are made to carry a minimum of 16 passengers, as well as those transporting hazardous materials.
Along with meeting the CDL requirements, a driver may need to take additional tests to qualify for endorsements that may be added to the basic CDL:
H - Hazardous Materials
N - Tank Vehicle
P - Passenger
T - Double/Triple Trailers
X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials
The Hazardous Materials, Tank Vehicle, and Double/Triple Trailers endorsements are granted to drivers who pass a knowledge test.
For the Passenger endorsement, the driver must pass a knowledge and skills test.
Requirements for Passing a Knowledge & Skills Test
A test administered to drivers who are interested in having an endorsement added to their CDL must meet these criteria: The driver must be presented with at least 30 questions. To pass the test, the driver must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly.
A driver who is taking the skills test must show the examiner that they can perform all of the skills required to operate the vehicle correctly. The driver performs these functions in a vehicle that is similar to the one that the driver is operating or will operate after they are granted the endorsement.
Information on the Commercial Driver's License
Each state issuing a CDL is responsible for setting the fees that drivers must pay to obtain one, as well as the procedures involved in renewing them. This includes how often a CDL must be renewed, as well as age and/or medical restrictions that apply.
Federal law sets out that the CDL must include the following information:
- The Words "Commercial Driver's License" or "CDL"
- State License Number and the Issuing State
- Date of Issue and Expiration Date
- Classes the Driver is Authorized to Drive
- Endorsements for Which the Driver is Qualified
- Driver's Full Name and Address
- Driver's Signature
- Driver's Date of Birth, Height, and Gender
- Photograph of the Driver
Hazardous Material Endorsement
The Transport Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for issuing HazMat (hazardous materials) endorsements to people with Commercial Driver's Licenses and others who need it to perform their jobs.
Under the provisions of the USA Patriot
Act, states are prohibited from issuing a permit to
transport hazardous materials for commercial purposes unless the driver has been screened to determine whether he or she presents a security risk.
A driver who wants to add a HazMat Endorsement onto their CDL, they need to apply for a security threat assessment. The application must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration date on the CDL.
How To Apply For a HazMat Endorsement
A driver who wants to apply for a HazMat endorsement must produce the following:
- A valid Commercial Driver's License
- Proof of the driver's legal status
- Valid identification
Legal Status
A HazMat endorsement may only be granted to a person who is legally able to work in the United States. The endorsement may be granted to:
- A United States citizen
- A legal permanent resident
- Naturalized citizen
- Nonimmigrant alien
- Refugee or Asylee with legal status
Having a criminal record may disqualify the individual from getting a HazMat endorsement.
A person who has been declared mentally incompetent or who has been involuntarily admitted to a mental institution is prohibited from applying for a HazMat endorsement. The individual must not be considered a threat to transportation security to qualify as well. A written test may need to be administered before HazMat endorsement is issued. Once the TSA threat assessment is issued, it is valid for a period of up to five years.
Each state forwards the completed application form and the applicant's fingerprints to the TSA. Some states have signed contracts with agents to collect the required information and forward it to the TSA. For states serviced by agents, the application form can be completed online at
http://www.hazprints.com. The individual pays a fee and makes an appointment to get his or her fingerprints taken at a TSA-contracted facility.
Possible Results of a Security Threat Assessment
Once the application has been processed, the individual will receive one of three possible results:
1. A letter indicating they are eligible. The actual HazMat endorsement will be issued by the state where you live.
2. A letter advising the person that they have one or more criteria that would disqualify him or her from receiving the HazMat endorsement. The recipient has 60 days to respond. He or she can ask for more time, appeal the decision, or choose to do nothing. If the individual doesn't respond, the state where the individual applied for the HazMat designation is notified and the individual is disqualified from getting the designation. In a situation where the applicant launches an appeal and is denied, he or she has the right to appeal to an Administrative Law Judge.
3. A letter stating the applicant is an imminent threat to transportation security. Any existing HazMat endorsement will be revoked immediately. The individual may appeal the decision, but he or she is prohibited from holding a HazMat endorsement in the interim.
Pyrotechnician Pay
A pyrotechnics operator who puts on a show will receive compensation. The operator will likely be paid a certain percentage of the show's take.
Out of those funds, the operator is required to pay for supplies, as well as food, water, and snacks for the crew members. He or she must also budget for paying the crew as well, if funds permit.
The person in charge of the show as the operator will take a larger portion of the proceeds than his or her crew members. The operator receives more money because they take on other responsibilities that crew members do not, such as meeting with the customer and the show producer to do the prep work in the weeks.
before the show. He or she may also be required to meet with the fire inspector and audio technicians beforehand. Choosing the crew members is also part of the operator's job and his or her pay reflects this responsibility as well.
The operator is also responsible for ordering and picking up fireworks and supplies, as well as transporting them to the show venue. He or she is responsible for any paperwork required before and after the show (there will be plenty to be filled out). The operator is someone with enough experience to be able to understand the law as it relates to fireworks in their state and who is prepared to take on responsibility for the crew's safety.
If the crew is a large one, the operator may not be able to pay them. Crew members may only receive a free lunch and the opportunity to participate in the fireworks show as compensation for their participation.
The majority of people who are involved in pyrotechnics do it because they love it, not for the money, although for some the motivation is that they are working toward their pyrotechnics license.
In a situation where the crew is going to be paid in addition to being fed and watered, each person may not get paid the same amount. The operator will consider each crew member's contribution to the show. A crew member who is able to do any of the functions needed to run the show independently is going to be paid more than someone who needs to be directed every step of the way. No matter how long they have been working in pyrotechnics, if the person is unable to step up and take charge, they are still behaving like a "newbie" and their share will be calculated accordingly.
A person who can develop the skills necessary to participate in the setup, run continuity checks, and operate the firing display will be rewarded with higher pay. Being able to work well with audio technicians and having the skills needed to perform debugging functions with the firing systems as needed will prepare the crew member for starting their own business at some point, as well as qualify them for a bigger slice of the pie when pay is divvied up.
 Articles
courtesy of JobMonkey.com, the jobs
search site.
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