ALT-1 How to become a Pyrotechnician
Do you have a flair for flares and a burning desire to blow things up? Are you simultaneously artistic, technical, and hands-on? Are you excited by the prospect of putting on a good show, but yet satisfied with staging from backstage, and leaving the limelight to the light show? Are you okay with working federal holidays and potentially keeping up with annual certification requirements? If so, pyrotechnics may be for you!
A pyrotechnician is technically an individual who is an expert in the study of fires, but the term more commonly refers to a trained technician working in the fireworks exhibition business. If you want to get into the fireworks exhibition business, you have several options. As an entry-level shooter, you just need to be hired by a local exhibitor. The exhibitor should be familiar with your state requirements, and will provide you with the training you need to become registered. If your goals are loftier, and you wish to become an exhibitioner yourself, then you need to familiarize yourself with both the products and your state regulations. A degree in chemical engineering will give you the educational background to understand the chemistry behind your explosives, but is not necessary to become licensed.
In the United States, licensing requirements for pyrotechnicians vary by state and role. In most states, the exhibitor is required to obtain a state-issued license or permit to conduct an outdoor public fireworks exhibition. Depending on the state, individual employees working for the exhibitor may need to earn and maintain individual certification, or the exhibitor may be required to show that the employees meet certain requirements, such as a certain number of hours of documented on-the-job training. Safety is the primary focus of state-required training, and in order for a pyrotechnician to be registered, he or she must have demonstrated proficiency in the safe operation of fireworks.
State licensing for an exhibitor typically covers 1.3G (display) fireworks, 1.4G (consumer) fireworks, 1.4S (Special Effects) fireworks. Flame Effects, such as can be generated by igniting pressurized sprays of propane liquid, butane, or natural gas, also often have specific licensing or permit requirements. In some states, private owners can legally exhibit 1.4G fireworks without licensing, so check with your State Fire Marshal for the laws applying to you.
You can become a pyrotechnician. While your friends are muddling through the rat race, dressing up and playing office politics, you can get paid to fire off explosions for show. All it takes is the desire and the dedication to meeting the requirements of the job. Cheers!
