As an assistant explosive ordnance disposal technician you can work anywhere in Estonia. You can choose whether to join the North, South, West, or East Estonia bomb squads or one of the special chemical groups located in Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, and Kohtla-Järve. The work is carried out on call with professional explosive ordnance disposal technicians, and you will agree on your schedule with the head of your bomb squad. If you wish, you can also work on call in another bomb squad.

Before you can get involved, you'll need to complete training, be appointed as an assistant explosive ordnance disposal technician by order of the Director General of the Rescue Services Agency, have an assistant  explosive ordnance disposal technician's certificate, complete occupational health and safety training, and receive the necessary protective clothing and personal protective equipment.

To maintain and develop your knowledge and skills, you are expected to work as an assistant explosive ordnance disposal technician for at least 60 hours per year. This includes time spent on explosive ordnance disposal work, training, and education. 

It is important is that you participate consistently in activities and be ready to respond when help is needed.

We will keep in touch with you via email and telephone. Your main point of contact will be the bomb squad leader. Once you have settled into a permanent shift, however, you will also be able to communicate directly with your team members. 

We will inform you well in advance of upcoming training and exercises. As these sessions may last several days, we plan them well in advance to allow you to schedule your time accordingly. You may be called out on short notice or on an emergency basis for explosive ordnance disposal work, if necessary.

Yes. For example, you must pay for your own lunch during training and joint guard duty. However, the Rescue Services Agency will reimburse public transport costs (except for urban transport) incurred while participating in joint guard duty.

Should anything happen to you, you are entitled to the same social security benefits as professional explosive ordnance disposal technicians.

• If you are killed or seriously injured while performing your duties or averting danger, you or your loved ones will receive compensation.
• If an injury or illness sustained while performing your duties causes temporary loss of work ability, you are entitled to compensation.

You can read more about compensation and social security benefits in the Rescue Act.

Over time, you will acquire more and more skills in the field and have the opportunity to participate in various training sessions and courses. This may open up the possibility of advancing to the position of professional explosive ordnance disposal technician. Several assistant explosive ordnance disposal technicians have already successfully followed this path.

• As an assistant explosive ordnance disposal technician, you will work in an environment where periods of calm alternate with periods of extreme tension. You must be able to tolerate routine, but also be prepared to act in critical situations.
• This role can affect your work and private life, as you sometimes have to react very quickly. It is therefore wise to talk to your family and employer so that they, too, are prepared for such situations.
• The work of an assistant explosive ordnance disposal technician requires continuous learning, the ability to work under pressure, and an ongoing interest in the field.
• Becoming an assistant explosive ordnance disposal technician involves a rigorous selection process, including passing a selection process and background check, participating in an interview, and completing training.
• Assistant explosive ordnance disposal technicians work alongside professional explosive ordnance disposal technicians to handle explosives.
• Keep in mind that the information you receive as an assistant explosive ordnance disposal technician is for internal use only. It must not be shared with friends or on social media.

If you have any additional questions, then contact your regional bomb squad leader or assistant explosive ordnance disposal technician coordinator.