First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

SOC: 33-1021.00

Common Job Titles

Engine BossFire Battalion ChiefFire CaptainFire Chief

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDevelop strategic objectives for fire prevention and emergency response operations collaborating with administration and community stakeholders.
  • KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive training programs for firefighting crews addressing technical skills, physical fitness, and emergency medical response competencies.
  • MindsetModel professional leadership and ethical decision-making when resolving conflicts among team members and upholding departmental values during crisis situations.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate emergency situations and incident severity at fire scenes, coordinating with multiple response teams under time pressure.
  • MindsetIntegrate team motivation with safety protocols while guiding and directing firefighting crews in high-risk environments.
  • Hands-onCoordinate deployment of firefighting equipment and apparatus during emergency operations using thermal imaging cameras, hydraulic extrication tools, and self-contained breathing apparatus.
  • MindsetAdvocate for public safety standards and fire prevention education when working with community members and external organizations.
  • KnowledgeAssess personnel performance and training needs independently, applying knowledge of firefighting techniques and safety regulations.
  • Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of incident command system protocols and emergency scene management during multi-agency responses involving hazardous materials and technical rescue operations.
  • MindsetReconcile competing operational priorities with resource constraints when scheduling work activities and managing personnel assignments under budget limitations.
  • Hands-onExecute precisely inspection procedures for equipment, structures, and fire suppression systems following regulatory compliance standards and documenting findings for administrative records.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze fire incident reports and operational data using fire incident reporting systems and GIS software to identify trends and improve response strategies.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

93,680

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$53,970
10% of workers earn the following or more$142,300
Workers on average earn$97,030

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Public Safety and Security4.7/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
  • Education and Training4.1/5
  • Building and Construction4.0/5
  • Administration and Management4.0/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Affiliated Computer Services ACS FIREHOUSEBIO-key FireRMSBehavePlusComputer aided dispatch softwareCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteESRI ArcViewEmail softwareFARSITE

Tools & Equipment

Aerial lifting apparatusAir bag lifting systemsAir chiselsAir purifying respiratorsAll terrain vehicles ATVAluminum laddersAmbu bagsAutomated external defibrillators AED