Supervisor of Firefighters

Your Fit

Income

$92K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

3.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Supervisor of Firefighters?

A Supervisor of Firefighters is responsible for leading and coordinating the activities of a firefighting unit. They play a critical role in directing fire suppression efforts, ensuring the safety of firefighters, and managing emergency response operations.

Sample job titles:

Engine Boss, Fire Battalion Chief, Fire Captain, Fire Chief

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Supervisor of Firefighters.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Supervisor of Firefighters earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$54K per year	$72K per year	$92K per year	$116K per year	$142K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $43K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Supervisor of Firefighters do?

Work environment

Supervisors of Firefighters work in fire departments, often in both office settings for administrative tasks and in the field for emergency response. The work is physically demanding and can be hazardous, requiring readiness to respond to emergency situations, including fires and other disasters, at any time.

Quick task list

Directs firefighting and rescue operations during emergencies.
Trains and supervises firefighting personnel.
Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures.
Conducts regular inspections and maintenance of equipment and facilities.
Collaborates with other emergency services and government agencies.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Wildland Firefighting Supervisor: Specializing in managing and combating forest or wildland fires.
Urban Firefighting Supervisor: Focusing on firefighting and rescue operations in urban settings with unique challenges like high-rise buildings.
Hazardous Materials Supervisor: Expertise in handling and containing hazardous materials incidents.
Fire Prevention and Education Supervisor: Concentrating on fire prevention strategies and public education.
Emergency Medical Services Supervisor: Overseeing firefighters who provide emergency medical services.

Description

Supervisors of Firefighters hold a position of leadership and responsibility within the fire department. They must be skilled in firefighting tactics and emergency response, as well as in administrative and managerial duties. The role involves strategizing firefighting operations, preparing teams for various emergency scenarios, and ensuring the effective use of resources.

Effective communication skills are essential, as supervisors coordinate with other emergency services, government agencies, and the community. They must also possess strong leadership qualities, as they are responsible for training and mentoring firefighters, promoting a culture of safety, and maintaining high morale.

The position of a firefighting supervisor is dynamic and challenging. It requires a commitment to ongoing learning and adaptation to new technologies and methods in firefighting and rescue operations. The role is suited for individuals with a passion for public service, a strong sense of duty, and the ability to lead under pressure.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Saving lives and protecting property through effective leadership.
Developing and mentoring a skilled and cohesive firefighting team.
Making significant contributions to public safety and community well-being.

You might make a good Supervisor of Firefighters if you are...

A natural leader, capable of making quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
Physically fit and able to handle the demands of emergency response.
Experienced in firefighting with a deep understanding of fire behavior and safety protocols.
Adept at both verbal and written communication.
Committed to public service and driven by a desire to make a positive impact on your community.

Pros:

Rewarding career with a direct impact on public safety and community service.
Opportunities for leadership and personal growth.
Dynamic and challenging work environment.

Cons:

High-risk and physically demanding job with potential exposure to hazardous situations.
Emotional stress from dealing with emergencies and potentially life-threatening scenarios.
Irregular working hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

How to become a Supervisor of Firefighters

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with extensive experience in firefighting. Many supervisors also have an associate's or bachelor's degree in fire science, public administration, or a related field. Advanced training in firefighting, emergency medical services, and leadership is also common.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical Education for physical fitness and endurance.
Science courses, particularly chemistry and physics, to understand fire behavior and safety.
Leadership or public speaking classes to develop communication and leadership skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in Junior Firefighter or similar programs.
Volunteering in community service, especially in emergency response or public safety roles.
Engaging in team sports or physical activities to build stamina and teamwork skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a degree or certification in fire science, emergency management, or public administration.
Gain experience as a firefighter, with progression through ranks to a supervisory role.
Attend specialized training in fire tactics, emergency medical services, and leadership development.

More resources

International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) - Provides resources, training, and networking opportunities for fire service leaders.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Offers a wide range of information on fire safety and prevention.
U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) - Provides training and educational resources for firefighting professionals.
Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) - A major conference for firefighting professionals, offering workshops and seminars on various aspects of fire service.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.