First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers directly oversee firefighting crews and coordinate fire prevention activities. They work in fire departments at various levels—municipal, state, or federal—managing staff during emergency responses, training, and routine station duties. This role bridges firefighting operations and administrative responsibilities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves scheduling staff shifts, conducting training sessions on equipment and safety procedures, and inspecting fire prevention systems in buildings. Supervisors respond to emergency calls alongside their crews, making tactical decisions at fire scenes. They complete paperwork on incidents, manage equipment maintenance, review performance evaluations, and attend department meetings to coordinate with other divisions.
Who this work suits
Holland code ERC. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited for this role if you thrive on directing teams through high-pressure situations and solving practical problems on the spot. You typically combine hands-on firefighting experience with a natural ability to organize people and resources—and you're drawn to advancement roles where you maintain operational involvement while managing others.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Social Worker (Suicide Prevention Coordinator) · Veterans Health Administration · White River Junction, Vermont · $101375–$131790
- Senior Social Worker (Joint Suicide Prevention) · Veterans Health Administration · Aurora, Colorado · $106322–$138221
- Social Worker-Suicide Prevention Case Manager · Veterans Health Administration · Saint Cloud, Minnesota · $72784–$114488
- Social Worker (Outreach/Prevention Case Manager & HCHV/HUD VASH) · Veterans Health Administration · Bath, New York · $61722–$97087
- Senior Social Worker (Suicide Prevention Program) · Veterans Health Administration · Hampton, Virginia · $103714–$134832
- Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Suicide Prevention Program Manager · Veterans Health Administration · Augusta, Maine · $111538–$145001
- Senior Social Worker -Suicide Prevention Coordinator · Veterans Health Administration · Boise, Idaho · $89508–$116362
- Social Worker - Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator · Veterans Health Administration · Knoxville, Tennessee · $94424–$122754
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $128,090 | $133,210 | $160,720 | 2,210 |
| New York | $104,230 | $132,520 | $147,410 | 4,100 |
| Washington | $103,080 | $129,350 | $148,030 | 3,350 |
| California | $100,450 | $127,630 | $169,380 | 8,170 |
| District of Columbia | $114,620 | $126,560 | $133,570 | 380 |
| Illinois | $95,810 | $123,500 | $131,690 | 3,240 |
| Maryland | $98,670 | $120,530 | $126,110 | 2,380 |
| Colorado | $84,160 | $102,580 | $125,770 | 1,900 |
| Pennsylvania | $80,370 | $101,050 | $103,900 | 1,340 |
| Utah | $76,400 | $100,380 | $105,590 | 770 |
| Oregon | $86,190 | $100,260 | $119,010 | 1,160 |
| Florida | $77,120 | $98,560 | $122,090 | 9,540 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Fire Plans Examiner — International Code Council
- Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) — National Fire Protection Association
- Incident Safety Officer Certification (ISO) — Fire Department Safety Officers Association
- Certified Fire Marshal - CFM (CFM) — International Code Council
- Health & Safety Officer Certification (HSO) — Fire Department Safety Officers Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against first-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 33-1021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.