First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Provide emergency medical services as required, and perform light to heavy rescue functions at emergencies.90
Maintain fire suppression equipment in good condition, checking equipment periodically to ensure that it is ready for use.88
Assign firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.87
Communicate fire details to superiors, subordinates, or interagency dispatch centers, using two-way radios.85
Serve as a working leader of an engine, hand, helicopter, or prescribed fire crew of three or more firefighters.85
Evaluate size, location, and condition of fires.83
Instruct and drill fire department personnel in assigned duties, including firefighting, medical care, hazardous materials response, fire prevention, and related subjects.82
Recruit or hire firefighting personnel.82
Assess nature and extent of fire, condition of building, danger to adjacent buildings, and water supply status to determine crew or company requirements.81
Monitor fire suppression expenditures to ensure that they are necessary and reasonable.81
Drive crew carriers to transport firefighters to fire sites.80
Direct the training of firefighters, assigning of instructors to training classes, and providing of supervisors with reports on training progress and status.78

Show all 32 →

Perform maintenance and minor repairs on firefighting equipment, including vehicles, and write and submit proposals to modify, replace, and repair equipment.78
Evaluate the performance of assigned firefighting personnel.77
Analyze burn conditions and results, and prepare postburn reports.76
Perform administrative duties, such as compiling and maintaining records, completing forms, preparing reports, or composing correspondence.75
Recommend personnel actions related to disciplinary procedures, performance, leaves of absence, and grievances.73
Direct firefighters in station maintenance duties, and participate in these duties.73
Evaluate fire station procedures to ensure efficiency and enforcement of departmental regulations.71
Maintain knowledge of fire laws and fire prevention techniques and tactics.70
Inspect stations, uniforms, equipment, or recreation areas to ensure compliance with safety standards, taking corrective action as necessary.70
Inspect and test new and existing fire protection systems, fire detection systems, and fire safety equipment to ensure that they are operating properly.70
Supervise and participate in the inspection of properties to ensure that they are in compliance with applicable fire codes, ordinances, laws, regulations, and standards.70
Plan, direct, and supervise prescribed burn projects.68
Recommend equipment modifications or new equipment purchases.67
Direct investigation of cases of suspected arson, hazards, and false alarms and submit reports outlining findings.67
Maintain required maps and records.67
Schedule employee work assignments and set work priorities.65
Study and interpret fire safety codes to establish procedures for issuing permits to handle hazardous or flammable substances.59
Participate in creating fire safety guidelines and evacuation schemes for nonresidential buildings.58
Deploy and monitor drones for aerial surveillance and assessment of fire situations.—
Prepare and review budgets to ensure spending meets budget constraints.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Management of Personnel Resources72
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making69
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring69
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension69
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving66
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination66
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing66
Teaching others how to do something.
Social Perceptiveness66
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management66
Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Show all 35 →

Service Orientation63
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Active Learning56
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Learning Strategies56
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Writing56
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Persuasion53
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Evaluation53
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operations Monitoring50
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Systems Analysis47
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Operation and Control41
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Management of Material Resources38
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Mathematics38
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Quality Control Analysis35
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Equipment Maintenance31
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection31
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Management of Financial Resources28
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Troubleshooting28
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing25
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Science22
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Programming19
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation3
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service96
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training80
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security76
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Personnel and Human Resources71
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Building and Construction70
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Administration and Management67
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
English Language67
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Medicine and Dentistry61
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Mathematics60
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical60
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Psychology59
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Law and Government58
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Show all 33 →

Computers and Electronics56
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Therapy and Counseling55
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Transportation51
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Administrative50
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Geography50
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Engineering and Technology48
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Sociology and Anthropology48
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Physics46
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Biology44
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Telecommunications44
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Economics and Accounting38
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Chemistry36
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Communications and Media34
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
History and Archeology31
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Production and Processing29
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Foreign Language25
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Design21
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Philosophy and Theology14
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Fine Arts6
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Sales and Marketing5
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity78
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Near Vision75
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Deductive Reasoning72
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning72
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Fluency of Ideas66
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Show all 52 →

Category Flexibility56
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Far Vision56
The ability to see details at a distance.
Auditory Attention53
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Manual Dexterity53
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination53
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Speed of Closure53
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision50
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Extent Flexibility50
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Gross Body Equilibrium50
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Stamina50
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength50
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Time Sharing50
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Trunk Strength50
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Explosive Strength47
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Spatial Orientation47
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Strength44
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Response Orientation44
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Gross Body Coordination41
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Hearing Sensitivity41
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Mathematical Reasoning41
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Reaction Time41
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Number Facility38
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Depth Perception31
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Glare Sensitivity31
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Sound Localization31
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Night Vision28
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision28
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Rate Control25
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Speed of Limb Movement22
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility19
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems93
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public88
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates84
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events84
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Getting Information83
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings83
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials81
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment80
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Training and Teaching Others78
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Assisting and Caring for Others76
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards76
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information74
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Show all 41 →

Documenting/Recording Information73
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge72
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization71
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Developing Objectives and Strategies71
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships71
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others71
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates70
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Coaching and Developing Others68
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Developing and Building Teams68
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work67
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Performing General Physical Activities64
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others62
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others62
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information61
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Thinking Creatively60
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others58
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources58
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Handling and Moving Objects57
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Scheduling Work and Activities56
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Analyzing Data or Information54
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People54
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Performing Administrative Activities54
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment54
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Controlling Machines and Processes52
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment51
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Staffing Organizational Units49
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Working with Computers48
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Selling or Influencing Others46
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment32
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Leadership Orientation100
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Stress Tolerance100
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Dependability98
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cooperation90
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Control88
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability84
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Integrity81
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance79
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence79
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative70
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Achievement Orientation67
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Attention to Detail67
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

Show all 21 →

Social Orientation64
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Cautiousness61
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity55
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Sincerity50
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Empathy49
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism49
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Intellectual Curiosity39
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation31
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Humility11
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Enterprising86
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Realistic69
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional61
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social45
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative21
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day96%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day95%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours96%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility93%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day82%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important80%
- Very important20%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious88%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others73%
- Contact with others most of the time27%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important76%
- Important16%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results70%
- Important results16%
- Moderate results14%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day86%

Show all 57 →

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility54%
- High responsibility46%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom52%
- Some freedom48%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom47%
- Some freedom53%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important76%
- Important11%
- Fairly important13%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day72%
- Never15%
Time Pressure
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day66%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)30%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)13%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day54%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Never13%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important32%
- Important26%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day42%
- Once a week or more but not every day33%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day54%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Never15%
Conflict Situations
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day59%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day64%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never14%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day54%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never13%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day53%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day55%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Never25%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day35%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive29%
- Moderately competitive21%
- Slightly competitive17%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important18%
- Very important38%
- Not important at all13%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never20%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day39%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never13%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time45%
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time30%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Never28%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week43%
- Never15%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually13%
- More than half the time15%
- About half the time47%
- Less than half the time25%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- More than half the time37%
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time42%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never14%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time17%
- About half the time47%
- Less than half the time28%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time29%
- Less than half the time63%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time31%
- Less than half the time67%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week34%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never28%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never33%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week38%
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never33%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- More than half the time16%
- Less than half the time70%
- Never13%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time16%
- Less than half the time56%
- Never20%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never49%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never49%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time76%
- Never20%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important21%
- Not important at all67%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated51%
- Not at all automated41%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)20%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)80%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never72%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
Affiliated Computer Services ACS FIREHOUSE, Fire incident reporting systems, Microsoft Access, Wildland Fire Assessment System WFAS
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
BehavePlus, FARSITE, FlamMap, Plume modeling software
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcView, Geographic information system GIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems
Spreadsheet software
IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Project management software
Incident command system ICS software, Resource Ordering and Statusing System ROSS
Helpdesk or call center software
Computer aided dispatch software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Map creation software
Mapping software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Administer first aid.
Rescue people from hazardous situations.
Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
Maintain fire fighting tools or equipment.
Direct fire fighting or prevention activities.
Request emergency personnel.
Operate firefighting equipment.
Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.
Assess characteristics of fires.
Hire personnel.
Recruit personnel.
Train employees in proper work procedures.

Show all 32 →

Drive vehicles to transport individuals or equipment.
Direct employee training programs.
Evaluate employee performance.
Locate fires or fire danger areas.
Monitor environmental conditions to detect hazards.
Perform forest firefighting activities.
Prepare operational reports.
Maintain operational records.
Write operational reports.
Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with security or safety regulations.
Maintain professional knowledge or certifications.
Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with fire regulations.
Develop fire safety or prevention programs or plans.
Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
Supervise employees.
Direct criminal investigations.
Recommend improvements to increase safety or reduce risks.
Prepare activity or work schedules.
Determine operational procedures.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Fire Captain
Fire Prevention Officer

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology