Overview
Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate firefighting operations and fire prevention activities in fire departments. They are employed by municipal and federal governments and by industrial establishments with firefighting services.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Develop, implement and evaluate policies and procedures for the operation of a municipal fire department, a district fire region or an industrial firefighting service
Plan, direct and coordinate firefighting strategies for fire departments
Evaluate the type of fire, the extent of damage to buildings and the danger to nearby establishments
Direct activities at the scene of a fire
Determine damage estimates and investigate the potential causes of a fire after extinguished
Develop and oversee the implementation of security and fire prevention campaigns
Represent the fire department in communications with government, the media and the public
Direct the training of personnel in firefighting methods
Coordinate and monitor budget and departmental resources.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$80,004
$129,870
$161,863
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
183expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is required.
Completion of a college program in fire protection technology, fire science or a related field is usually required.
Completion of a provincial or municipal firefighters training course is required.
Certification requirements
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.