Fire Station Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of increasing urbanization and emergency situations, the role of Fire Station Managers has never been more crucial.

As our communities grow and evolve, the demand for proficient leaders who can manage, direct, and ensure the safety of our fire stations grows exponentially.

But what exactly is expected from a Fire Station Manager?

Whether you are:

A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of fire station management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Fire Station Manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Fire Station Manager Duties and Responsibilities

A Fire Station Manager plays a crucial role in managing and coordinating the activities of firefighters and ensuring that they are ready to respond to emergencies.

They oversee operations and maintenance, enforce safety regulations, and provide leadership to the fire department team.

The duties and responsibilities of a Fire Station Manager include:

Overseeing daily station operations and maintenance activities
Coordinating and supervising activities of firefighters, ensuring they are properly trained and equipped
Developing and implementing fire prevention and safety procedures
Conducting regular inspections and drills to ensure readiness for emergency situations
Managing and tracking budgets, resources, and equipment
Responding to emergency calls and leading firefighting operations as needed
Collaborating with other emergency services and public safety organizations
Conducting performance evaluations, providing feedback, and handling disciplinary issues
Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal fire safety regulations
Planning and coordinating fire safety education programs for the community
Reporting and documenting station activities, incidents, and equipment usage

Fire Station Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Fire Station Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our fire station.

The Fire Station Manager is responsible for managing staff, maintaining firefighting equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Our ideal candidate has previous experience in firefighting and a strong understanding of emergency response procedures.

Excellent leadership and problem-solving skills are also vital for this role.

Responsibilities

Manage the daily operations of the fire station
Ensure that all firefighting equipment is in good working order
Coordinate training programs for fire station staff
Develop and implement emergency response procedures
Inspect buildings for fire hazards and enforce fire safety regulations
Respond to emergency calls and lead firefighting operations
Prepare reports on fire incidents
Recruit, hire, and train new firefighters
Coordinate with other emergency services
Manage the fire station budget

Qualifications

Proven experience as a firefighter
Previous leadership experience, preferably in a fire station
Knowledge of firefighting equipment and its maintenance
Familiarity with fire safety regulations and building codes
Ability to respond effectively to emergency situations
Excellent physical condition and stamina
Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities
Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
High school diploma; degree in fire science or relevant field is a plus
Certification as a firefighter is a must

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Life insurance
Professional development assistance

Additional Information

Job Title: Fire Station Manager
Work Environment: Fire station environment with emergency situations requiring quick response. Work involves considerable physical exertion and potential risk.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Fire Chief or Director of Emergency Services.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $105,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Fire Station Manager Do?

Fire Station Managers, also known as Fire Chiefs, are key personnel in the administration and operation of a fire station.

They are responsible for the overall management of the fire station, which may include one or multiple fire crews.

They are tasked with the responsibility of planning, coordinating, and controlling all the activities within the fire station.

This includes organizing training sessions for the firefighters, developing fire prevention plans, and ensuring all equipment is in good working order.

In addition to managing the daily operations of the fire station, Fire Station Managers also play a crucial role in emergency situations.

They are often in charge of coordinating emergency response efforts, making strategic decisions, and ensuring the safety of both their fire crew and the public.

Fire Station Managers also handle administrative duties such as budgeting, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations and standards.

They often act as the main point of contact between the fire department and the community, participating in public education initiatives and community outreach programs.

They are also responsible for hiring, training, and evaluating fire station personnel, ensuring they are well-prepared and equipped to handle any fire emergencies that may arise.

Fire Station Manager Qualifications and Skills

A Fire Station Manager should have a range of skills and qualifications to effectively coordinate and lead a team of firefighters, including:

Leadership skills to direct, supervise, and manage the fire station personnel and activities
Strong understanding of fire-fighting procedures, fire prevention methods, and emergency medical procedures
Technical knowledge of firefighting equipment, their operation, maintenance, and safety protocols
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with team members, other emergency services, and the public
Ability to strategize and make quick decisions during emergencies
Physical fitness to withstand the demands of the job and set an example for the team
Risk assessment skills to analyze potential fire hazards and suggest preventive measures
Training and mentoring skills to develop junior firefighters and continually improve team competencies
Administrative skills to manage station budget, maintain records, and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations
Problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations and challenges efficiently

Fire Station Manager Experience Requirements

Fire Station Manager candidates typically need to have a significant amount of experience within the firefighting industry.

This usually comes from working in various roles within a fire station over a number of years.

Entry-level candidates may have 3 to 5 years of experience, often as a firefighter, where they develop an in-depth understanding of fire safety regulations, emergency procedures, and firefighting equipment.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have served in senior firefighter roles or as fire lieutenants, where they gain leadership experience, develop strategic thinking, and manage smaller teams within the fire station.

Those with more than 10 years of experience are generally ready for a Fire Station Manager role.

They typically have robust management experience, which may come from serving as a fire captain or battalion chief.

This experience usually includes managing a fire station’s daily operations, coordinating emergency responses, and overseeing training programs.

Additionally, some fire departments require their Fire Station Managers to have completed a degree or coursework in fire science, public administration, or a related field.

Thus, some of the experience required might be educational.

Fire Station Manager Education and Training Requirements

A Fire Station Manager, also known as a Fire Chief or Fire Captain, generally requires a minimum of a high school diploma.

However, many organizations prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fire science, emergency services, public administration or a related field.

They should have a solid foundation in fire service, including fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, and other related areas.

This knowledge can be gained from on-the-job experience as well as formal education.

Fire Station Managers usually need a significant amount of relevant work experience in firefighting.

They often rise through the ranks, from firefighter to engineer, to lieutenant, and finally to captain or chief.

This progression can take many years and provides them with the necessary practical experience.

Many states require fire station managers to be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

This includes completing an accredited EMT training program and passing a licensing examination.

In addition to these requirements, Fire Station Managers are often expected to have completed various leadership and management training programs.

These are offered by organizations like the National Fire Academy and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Continuing education is also important as it keeps the Fire Station Manager updated about the latest firefighting techniques, safety protocols, and administrative procedures.

Some may even pursue a master’s degree in public administration or a related field to further enhance their leadership and management skills.

Fire Station Manager Salary Expectations

A Fire Station Manager earns an average salary of $76,330 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may differ based on factors such as experience, location, the size of the fire station they are managing, and the state funding allocated to that particular station.

Fire Station Manager Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Fire Station Manager need?

Fire Station Managers typically need a high school diploma and a significant amount of experience in firefighting.

They must have completed fire academy training and be certified as an emergency medical technician.

Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration or a related field.

What are the daily duties of a Fire Station Manager?

A Fire Station Manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of a fire station on a day-to-day basis.

This includes managing personnel, coordinating training exercises, ensuring equipment maintenance, and addressing any administrative tasks.

They also play a crucial role in emergency situations, where they need to develop strategies, manage resources, and maintain communication with other emergency services.

What qualities make a good Fire Station Manager?

A good Fire Station Manager should have strong leadership skills, excellent decision-making abilities, and be able to perform well under pressure.

They need to be highly organized, have good communication skills, and be able to motivate and manage a team effectively.

They also need a comprehensive understanding of fire safety and emergency procedures.

What should you look for in a Fire Station Manager’s resume?

A Fire Station Manager’s resume should display a strong background in firefighting and emergency services, as well as experience in a leadership or managerial role.

Look for certifications and training in firefighting, emergency medical services and possibly fire science.

Any additional qualifications in management or public administration can be a bonus.

It’s also important to take note of their tenure in previous roles, as this can demonstrate their level of experience and commitment to the profession.

Is it difficult to hire Fire Station Managers?

Hiring a Fire Station Manager can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and experience needed for this role.

It’s important to find a candidate with the right balance of practical firefighting experience and leadership skills.

They also need to be able to handle the high-stress nature of the role and be committed to maintaining the safety and wellbeing of their team and the community they serve.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the life of a Fire Station Manager.

But guess what?

It’s not just about extinguishing fires.

It’s about leading a team of heroes, one emergency at a time.

With our comprehensive Fire Station Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to step into this challenging role.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating accurate job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every decision made in a fire station forms part of a bigger picture.

Let’s save lives. Together.

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Fire Station Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

Fire Station Manager Duties and Responsibilities