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Live In Fire Boat Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Obtains thorough knowledge of power, water, and gas turnoffs, clean-out traps, fire extinguishers ... to live on site. * Ability to lift 50 pounds. * Confident, positive attitude. * Bilingual in ...

Obtains thorough knowledge of power, water, and gas turnoffs, clean-out traps, fire extinguishers ... to live on site. * Ability to lift 50 pounds. * Confident, positive attitude. * Bilingual in ...

Obtains thorough knowledge of power, water, and gas turnoffs, clean-out traps, fire extinguishers ... to live on site. * Ability to lift 50 pounds. * Confident, positive attitude. * Bilingual in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Live In Fire Boat information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$108.8K

$188.5K

How much do live in fire boat jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for live in fire boat in Chicago, IL is $108,760.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $127,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Live In Fire Boat vs Firefighter?

AspectLive In Fire BoatFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighter certification, CPR, first aidFirefighter certification, CPR, first aid
Work EnvironmentOnboard fire boats, maritime settingsStationed at fire stations, urban or rural areas
Employer & IndustryMaritime fire departments, port authoritiesMunicipal fire departments, emergency services

Both roles require firefighting certifications and involve emergency response. The key difference is that a Live In Fire Boat works primarily on boats in maritime environments, often living aboard the vessel, while a Firefighter operates on land at fire stations. The choice depends on whether you prefer working on water or land-based emergency scenes.

What is a live in fire boat?

Live In Fire Boats are specialized vessels designed for firefighting operations on the water. These boats are equipped with firefighting equipment such as water pumps, hoses, and sometimes foam systems to combat fires on ships, waterfront structures, or in harbors. The 'live in' aspect usually refers to crew members who stay or are stationed on the boat for extended shifts to provide rapid emergency response. Crew members may perform duties such as fire suppression, rescue operations, and sometimes medical assistance. These boats play a critical role in maritime safety and emergency response in port cities and along busy waterways.

What are some unique challenges faced by professionals working on a live in fire boat crew?

Professionals on a live-in fire boat crew often face the unique challenge of balancing long shifts and close-quarters living with their teammates. The work environment requires adaptability, as emergencies can arise at any time, demanding quick responses and collaboration. Crew members must maintain both firefighting equipment and the vessel itself, while also participating in ongoing training and drills. The role fosters strong camaraderie but can be physically and mentally demanding due to unpredictable schedules and exposure to hazardous conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fireboat crew member?

To thrive as a Fireboat Crew Member, you need comprehensive knowledge of marine operations, firefighting techniques, and emergency response, often supported by certifications such as EMT, firefighting credentials, and maritime licenses. Familiarity with navigation systems, marine communication equipment, and firefighting apparatus is crucial. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and effective communication are important soft skills for coordinating under pressure. These skills ensure efficient emergency response, safety on the water, and the protection of lives and property during maritime incidents.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Boat jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Fire Boat jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Live In Fire Boat jobs in Chicago, IL? For Live In Fire Boat jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Live In Fire Boat jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Live In Fire Boat jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Live In Fire Boat job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,760 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Fire & Life Safety Marshal

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago, IL • On-site

$152K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Chicago Transit Authority rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

649th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

SALARY
$152,158.92
POSITION SUMMARY
Serves as the Authority's primary safety liaison between the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), other fire departments, and the Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) in support of Authority and community safety and preparedness. Under general supervision, plans and leads all activities and operations within the Authority relating to fire protection and safety. Coordinates the creation, implementation, and maintenance of the Authority's system-wide strategy for smoke and fire hazards. Acts as a resource to Authority personnel with respect to incident command and fire/smoke hazard management and responds to all Authority smoke/fire emergencies. Conducts inspections, trainings and debriefings, and coordinates activities with fire departments, especially the CFD.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Oversees the development and implementation of the Authority's fire protection and safety programs.
o Implements, manages, and evaluates programs, policies, and training relating to fire prevention and safety.
o Conducts training and debriefings and participates in live exercises related to fire and smoke incidents, including fire and evacuation drills.
o Evaluates current safety programs and implements updates according to current fire safety regulations and best practices.
• Performs appraisal of CTA facilities regarding the effectiveness of their emergency management policies, procedures, standards, and performance in fire protection and response. Provides revisions and recommendations to ensure effectiveness and compliance with standards and regulations.
• Serves as primary liaison with fire departments in the Authority's service area, including participation in planning, training, and exercises with CFD and OEMC.
• Manages all updates and revisions to documents relating to emergency preparedness, emergency response, and emergency assessments. Prepares various reports on evaluations of safety assessments and makes recommendations for improvements.
• Manages Authority safety emergency response training programs to ensure effective response by the Authority in emergency and disaster situations.
• Acts as subject matter expert on construction and project plans to provide fire protection and safety recommendations. Oversees installation of fire protection equipment to ensure adherence to fire and life safety regulations.
• Serves as rotating on-call duty manager, responding to emergency fire/safety events and providing oversight and assistance to on-call personnel in the event of an incident or accident requiring investigation, and oversees the on-call process.
• Hires, trains, develops, monitors, and evaluates staff. Reviews and recommends personnel actions for approval.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position are the following jobs:
Job Title
• Emergency Preparedness Officer
• Fire & Life Safety Coordinator
CHALLENGES
• Keeping abreast of and implementing constantly advancing fire safety regulations, standards, and best practices
• Ensuring public security and safety on all CTA-provided transportation in a large, fast-paced metropolitan city.
• Dealing with stress supporting a transit system that operates 24 hours a day.
• Keeping abreast of all CTA operations in connection with fire safety aspects.
• Maintaining communication between CTA and responding fire departments to protect life safety.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection, Safety, Business Administration, Management, Public Administration, or a combination of education and experience relating to this position.
• Seven (7) years of experience in a fire service position with experience in incident response, conducting training, and/or fire prevention programs.
• Previous experience with the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) preferred.
• Valid Driver's License required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Extensive moving (up to 3 miles at one time, sometimes on rocks and on narrow catwalks).
• Traversing onto trains as well as up and down ladders.
• Must wear restrictive personal protective equipment.
• Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Detailed knowledge of the causes of fires and the principles and practices of fire prevention methods.
• Detailed knowledge of state and local fire codes and Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations.
• Detailed knowledge of emergency response vehicle operations.
• Detailed knowledge of City of Chicago fire codes and Chicago Fire Department protocols.
• Working knowledge of transit operations, facilities, vehicles, rules, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of the procedures and practices in emergency preparedness.
• Working knowledge of accident investigation best practices.
• Strong computer and MS Office Suite skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Strong leadership, project management, analytical, and decision making abilities.
• Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate emergency and disaster response plans.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate hazard control designs, methods, procedures, and programs
WORKING CONDITIONS
• General office environment.
• Reports to the scene of various safety situations.
• May be required to travel to various CTA field locations.
• Subject to varied weather conditions that include extreme cold, heat, rain, snow, ice, etc., when working outdoors.
• Required to work at extreme heights, near electrified third rail, and in subway tunnels with limited clearance, visibility, etc.
• May be required to work various extended or irregular hours (including afternoons, nights, or weekend shifts) in order to respond to CTA safety related issues or emergencies.
• Must be available to respond to calls or email inquiries outside regular work hours.
• This position is considered a "C-List" position under the "Revolving Door" prohibition within the State Officials and Employees Act (5 ILCS 430/5-45), which contains a number of post-employment restrictions CTA employees in C-list designated positions must follow. Among other requirements listed in this statute, CTA employees in C-list designated positions are required to follow State notification procedures to the Office of the Executive Inspector General prior to acceptance of any applicable non-State employment or may be fined significant penalties.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
• Standard office equipment.
• Various types of measuring devices, digital camera, personal computers (including handheld devices), reflective safety vests, etc.
• Required to carry an agency issued cellular phone and fire department radio.

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