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| | Sub-Officer
In regard to emergency services, the sub-officer leads the rescue unit, but possibly also larger formations, until the fire officer enters the accident scene and takes over the responsibility. The expertise is based on good professional knowledge, good leadership skills and continuous development of professional skills. Also good interpersonal communication skills are required: a good working environment and motivation of the shift is essential to develop the needed skills and knowledge. To be able to work successfully in the sub-officer position a person should have social skills and team work skills, tolerate conflicts and stress, be capable of logical thinking and problem solving, and have abilities to carry out tasks when under pressure on different kinds of accident scenes. Sub-officer examination is part of secondary education of the Emergency Services. Schooling takes two semesters, and gives qualification to apply for Sub-officers’ positions in Fire and rescue departments. Graduated students may also choose to continue their studies in Fire officer's study programme.
The central study subjects include Accident prevention, Management of Emergency services, Civil defence, and studies related to final thesis.
The head of the Sub-officer study programme in 2008-2010 is Senior Instructor Jouni Salminen.
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A sub-officer at the rescue services may have various duties, such as working as the foreman of the shift, be the leader of the emergency services, planner and trainer of staff training sessions, do fire inspections and work as a safety instructor giving information and advice. The sub-officer is the leader of the shift in station service and is also responsible for planning and organising the administration. A sub-officer may also work as a fire chief at a small fire station or as an expert with the rescue services.