Fire Captain

About the role

The Fire Captain commands a fire station during an assigned shift; supervises, plans, and participates in fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue, and fire prevention activities; provides leadership and training to assigned personnel; and performs specialized administrative, training, or fire prevention assignments in support of overall Fire Department objectives.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, and participate in fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, and fire prevention activities during assigned shifts.
• Respond to fire, medical, rescue, and other emergency incidents; assume command and direct incident operations in accordance with the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Supervise station personnel and oversee fire apparatus, tools, and equipment to ensure operational readiness.
• Operate fire apparatus and emergency equipment; assist in fire suppression, emergency medical care, and protection of life, property, and the environment.
• Conduct residential and commercial fire inspections to identify and mitigate fire hazards.
• Provide public education in fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and life safety.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate fire personnel; assist in developing and delivering training programs and drills.
• Ensure adherence to established safety standards, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain records and prepare reports related to incidents, personnel, training, inspections, and operations.
• Oversee maintenance of fire stations, grounds, and equipment.
• Conduct preliminary fire investigations; document findings and, when required, collect and preserve evidence for legal proceedings.
• Aid in budget preparation and expenditure monitoring as assigned.
• Serve as Acting Fire Chief when assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: Fire suppression and prevention methods, including the Incident Command System.Operation, use, and maintenance of fire apparatus and firefighting equipment.Principles of fire prevention, including building construction, fire inspections, and pre-fire planning.Mechanical principles related to fire apparatus and equipment.First aid, CPR, and emergency medical response techniques.Principles and practices of supervision, training, and fire service administration.
• Ability To Plan, direct, and coordinate fire suppression and emergency response activities.Effectively supervise, train, and evaluate fire personnel.Make sound decisions and exercise good judgment under emergency conditions.Analyze situations quickly and adopt effective courses of action.Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other agencies, and the public.Prepare accurate reports and maintain operational records.Operate modern office equipment and fire communications systems.

Qualifications

• Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• Experience: Two (2) years of full-time experience as a Fire Lieutenant or equivalent supervisory fire service experience.
• Licenses and Certifications Required at time of appointment and to be maintained throughout employment:
  • Valid California driver’s license with appropriate firefighter endorsement.
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification (minimum EMT-B).
  • Professional Rescuer CPR/AED certification.
  • Hazardous Materials First Responders Operations certification (Title 8 CCR compliant).
  • Incident Command System ICS 300 certification.
• Desirable Qualifications:
  • Associate's degree or higher in fire science, fire administration, or a related field.
  • California State Fire Training Company Officer or Fire Officer certification.
  • State Fire Training Driver/Operator 1A/1B certification.
  • Fire Investigator, Safety Officer, or Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certifications.

Physical and Working Conditions

• Ability to perform physically demanding work under emergency conditions, including lifting, climbing, and exposure to heat, smoke, and hazardous environments.
• Availability for shift work, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-back as required.

Benefits

• Complete benefits package including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, Employee Assistance Program and sick leave.