Fire Captain

This is a full-time, FLSA exempt position. The successful incumbent will be required to provide evidence of a valid driver’s license and driving abstract from the issuing state within five business days of a conditional offer and must obtain a NYS driver’s license within 30 days of start date.

About the Role

The Commander for Fire & Emergency Services may act as the incident commander at campus emergencies until relieved by a higher rank. Provides direct supervision to the Fire Services team, supervising all activities conducted during their shift while maintaining compliance with applicable reports. Leads subordinates in daily tasks and assignments, ensuring all activities are documented via written reports, response logs, LMS database, or Clery logs. Responsible for scheduling and coordination of all shifts to ensure proper coverage. Takes direction from the Assistant Chiefs, Director, or Fire Chief when necessary or in the absence of the Deputy Chief of Operations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, command, and control all emergency responses, including but not limited to:
  • Fires and fire alarms
  • Medical emergencies
  • Trouble alarms and local alarms
  • Elevator responses
  • Odor complaints
  • Accidents and safety complaints
  • Confined space rescue
  • Chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear threats/spills
  • Sprinkler system activations
  • Facility/utility shutdowns
  • Campus assistance requests
• Assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands in emergency situations.
• Maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards.
• Conduct fire safety and extinguisher inspections, hazard assessments, and occupancy reviews to ensure compliance with OSHA, NYS Fire Codes, NFPA Standards, and other applicable regulations.
• Complete inspection and deficiency reports, provide follow-up to ensure corrective action, and maintain records of all activities.
• Conduct pre-incident building planning and perform site safety inspections.
• Issue hot work, confined space entry, and tent permits, ensuring adequate fire prevention measures and air monitoring before issuance.
• Inspect and test fire protection systems (e.g., standpipes, sprinkler systems, hydrants) in accordance with NFPA Standards.
• Conduct tests of the water supply system to ensure adequate fire flow for operations.
• Conduct fire drills in academic, residential, health care, and support facilities, evaluating evacuation effectiveness.
• Assist with the coordination, training, and implementation of the Safety Warden and Fire Warden programs.
• Assist in developing building emergency plans, evacuation plans, and fire department pre-planning activities.
• Conduct fire safety training for students, faculty, and staff, and participate in new student and staff orientation programs.
• Organize and participate in fire prevention activities and events.
• Attend required training and perform practical reviews to maintain certifications and proficiency.
• Perform and conduct annual employee program reviews and evaluations, implementing corrective action when appropriate.
• Provide fire safety coverage at special events, emergencies, impairments, and other assigned situations.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned, appropriate to rank and departmental mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (foreign equivalent or higher). In lieu of a degree, four (4) years of directly related experience, or a combination of higher education and experience totaling four (4) years, may be considered.
• Five (5) years of experience as an emergency responder (volunteer experience will be considered).
• Four (4) years of previous experience as an operational fire officer in a paid or volunteer department.
• NYS/Pro Board Firefighter 1 certification.
• First Aid with CPR certification.
• Haz-Mat Technician certification.
• NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications.
• NYS Code Enforcement Official certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• NYS Fire Officer 1 certification.
• NYS Confined Space Technician certification.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License with a motor vehicle record free from major violations or a pattern of repeat violations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) additional years of experience as a paid, full-time emergency responder or in a volunteer department.
• NIMS 300 certification.
• Experience in large university or healthcare fire/life safety.
• Incident Safety Officer certification.
• OSHA 10-Hour certification.
• NYS/Pro Board Firefighter 2 certification.
• NYS Fire Instructor 1 certification.
• NYS/National Registry EMT certification.
• NYS Motor Pump Operator on a Class "A" engine certification.
• NYS Rope Rescue/High Angle certification.
• Rapid Intervention Team Training.
• Aerial/Ladder Operations certification.
• Campus active shooter response/Tactical Critical Casualty Care Certification.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical policies and procedures clearly.
• Ability to handle stressful and confidential situations with professionalism, courtesy, and confidentiality.
• Strong team-building skills and leadership mindset.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

Pay

$90,650 - $95,625 annually, plus an additional $4,000 UUP annual location pay, paid biweekly.

Schedule

Full-time appointment. Evening and weekend work will be required at times. This position is designated as essential and may require reporting to work or remaining at work during emergencies, including when classes are canceled or the campus operates on limited operations.