Captain

Fire Captain

Employees within the Fire Captain job classification operate as the supervisor of a fire company that responds to fire, rescue, hazardous material, medical and other emergencies to protect life and property from the effects or potential effects of emergency conditions. Employees in this classification also respond to and supervise non-emergency events and participate in supervision of training, equipment and station maintenance, fire prevention and public education activities.

Employees in the Fire Captain job classification are supervised by a Battalion Chief, Acting Battalion Chief, or Fire Chief. Employees within the Fire Captain job classification supervise Fire Engineers and Firefighters.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following, which are listed in no particular order or significance:

• Serve as a first line supervisor and manage the day-to-day operations of a fire company.
• Provide competent command, control, operational awareness, and a safe work environment for personnel on emergency scenes. Operate in a safe and competent manner as a single resource or in charge of one or more companies (resources) at emergencies.
• Complete required reports and maintain records in a manner that meets District requirements.
• Keep assigned personnel, peers, and supervisor informed of District and station activities that impact their ability to perform their job responsibilities.
• Ensure operational readiness of all equipment, apparatus and personal protective equipment assigned.
• Remain proficient and maintain certifications to drive all types of fire apparatus and other District vehicles to and from emergencies and during all other District activities that require the operation of fire apparatus and other vehicles.
• Remain proficient in pump operations, and other firefighting equipment at emergencies and during all other District activities that require the operation of fire apparatus and related equipment.
• Analyze and initiate basic life support care to the sick and injured and provide oversight of others providing basic life support care.
• Coordinate, supervise and participate in fire company inspections and other fire prevention and public education activities
• Coordinate, supervise and participate in fire company public education activities including facility tours, career days, neighborhood programs and public education presentations.
• Coordinate, supervise and participate in fire company training in firefighting techniques, hazardous material response, emergency medical care, proper use of all equipment and related tools, strategy and tactics, policies and procedures and other didactic and manipulative training activities.
• Coordinate, supervise and participate in maintaining pre-fire plans and updating maps as required.
• Respond to public complaints regarding weed abatement and fire and life safety hazards.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions- Emergency response environment; exposure to hot and humid work environment making rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertions without warm-up period.

Physical Conditions- Essential and marginal functions will require maintaining physical condition necessary for bodily mobility to operate and crawl in restricted space; work, stand, or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate motorized equipment and vehicles; and the ability to work in hot and humid environments while wearing firefighting equipment which may inhibit all necessary senses.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Ability to:

• Supervise assigned personnel to ensure they perform work within specifications.
• Effectively, competently, and safely supervise fire companies at emergencies.
• Read, interpret, and explain documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Write professional, comprehensive reports that meet the District specifications.
• Communicate effectively before the public and with District personnel.
• Understand and act in accordance with District policies, rules, and instructions.
• Apply firefighting and medical techniques and procedures.
• Demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required in the operation of firefighting equipment.
• Perform emergency medical practices and procedures at the level of a competent California State certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or California State certified Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic (EMT-P).
• Retain and communicate operational awareness in emergencies.
• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
• Give and follow oral and written directions promptly and accurately.
• Perform occasional heavy lifting up to 100 lbs. and physical maneuvering.
• Perform general office and clerical duties in support of assigned activities.
• Operate a computer and learn how to use general and job-specific computer applications.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors, the public, and members of other public agencies.
• Work in a communal environment that includes common sleeping, eating, and restroom facilities.
• Analyze fire and emergency conditions and employ effective courses of action.
• Rescue and evacuate victims from buildings, vehicles, and other entrapments.
• Pass required oral, manipulative, and written exams.
• Provide lead supervision over fire suppression personnel when assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and procedures of modern firefighting and firefighting vehicles, equipment, and apparatus.
• Principles and application of the Incident Command System.
• District policies and procedures.
• Supervisory responsibilities and expectations.
• Firefighter Bill of Rights and proper application related to disciplinary actions.
• Fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities, and their proper use.
• Safe driving practices.
• Basic life supports emergency medical principles and practices.

Required Experience / Education / Training / Certifications:

• Four years of full-time, paid firefighting experience with a minimum of two years' operating fire department apparatus.
• High school diploma or equivalent

Required License and/or Certificates:

• Possession of California State Fire Marshal Firefighter II Certificate.
• California State Fire Training – Company Officer Certification
• California State Fire Training – HazMat IC
• Possession of a current Class C Driver's License with firefighter endorsement or greater and satisfactory driving record
• Possession of California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I Certificate.
• California State Fire Training – Apparatus Driver Operator 1A Certificate
• California State Fire Training – Apparatus Driver Operator 1B Certificate
• Possession of a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card for the Health Care Professional
• Possession of a California Emergency Medical Technician certification; or
• Possession of National Registry Paramedic License at time of application;
• California Paramedic License by time of appointment;
• Possession of a California Boater Card
• California State Fire Training – Water Rescue Technician (2024) or River and Flood (prior to 2024)
• Qualified as an Engine Boss
• ICS 100
• ICS 200
• ICS 300
• ICS 400
• L-180
• S-190

All internal candidates are subject to follow the current M.O.U; and any of the above required licenses and/or certifications that are not currently held; the candidate shall obtain, within 12 months of appointment; at employees' expense.

Desired Qualifications:

License and/or Certificates:

• Associate's and /or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited or FESHE recognized college or university
• Completion of 30 semester units (or equivalent) from an accredited college with at least 15 semester units (or equivalent) in Fire Science/Fire Technology.
• Bilingual

Physical Requirements:

• Mobility- Pulling and pushing objects, sitting, standing, walking on uneven or slippery surfaces; kneeling, bending twisting, turning, stooping, squatting, climbing, and working from ladders
• Lifting- Ability to perform tasks requiring strength and stamina, such as heavy lifting and moving equipment and objects weighing over 10