Fire Captain
Date Adopted by City Manager
07/12/09
Comp. Code
7706
IAFF
Classified
Job Title
Fire Captain
Definition
Under general supervision, to perform supervisory and technical work in routine and emergency operations of the Fire Department; to supervise, coordinate and inspect personnel and equipment as assigned; to perform related work as required.
Typical Duties
Duties are performed with a degree of independence within established departmental regulations, but under the administrative supervision of a Division Chief or his/her designee. Receives orders from and transmits information to the company/Division Chief; plans and executes work assignments of fire station personnel on an assigned shift; recommends and/or administers discipline; supervises and assists in firefighting, hazardous materials response and rescue situations; supervises and assists in administering emergency medical service and basic life support at the scene of an emergency; ensures required staffing; operates and trains others in the operation of fire apparatus; responds to emergencies as a commanding officer and assumes responsibility for the supervision, performance and safety of assigned firefighting personnel; directs incident operations until relieved by a superior officer; supervises, inspects, and assists in the maintenance of fire station facilities and equipment; prepares reports and maintains records of incidents; supervises and participates in fire hazard inspections and installations of fire safety systems as required by State laws and City ordinances; plans and conducts drills, training, fire prevention and other departmental programs; assists in budgeting process; operates station computers; conducts peer counseling and performance evaluations; investigates incidents; subject to emergency calls during non-duty hours; conducts research projects and handles special administrative assignments and other duties as assigned.
Tools and Equipment Used
Various fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, hazardous materials response and rescue equipment, ladders, personal protective equipment, emergency medical equipment, radio, pager, personal computer, phone.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on uneven surfaces and/or in confined spaces; and taste or smell.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 175 pounds or more with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Work is performed primarily in office, vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions ranging from below freezing to in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, including temperature extremes and occasional wet and/or humid conditions, during day and night shifts. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, solvents, and oils. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is at risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and loud at an emergency scene.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Principles, practices and procedures of modern firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials rescue, fire investigation, and fire prevention; policies, rules and regulations of the City of Chico and the Chico Fire Department; operation and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment; geographical relationships of streets, hydrants, buildings and fire facilities within the City of Chico; Emergency Medical Technician skills; principles of combustion and hydraulics; incident command systems; principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Ability to
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; lead, direct, supervise and coordinate subordinates in an efficient and effective manner, both under emergency conditions and in routine work; reason and react quickly and calmly in emergency situations; understand and follow oral and written instructions; operate apparatus and equipment used in modern firefighting and rescue activities; conduct thorough fact finding inspections and investigations; plan and conduct training for fire personnel in modern fire/rescue and prevention methods, techniques and theories; establish and maintain cooperative, courteous, tactful, and effective working relationships with subordinates, superiors, other City employees and the general public; supervise and evaluate assigned staff, including the participation in the development of goals and objectives; maintain certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Medical Technician I, including operation of an Automatic External Heart Defibrillator
Experience
Five years of full-time firefighting experience, or paid equivalent, is required and at least two years of supervisory experience at a level commensurate with the position is desirable.
Education
An Associate’s Degree from an accredited college in Fire Science or other related field supplemented by fire science course work, Emergency Medical Technician training, and completion of the course work required to qualify for certification by the State Board of Fire Services as a Fire Officer are required. Certification as a Fire Officer is desirable. A Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or other related field is desirable.
Additional Requirements
Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Hazardous Materials First Responder-Operational and Decontamination; possession of a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation card; certification to operate an Automatic External Heart Defibrillator; and possession of a valid Class A California Driver License.