Fire Captain

Job Description

Fire Captain (475)

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications at time of applicaton filing:

One of the following combinations of education:
- Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, certification from the California State Fire Marshal as a Fire Officer, and completion of one semester of English composition (English 1A) from an accredited college; or
- An associate’s degree in Fire Science/Technology from an accredited college and completion of Fire Instructor 1A and 1B, Fire Command 1A and 1B, and Fire Management 1; and
One of the following combinations of experience:
- Six (6) years of sworn experience with the Santa Clara Fire Department, including permanent status as a Driver/Engineer; or
- Four (4) years of sworn experience as a firefighter with the Santa Clara Fire Department plus two (2) years of experience as a Deputy Fire Marshal or Hazardous Materials Specialist with the Santa Clara Fire Department.

Acceptable substitutions:
Prior to January 1, 2010, the minimum qualifications may be substituted with the set of requirements listed below:

An associate’s degree in Fire Science/Technology or thirty (30) semester units in Fire Science/Technology, either of which must include the following courses or their approved equivalents: Hydraulics, Apparatus Maintenance, Tactics and Strategy (Fire Behavior and Control), Supervision, and Report Writing; and
Seven (7) years of sworn experience as a firefighter with the Santa Clara Fire Department, including permanent status as a Driver/Engineer or two (2) years as a Deputy Fire Marshal with the Santa Clara Fire Department and an additional five (5) years of sworn experience as a firefighter with the Santa Clara Fire Department; and
Successful completion of Fire Instructor 1A and Fire Instructor 1B or approved equivalents are required prior to appointment.

License & Certification

Possession of a valid California Class B Fire Fighter driver's license is required;
Possession of valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician – I (EMT-I), Emergency Medical Technician – Defibrillation (EMT-D), and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates are required;
All of the listed licenses and certifications must be maintained as a condition of continued employment in this classification for as long as they are required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Fire Captain is the first-line supervisory classification in the Firefighter series. As the officer in charge of a fire station, an incumbent in this classification supervises a fire company and participates in fire suppression, rescue, and related activities.

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

Responds to routine calls and emergencies for the protection of life and property, and may select the most direct route to be taken;
May be responsible for an emergency or non-emergency scene until relieved by a superior officer, and orders the placement of personnel and equipment for the most efficient operations;
Evaluates situations and determines the most effective methods for the saving of life and property;
Supervises and assists in rescue, confinement, extinguishment, overhaul, salvage, and ventilation operations as necessary; supervises and assists in the administration of medical aid as necessary;
Ensures that equipment is returned to its proper place and is cleaned, serviced and in good working order upon the completion of an assignment;
Supervises the day-to-day maintenance of quarters, apparatus and equipment;
Inspects and supervises assigned personnel, maintaining discipline and good morale
May conduct or assist in the training of regular and volunteer reserve personnel of the Fire Department; may conduct or assist in the training and education of others, both individuals and groups, as directed;
Ensures that all City and Fire Department administrative policies and procedures are implemented, and communicates policy and procedural changes to others as necessary;
Maintains effective public relations for the City and the Fire Department;
Prepares and maintains all station records and reports and is responsible for ensuring that all reports originating from his/her station are clear, accurate, concise, and timely;
Prepares performance evaluation reports on assigned subordinates as directed;
Advises counterparts of activities on his/her shift, noting special instructions and unusual conditions
Conducts fire and life safety inspections and business license conformance inspections of any occupancy within the City as directed by the Fire Department ;
Attends special schools, conferences, and seminars, as directed;
May act as Battalion Chief as assigned;
Participates in and/or directs Department physical fitness activities;
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Fire department administration and fire company organization;
Pre-fire planning methods and techniques and the principles of the protection of life and property;
Proper operation and maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in modern firefighting activities, including hydraulic equipment;
Principles of fire tactics and strategies and salvage;
First aid and resuscitation practices;
Instructional techniques and training methods;
Common hazardous materials and chemicals;
Principles and practices of supervision;
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.

Ability to:

Effectively supervise others, and maintain discipline;
Work effectively as part of a group or team to achieve common goals;
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Operate fire apparatus and equipment, including radiological equipment ;
Maintain professionalism and composure at all times, including stressful situations;
Evaluate situations, identify problems, and exercise initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines;
Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing by using correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
Prepare, understand and maintain clear, complete and accurate written reports and records;
Take direction and follow established policies and procedures;
Demonstrate physical endurance, agility, strength, and stamina in the performance of duties.

Supervision Received

Receives direction from the shift Battalion Chief or other supervisor, as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

Supervises a company of fire suppression personnel at an assigned fire station.

Other Requirements

Typically assigned to a 56-hour workweek (24-hour shifts); may be assigned to a 40-hour workweek as required;
May be required to work odd and unusual hours, including weekends and designated holidays and to be subject to call-back in the performance of job duties;
May be assigned when necessary to other shifts or divisions within the Fire Department;
Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Approved, March 2007