Fire Captain

Under general direction, to command the work, training and discipline of personnel of a fire station on an assigned shift; to have immediate responsibility for the station's fire apparatus and equipment; to have charge of fire prevention work when so assigned by the Fire Chief; and to do related work as required.

As the first-line supervisor, a Fire Captain has direct command over the activities and personnel of a fire station during an assigned shift, and is responsible for the discipline of personnel and proper use and maintenance of apparatus and equipment, subject to the policies and supervision of the Fire Chief. Until the arrival of the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief or the Fire Battalion Chief, the Fire Captain decides on the equipment to be used, plans the spotting of equipment in relation to the fire, and decides on, and carries out the best method of fighting the fire. The Fire Captain is responsible for the effective and efficient extinguishment of the fire unless relieved of command.

Responds to fire alarms, selects the route to be taken to the fire, assigns personnel and equipment, and orders placement of the truck in proper position for efficient operation; makes decisions as to the best methods and equipment to use in extinguishing the fire and saving lives unless relieved of command by the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Battalion Chief; supervises and assists in the laying of hose lines, the direction of streams of water, pressure of streams, placement of ladders, ventilation of buildings, and rescue of persons; administers first aid; supervises and conducts salvage and clean-up operations; sees that equipment is returned to its proper place and serviced after the fire has been extinguished; takes charge of the fire station and supervises the maintenance of quarters and equipment during assigned shift; supervises the cleaning of quarters, equipment and apparatus and inspects them to see that they are in good condition; inspects personnel and maintains discipline; conducts classes and fire drills; transmits orders and information to crew members; maintains records; occasionally relieves a Fire Battalion Chief. When so assigned, supervises assigns and directs the work of the Fire Prevention Bureau; makes inspections of storage for explosives and flammable liquids, automatic fire alarm systems, automatic sprinkler systems, factories, schools and other buildings where people gather; writes reports of inspects and recommends preventative action to be taken; enforces State and City fire laws and ordinances, and reports violations; investigates origin and causes of fires; speaks before school and civic groups; distributes information in the form of bulletins and pamphlets on fire prevention; holds staff meetings with Fire Engineers and Firefighters to outline special hazards and problems which may be encountered in fighting fires; maintains records of inspections, investigations and related activities and performs administrative assignments when so directed.

Fringe benefits include: retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions. CalPERS Health Benefits Program – Choice of 10 health plans, with City-paid premiums for employees and eligible dependents (up to the annual Kaiser family rate). Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick leave, and 16 paid holidays per year. Educational Reimbursement – Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for tuition and books.

Requirements: H.S. Diploma, GED or equivalent supplemented with at least one college-level course in each of: Fire Management, Fire Command, Fire Investigation, Fire Prevention, and Fire Instruction; OR Associate in Science degree in Fire Science from accredited college. Presently employed as a Fire Engineer or Firefighter with four or more years of service at a municipal fire department. Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. State certification as a Fire Officer is desirable.

Salary: $121,079.40 - $142,029.00 Annually

Application Deadline: 2026-11-16