Fire Captain

Description

General Statement of Duties

Captains manage the day-to-day operation and maintenance of a fire station, and the apparatus and personnel assigned to that fire station. A Captain serves as a company officer, supervising a crew of Firefighters assigned to the station on a specific shift. Captains supervise fire crew and the station apparatus dispatched to emergency scenes, including fire scenes, emergency medical calls, hazardous materials incidents, etc. Captains may serve in the capacity of incident commander at emergency incidents.

This role also manages the day-to-day operation of a support services division such as fire prevention, fire investigation, operations division, training, technical services, administration or human resources. A Captain supervises Lieutenants, Engineers, Interns and Paid on Call personnel assigned to a specific division.

Performs responsible fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency medical activities including responding to emergency medical calls, operating fire apparatus, and participating in firefighting, training and civil preparedness activities.

Requirements

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Captains live and work in a fire station in 24-hour shifts. This work environment includes many of the same amenities of a home, including kitchens, showers, beds, etc. In this environment, Captains will perform routine day-to-day activities, such as training of subordinates, meeting with supervisors, planning and scheduling work. Outside of the fire station, Captains work in all weather, under extreme emergency conditions (e.g., fires, hazardous materials, auto accidents) performing essential job functions. Work requires that the employee stay abreast of state-of-the-art fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical procedures, techniques, and equipment and requires the employee to incorporate the necessary changes into in-service training. The ability to make effective decisions under pressure is required in all aspects of work. 

A. Drives apparatus to incident scene; properly places apparatus to establish water supply; ensures proper operation and pressure of hoses; returns fire apparatus and related equipment to service after incident response.

B. Responds to emergency medical calls; performs CPR and administers first aid and other medical response as needed.

C. Responds to major alarms and participates in firefighting operations including operation of fire apparatus and other equipment as required; responds and participates in remediation activities of chemical spills, hazardous materials, and other related incidents.

D. Inspects station, and equipment for proper appearance and condition; performs maintenance and cleaning of fire apparatus, equipment, station building, hydrants, pumpers, hoses, and related facilities.

E. Participates in public fire programs; participates in fire prevention programming and fire inspections activities; conducts pre-fire plans. 

F. Prepares and delivers classes for departmental interns and on-call staff; maintains records of training activities; attends classes to maintain certifications.

G. Participates in civil preparedness activities including pre-incident planning, response during emergencies such as evacuations, staffing emergency operations center, and assisting in clean-up and other post-incident activities.

H. Handles departmental administration activities such as maintaining files and logs through paper or computer records, maintaining schedules, drafting revisions to SOP’s and maintaining time records. Captains fill roles such as Training Officer, Safety Officer, IT management, Emergency Management, etc.

I. Participates in special projects as required; utilizes specialized knowledge in areas such as reports, equipment, computers, maintenance and communications issues; serves on town committees.

J. Performs related duties as required.

Work is performed under the general direction of the Fire Chief. This position is non-exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Physical Requirements or Special Working Conditions

Must be able to physically perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.

Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must possess visual acuity to size up the color, volume, and extent of fire involvement at fire scenes, to operate heavy fire apparatus in emergency situations, and to prepare records and reports.

Controls

Work is performed under the general direction of the Fire Chief. This position is non-exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Qualifications and Experience

A. Considerable knowledge of conducting size up and modern methods of attacking fire emergencies and of the use and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment.

B. Considerable knowledge of medical response protocols and procedures as an EMT.

C. Considerable knowledge of beach rescue response and coordination.

D. Considerable knowledge of departmental rules and regulations.

E. Thorough knowledge of Town streets and layout and hydrant locations.

F. Working knowledge of fire prevention and fire education programming.

G. Skill in the operation of fire apparatus including driving skills and operation of pumps. 

H. Ability to train other firefighters in firefighting skills and operations.

I. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees and members of the public.

J. Ability to make sound judgments in emergency situations.

K. Ability to maintain physical fitness standards as required to perform assigned work.

Educations and Certifications

A. Possession of a valid class B North Carolina driver's license. 

B. Certification as NC Firefighter I & II.

C. Certification as an EMT.

D. North Carolina Drive Operator (preferred)

E. Fire Officer I (preferred)

F. Fire Officer II (preferred)

G. Instructor I (preferred)