County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to command a fire fighting company and provide direction and supervision to subordinates, typically, Fire Engineer and Firefighter(s); provide leadership for, and train, inspect, and evaluate subordinates; perform all related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Fire Captain is a safety classification in the Alameda County Fire Department. This class is the first-line working supervisor of the Fire Department, and is directly responsible for firefighter discipline, safety, performance and training; for the condition of fire apparatus and equipment; and for the overall emergency readiness of a fire company. Supervision is exercised by actually leading firefighters in order to direct their work; the work may involve considerable physical exertion, and risk to health and safety. This class differs from the higher class of Fire Battalion Chief because the latter is primarily a shift commander and has limited department-wide administrative responsibilities. It is further distinguished from the next lower class of Fire Engineer because the latter is not responsible for the operation of the fire station and is supervised by the Fire Captain.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Responds to emergency calls and fire alarms and directs the route to be taken. If the first company to arrive, the captain evaluates the situation and decides if additional companies are needed and, if so, informs communications of his/her decision, then selects and applies the best method of handling the situation until relieved of command by a superior officer.

2. Supervises his/her crew in rescue, administering of first aid, placement of fire apparatus, hose evolutions, direction and pressure of water streams, placing of ladders, ventilating buildings, and placing of salvage covers; directs the overhaul, and clean up after a fire; conducts preliminary investigation of cause and origin.

3. Ensures that assigned company equipment is returned to its proper place before leaving the emergency scene. On arrival at the fire station, supervises the cleaning, servicing and return to emergency readiness of apparatus and equipment.

4. Supervises the cleaning and maintenance of station quarters and grounds. Conducts drill evaluations; conducts roll call; reads and transmits orders and information to the Company. Assures a proper state of company readiness by supervising assigned drills and training sessions to increase proficiency and maintains a high state of company conduct, discipline, and morale, taking corrective action to maintain said conditions.

5. Using a computer, keeps a daily log of company activities; submits reports on emergency calls, resuscitator use, accidents, gas and oil use, drills, apparatus inspections, supplies, station inspections, target hazards, and personnel performance.

6. May be assigned as station or house Captain and held accountable for the overall condition of the station, its maps, library, grounds, inventory, and station reports.

7. Studies and becomes familiar with district streets, terrain, fire hydrants, auxiliary water supplies, sprinkler systems, building occupancy and contents; the location of gas and electric motor shut-offs, freezing units, auxiliary alarms and panels and non-ambulatory citizens. Maintains level of competent physical condition to perform duties.

8. Schedules, supervises or participates in: Fire inspections as directed; pre-fire plans target hazards; school fire drills; handing out voter registration forms; conducts station visits by schools, and participates in public education through public speaking engagements and written communications to interested citizens and groups.

9. Is subject to emergency recall while off duty.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

The equivalent of five years combined full-time, paid experience as a Firefighter and/or Fire Engineer in the Alameda County Fire Department and successful completion of the Alameda County Fire Department Captain’s Task Book.

Must be in possession of a valid California driver’s license eligible to drive fire apparatus.

Must be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic.

And

Completion, by application close, of the following training classes:

• ICS300
• Command 1A, Command 1B, Command 1C
• Instructor 1A or Training Instructor 1A
• Instructor 1B or Training Instructor 1B
• Investigation 1A
• Management 1
• Prevention 1A and Prevention 1B or the newer Prevention 1

Or

• CSFM Company Officer Certification

Or

• Company Officer 2A: Human Resource Management for Company Officers
• Company Officer 2B: General Administrative Functions for Company Officers
• Company Officer 2C: Fire Inspections and Investigation for Company Officer
• Company Officer 2D: All Risk Command Operations for Company Officers
• Company Officer 2E: Wildland incident Operations for Company Officer
• S290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Classroom Delivery)
• Instructional Methodology

Or

• Department of Defense Fire Officer I-V Certification that meets or exceeds NFPA 1021

*Completion of Engine Boss S230/S231 is highly desirable regardless of MQ track.


NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Working knowledge of the practices, procedures and equipment used in fighting fires and in saving lives and property.
• The operation and maintenance of fire and rescue apparatus and equipment.
• Laws, rules and regulations which govern the Fire Department.
• Hazardous and flammable materials.
• Evidence of arson, and the presentation of evidence in court.
• Effective methods of crowd control, building evacuation techniques and traffic rules.
• Principles of hydraulics and chemistry as applied to fire fighting.
• District geography.
• Basic computer skills.

Ability to:

• Supervise personnel and equipment under emergency conditions effectively.
• Appraise an emergency situation, and initiate an effective course of action quickly.
• Maintain discipline and high morale.
• Handle varying amounts of workload and stress effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, and the public.
• Memorize the names of streets and the location of water mains, fire hydrants and fire hazards in a fire district.
• Prepare clear, concise reports, evaluations, and communications using a computer.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Revised 3/15/93 dkt/B.G.
BG:jc
Revised 3/99
Old document: 8146h
New document: Jobspecs/8146
ys/3/01
RC:pf Revised 11/19/03
CSC Date: 1/7/04
MH:cs
Revised 12/16/09
CSC Date: 1/27/10
MAH:cs Revised 12/22/11
CSC Date: 1/11/12
MAH:cs Revised 1/17/14
CSC Date: 2/5/14
GH:cs Revised 2/24/16
CSC Date: 3/2/16
IC:jf Revised 12/5/17
CSC Date: 1/31/18

BENEFITS

*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure.