County of Alameda

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Fire Captain is a safety classification in the Alameda County Fire Department. This classification 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 leading firefighters in order to direct their work; the work may involve considerable physical exertion and risk to health and safety. This classification differs from the higher classification 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 classification of Fire Engineer because the latter is not responsible for the operation of the fire station and is supervised by the Fire Captain.

1. Responds to emergency calls and fire alarms and direct the route to be taken.  If the first company arrives, 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 cleaning up after a fire; conducts a 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, supervise the cleaning and servicing apparatus and equipment and return them to emergency readiness.
4. Supervises the cleaning and maintenance of station quarters and grounds.  Conduct drill evaluations, conduct roll calls, and read and transmit 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. 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 a 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; hands 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.

The equivalent of (5) five years of combined full-time, paid experience as a Firefighter Recruit EMT or Paramedic, Firefighter Lateral EMT or Paramedic, Firefighter, and/or Fire Engineer in the Alameda County Fire Department and successful completion of the Alameda County Fire Department Captain’s Task Book.

License:

Must have a valid California driver’s license eligible to drive fire apparatus.  

Certificate:

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. 

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

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 that 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.

• Supervise personnel and equipment under emergency conditions effectively.
• Appraise an emergency 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.