Fire Captain - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Fire Captain

Under limited supervision, responsible for overall station management and the supervision of personnel engaged in fire suppression, fire ground operations, and emergency medical response. Reports to a Fire Battalion Chief.

Responds to all emergency response incidents during the assigned shift; directs all firefighting, hazardous material response, and rescue activities throughout the City during an assigned shift; ensures proper deployment of personnel and equipment and determines the necessity for additional apparatus and personnel; directs firefighting and other emergency response operations until relieved by the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief or Fire Battalion Chief.

Performs periodic inspections of work unit or location, apparatus / equipment and personnel on the assigned work unit and prepares written inspection reports for administrative review; requisitions or coordinates purchase of necessary equipment, supplies and materials; oversees inspection, maintenance and repair of facilities, equipment, apparatus, tools, etc.

Supervises and participates in investigations of fires of suspicious nature to determine their cause; testifies in court as to conclusion drawn from such investigations; initiates and conducts investigations into personnel accidents and equipment failures during emergency response operations; prepares reports and recommendations drawn from conclusions of such investigations.

Oversees and ensures proper staffing of fire stations; establishes day-to-day operating policies and procedures and plans daily station activities; handles disciplinary matters and solves employee problems.

Coordinates and conducts emergency response training programs for fire personnel at basic and advanced levels, including firefighting, emergency rescue, hazardous material response, etc.; attends and participates in such programs as appropriate.

Inspects commercial establishments and multi-family residences to determine the existence of fire hazards, the efficiency of fire protection equipment and general compliance with appropriate codes and fire prevention standards; conducts pre-fire surveys detailing physical layout of structures for inclusion in City emergency response data base; and may perform duties of an Emergency Medical Technician during emergency rescue operations in accordance with protocols for Basic Life Support.

Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Fire Captains assigned to Emergency Services Unit perform the following duties : Prepares and revises annually the city's Emergency Operations Plan and several hazard specific areas; prepares and revises annually the quarterly emergency management assistance reports and other required documentation to receive EMA funding from FEMA; functions in a staff position role as the Safety Officer / PIO / Sector Officer at large or multi-alarm fires, hazardous materials incidents, and other special operations; and coordinates local, state and federal resources in the event of a disaster, including Emergency Operations Center activities; coordinates community education for disaster preparedness.

Fire Captains assigned to Prevention Unit perform the following duties : Responds to fire scenes to examine scene, collects evidence, question witnesses and document incident; investigates fires of suspicious nature to determine cause; testifies in court as to conclusions drawn from investigations, as necessary; and prepares reports and records of investigations.

Advises owners, builders and contractors on fire safety, and reviews and processes plans and specifications submitted for building permits, checking for compliance with existing codes and standards; conducts technical inspections of new building construction or old building modification for conformance with City fire codes; inspects all work upon completion, giving final approval that work is safe.

Appears before civic, community, school, business and industry, and other interested groups to deliver visual demonstrations, talks and films, and performs other public relations and educational activities in programs to improve consciousness of fire prevention and safety.

Prepares and maintains various records and reports pertaining to activities and fire inspection and prevention programs; inspects private residences as requested or in response to complaint; issues citations for violations of fire codes and standards, as necessary.

Fire Captains assigned to Training Division perform the following duties : Coordinates training activities for the department; works closely with EMS training coordinator on maintenance of EMS certifications for fire personnel; supervises participation in Southside Regional Fire Academy. Supervises staff assigned to Southside Regional Fire Academy; serves as Safety Officer / PIO / Sector Officer as needed on significant incidents; oversees Company in-service program for the department. Ensures compliance with certification requirements; coordinates uniform and protective gear purchases and maintenance.

Has thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and equipment used in firefighting, fire prevention, emergency medical response, rescue operations, emergency management and hazardous material response. Has considerable knowledge of modern techniques and methods of fire and emergency response administration with special attention to fire prevention, emergency medical response, emergency management and firefighting principles, practices, and procedures. Has considerable knowledge of applicable laws and ordinances and of departmental policies, procedures and regulations. Has considerable knowledge of the operating characteristics and service requirements of firefighting equipment and apparatus. Has considerable knowledge of the hazards involved in emergency response operations and of the applicable safety precautions. Has considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal fire department organization and administration. Has considerable knowledge of street layout, buildings and the location of fire hydrants in the City. Has general knowledge of the principles of supervision, organization and administration. Has general knowledge of the current literature, trends and developments in the fields of firefighting, emergency rescue and hazardous material response. Has general knowledge of basic emergency medical procedures and techniques. Is able to plan, direct and coordinate the effective use of firefighting equipment, apparatus and personnel. Is able to maintain discipline and respect of subordinates and to lead and command effectively. Is able to exercise initiative in meeting and resolving emergency situations. Is able to analyze situations quickly and correctly and adopt effective courses of action with regard to surroundings and circumstances. Is able to prepare and maintain routine work records and reports. Is able to train and instruct in modern firefighting and fire prevention principles, practices, and procedures. Is able to effectively express ideas orally and in writing. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments. Has physical strength and agility to perform prolonged and arduous work under adverse conditions when required.

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all City departments and divisions, co-workers and the general public.

Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions."

Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, City policies, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attends work regularly and adheres to City policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the city.

Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and city benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all city employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the city and project a good city image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons to maintain good will within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, Fire Battalion Chief, professionals and the public.

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

Plans, directs and uses information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department. Knows and understands the expectations of the city regarding the activities of the department and works to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the city. Within the constraints of city policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving departmental and city objectives. Organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and city.

Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that