Santa Clara Job Description

Title: Fire Captain Code: 310 Division: Administration Effective Date: 11/17 Department: Fire Last Revised: FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of advanced and first-line supervisory firefighting duties related to protecting life and property of city residents, including but not limited to fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials containment, fire investigation, emergency medical response, Emergency Operations Center Manager, etc. Performs advanced functions such as Engineer and/or Emergency Medical Technician.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Fire Chief or the Assistant Fire Chief.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides close to general supervision to Fire Engineer/Fire Fighter (s) and Firefighter/EMT(s) on a project-by-project basis, or as incident commander in the absence of a ranking officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Supervisory: Performs as a shift supervisor; oversees shift activities and work schedules; assures quality of work performed and policy compliance; reviews and evaluates performance and makes recommendations affecting employment status such as advancement, retention and discipline. Ensures all necessary documentation including, but not limited to run forms, check off sheets, daily log and inspection forms.

Oversees a specialty function as assigned, such as, fire inspection, fleet operations, light equipment maintenance, personal protective equipment, SCBA maintenance and readiness, hose and hydrant testing, “first look” pre-planning operations, emergency operations center management (EOC), communications equipment coordination, training center operations, technology and webmaster functions or wild land operations leader.

Assists in the development of standard operating procedures (SOP’s), goals and objectives; provides recommendations regarding policies and priorities; reviews and ensures quality of required fire and EMS reports; creates monthly or periodic reports of performance and operational outcomes; acts as “Chief” or officer-in-charge (OIC) in the absence of higher ranking officer.

Supervises daily Emergency Medical crews in response to emergency, fire, medical, hazardous material, rescue or other situations; serves as incident commander in the absence of a ranking officer; directs firefighting personnel in the most strategic and tactical methods of fire suppression; during large scale emergencies utilizes Unified Command System to assure efficient and effective containment and resolution; manages fire scene to assure safety of firefighting personnel, victims and surrounding properties.

Plans, schedules, assigns, directs and participates in equipment and station maintenance, ambulance, fire and EMS equipment readiness and operational and administrative assignments; monitors readiness status of firefighting equipment and apparatus; assures vehicles and equipment are functional; performs fire and medical certification training; conducts inspections and drills; prepares various department records and reports; makes recommendations for emergency vehicle repair or replacement.

Supervises or conducts various public fire safety programs and presentations to educate regarding fire prevention; conducts public education and training programs such as CPR, extinguisher usage demonstrations, teaches fire prevention at community and school functions; plans and supervises ongoing public relations events, programs throughout the community.

Conducts building inspections to evaluate compliance with fire codes; provides specialized training for high risk buildings, i.e., hospital, hotels, etc. and develops “pre-plans” in First Look.

Firefighter: Performs as a first-line supervisor; serves as company training officer in specialty areas of firefighting techniques and/or emergency medical response practices and procedures; coordinates departmental training schedules and monitors personnel training progress and certifications. Is competent in all facets of Technical Rescue including, but not limited to, high angle, water, swift water, vehicle extrication, confined space, and trench.

Coordinates, delivers and participates in continuous classroom and field training in a wide range of fire prevention, E.M.T., and firefighting techniques, principles, and procedures; receives specialized training in salvage, overhaul and rescue operation, emergency medical aid, civil defense, hazardous materials, disaster, drowning, and other related emergency situations; conducts drills.

Responds to fire alarms; performs as a supervisor of firefighting team; responds to emergency calls by riding or driving fire truck to scene of fire; manipulates various sized appliances, nozzles, hose streams; lays and connects water hose, hooks up pump, holds nozzle and directs water stream; raises and climbs ladders and utilizes other specialized.

Supervises searches in adverse conditions at fire scene, natural disasters, auto accidents etc.; rescues victims from fire and other danger situations; supervises and operates hydraulic rescue tool to achieve forcible entry; renders first-aid and practices trauma management; performs basic life support to accident and fire victims; performs salvage and overhaul operations.

Conducts fire prevention inspections on various types of facilities; conducts inspections and advises resident or owner of necessary action to conform to standards; assists in performing fire scene investigations to determine cause and origin of fires; prepares and submits a variety of reports related to inspection activities and suppression.

Fire Captain, page 2

Coordinates, oversees and performs general maintenance necessary to the upkeep of department building and equipment; sweeps and cleans station floors and rooms, makes beds, washes walls, floors, and windows; performs various maintenance tasks; i.e. paints, services equipment, cleans, polishes, tests, and repairs and breathing apparatus; services, maintains, and minor repairs on fire trucks.

Driver/Engineer: Supervises and operates operation and placement of heavy fire apparatus to fire and emergency scenes; supervises vehicle placement to achieve effective delivery of suppression materials (water/chemicals, etc.); supervises fire pumps operation to control various nozzle pressures and flows; assures proper procedures are followed to engage, prime and discharge supply lines. Certified Pumper and Aerial Apparatus Operator.

EMT: Evaluates patient's condition and/or injuries and accident scenes and/or medical emergencies and administers aid as per protocol; monitors patient's vital signs and provides basic life support until transported to hospital.

Operates resuscitation and suction devices during cardiopulmonary resuscitation; applies vacuum splints, cervical collars, backboards, and various other medical devices used to immobilize patients during extrication and transport.

Applies bandages and dressing on soft tissue injuries as needed to stop bleeding; applies pneumatic anti-shock pants on patients; lifts and carries patients from scene to ambulance.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school, or equivalent; plus, two (2) years of specialized training in fire science, general management, etc.; AND B. Four (4) years of full time work experience as a Fire Fighter; OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of Incident Management System, Personnel Accountability System (PAR), firefighting methods, techniques, and procedures; firefighting equipment types and varieties and their most appropriate and effective use; equipment maintenance and care; state and city codes, laws, and regulations, and ordinances related to fire prevention; fire vehicle equipment and apparatus operation; emergency driving techniques associated with heavy fire fighting apparatus; emergency medical techniques and procedures and first-aid; interpersonal communication skills. Working knowledge of training methods and techniques.

Skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving; leadership and organizational behavior; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with State, Federal, and other local officials, elected officials, subordinate staff, and City residents; in the evaluation of tactical and operational requirements of conflagration situations.

Ability to demonstrate supervisory skills; follow detailed verbal or written work instructions; work in dangerous emergency situations; perform strenuous physical labor; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; assimilate modern fire prevention and firefighting skills; perform under extreme weather conditions; work on call and on shift work; develop effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public.

3. Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Utah State Driver’s License. Must be able to pass Utah State Fire Officer I certification. Must be EMT-Advanced or Paramedic Certified. Must be Hazardous Materials Operations Certified. Must be Emergency Vehicle Operator (EVO) certified. Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention Program (EVAP/class E). Must attend 75% the monthly and quarterly training meetings.

4. Work Environment:

Functions of the position are generally performed in a controlled environment, but subject to all seasonal and weather extremes. Emergency response travel required in normal course of performing duties. Many functions of the work pose high degree of hazard uncertainty. Physical readiness and conditioning will be a condition of job retention. Various levels of mental application required, i.e., memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking, creative problem solving. Continuous use of motor skills. Successfully passes the department Physical Fitness Standard.

***** Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions. I ______have reviewed the above job description. Date:______(Employee)