Become a Fire Captain (Non-Paramedic/Paramedic)

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  Entry Level
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  Supervisory
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  Full Time
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  Seasonal
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  Benefits Eligible

Under direction, supervise the work of engine company(s) and hand crews; manage a facility including the maintenance of emergency apparatus and equipment; or to perform full-time duties in one of the following specialty assignments: (1) peace officer/fire prevention duties within a unit; (2) serve as a dispatcher; (3) serve as an assistant air attack program coordinator; (4) serve as a helitack captain; (5) supervise crews and operate crew-carrying vehicles and fire apparatus; (6) serve as an instructor at the Training Center and other training assignments; or (7) when performing in a paramedic position, perform paramedic duties and supervise a crew of personnel engaged in emergency medical rescue activities, and to do other related work. 

This classification includes non-paramedic and paramedic positions. Paramedic applicants must have a valid California EMT-P license prior to a job offer or reassignment and are eligible for additional pay and advanced medical responsibilities.

Typical Tasks

Plans and assigns work, gives instructions, maintains discipline, and makes decisions relating to the supervision of engine companies and hand crews engaged in fighting wildland, structural, or other fires, flood control, hazardous materials incidents, emergency responses, vehicle extrication incidents, and other emergency activities; performs general facility maintenance and repair work; supervises projects related to resource management; trains a company to fight fire and operate tools; supervises and performs the construction and maintenance of fire defense improvements; inspects, supervises the use of, and performs preventive and minor maintenance on assigned equipment; transports a crew over mountainous roads; operates fire apparatus, power tools (e.g., chain saws), and heavy equipment during emergency incidents and nonemergency project work; assists in the preparation and maintenance of a fire prevention plan; conducts fire prevention education programs; installs and supervises exhibits and displays; performs dispatching of resources; performs as fire information officer; supervises the air attack base crew; serves as controller in airport operations; leads a helitack crew; conducts classroom and field training including the preparation of lesson plans and the evaluation of student performance; evaluates work of assigned employees; reads and uses maps; may assist others in performing accounting, budgeting, personnel, and material management tasks; keeps records; writes and submits reports as required; and does other related work. Performs work outside with potential exposure to environmental elements (e.g., extreme weather, poison oak).

In addition to the tasks listed above, when working in a paramedic position, renders emergency medical assistance at the advanced life support level; performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation and electrical defibrillation; lifts and transports injured persons; administers intravenous fluids as needed; obtains blood for laboratory analysis; interprets cardiac arrhythmias; performs pulmonary ventilation by use of airway adjuncts; administers drugs; operates voice and biomedical telemetry communication systems and equipment; assists in childbirth; drives medical rescue vehicles under emergency conditions; prepares and completes documentation associated with patient care delivery; prepares and presents demonstrations and classes in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other subjects relating to medical assistance to employees and the public.

In addition to the non-paramedic tasks listed above, peace officers’ duties include applying and enforcing fire prevention laws, issuing citations and undertaking investigations and reports on the cause and origin of fires; collecting and preserving evidence, making inspections and may conduct code enforcement.

(Range A and B - Non-Paramedic)
This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$5,789 - $7,506 Range A Base Salary (paid every month) 
$6,354 - $8,276 Range B Base Salary (paid every month)
$1,968 - $2,551 Range A Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$2,160 - $2,813 Range B Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks)
$95,052 – $123,235 Annual Compensation Range A
$104,328 – $135,881 Annual Compensation Range B

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website. 

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a valid Class A, Class B, or Class C driver's license, with any applicable endorsements, issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or applicable agency. AND

For paramedic positions, possession of a current California Emergency Medical Technician- Paramedic (EMT-P) license or National Registry EMT-P license. (Applicants currently enrolled in a paramedic training program must be within six months of completing their training by the date of the exam to be eligible to apply for a position.) Paramedic applicants must obtain a California EMT-P license prior to a job offer or reassignment.) AND

Experience:

Either I
Thirty-six months of full-time experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Fire Apparatus Engineer or Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic) and successful completion of the corresponding California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee Program. (Applicants who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination but must successfully complete the apprenticeship program before they can be eligible for a job offer or receive SubJac certification of journey level status.)

Applicants who gained employment with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) by Board Resolution may compete if they have thirty-six months of fulltime experience equivalent to Fire Apparatus Engineer or Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic) or higher but must successfully complete the apprenticeship program before a job offer or receive SubJAC certification of journey level status. [Experience as a CAL FIRE Fire Apparatus Engineer or a Fire Apparatus Engineer (Paramedic) may be combined with equivalent experience outside of California State Service to meet this requirement.] 

Or II
Twenty-four months of experience as a full-time paid Company Officer leading an engine company (or equivalent) or hand crew, such as an Incident Command System Type I or II Crew. Qualifying experience must be at a level of responsibility equivalent to that of a CAL FIRE Fire Captain. (Applicants who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement will be admitted to the examination but must complete the experience requirement before they can be eligible for a job offer.) 

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge:
Forest and fire laws; types, causes, character, and behavior of fires; fire protection, prevention and emergency medical rescue methods, equipment, and terminology; department's incident command system, vehicle extrication methods, methods for responding to hazardous materials incidents, and other emergency incidents; principles of effective supervision and training and directing a crew in fire protection, other emergency conservation, and rescue operations; maintenance and safe operation of fire, automotive and emergency rescue equipment; methods, materials, and equipment used in minor construction and maintenance of fire stations, roads, trails, bridges, water developments, and similar structures; fundamental forest improvement and conservation practices; forest pest control procedures and safety practices; and a supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Ability to:
Ability to: Communicate effectively and read and write English is required for successful job performance; locate and determine origin and fire cause; operate fire and automotive equipment safely; operate power tools; train, advise, instruct, and direct a crew of personnel in fire suppression and general maintenance work; read maps; supervise a fire suppression crew; maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in all work; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; demonstrate leadership ability; meet and inform the public; follow oral and written directions; keep records and prepare reports; administer emergency medical rescue methods; participate in the department's physical fitness program; and effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Ability to be willing to work in remote areas, on weekends and holidays, and to remain on duty 24 hours a day, as required.  Individuals assigned to specialist duties may be required to develop additional knowledge and special abilities.

Special Personal Characteristics
Demonstrate good judgment in emergency situations; demonstrate leadership ability; be of high ethical character; foster diversity, equity, and inclusion; possess visual acuity, color vision and hearing adequate to successfully perform the job; and maintain physical strength, dexterity, and agility necessary to perform the duties of the position. Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of injured persons and their families; possess patience, tact, resilience, alertness, and keenness of observation.

Felony Disqualification
Felony disqualification applies only to those positions designated as peace officers within this class. Existing law provides that persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Such persons are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this class designated as peace officer

Work Authorization Requirement
Existing law provides that peace officers be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Background Investigation
Positions located at a Camp or requiring the supervision of incarcerated individuals requires a criminal records background check prior to and during employment, i.e., Live Scan, to ensure compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act.

All employees shall have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.