Fire Captain

SUMMARY: A Fire Captain, also referred to as a Company Officer, is responsible for the supervision, well-being, and operational effectiveness of his or her assigned company. The Fire Captain reports directly to the Battalion Chief. Distinguishing Features of the Class: This position is responsible for the supervision of one fire station. The Captain manages the 24-hour operation of fire suppression and emergency operations, including service in the Incident Commander role as needed.  In addition to emergency incident operations, the Captain serves as the supervisor for full-time engineers and firefighters assigned to his / her shift and participates in special projects as required. The Captain must be able to make decisions under stressful emergency conditions, which may involve personal hazards and hazards to those working under his / her supervision. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond to all reported structure fires in the Davidson / North Star Fire District, as well as those where mutual or automatic aid is requested from the Davidson Fire Department.
• Respond to other incidents as needed, including commercial fire alarms, hazardous materials incidents, automobile accidents with entrapment or pin-in, and technical rescue incidents.
• Serve in the Incident Command capacity at emergency incidents as needed and until relieved by higher ranking chief officer. 
• At incidents where command is transferred to a higher-ranking officer, the Captain may be required to perform group / division supervisor functions
• Supervising and directing 2-3 subordinates during the normal course of a shift 
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of one Davidson Fire Station, and ensure that operations are performed in a safe manner
• Perform administrative functions, including performance evaluations, OSHA compliance, training, etc.
• Assist with special projects, including health and safety, accreditation, ISO, etc.
• Conduct and participate in community / public relations programs as needed or assigned
• Assuring that daily tasks are completed in an expedient manner, including station and equipment check-offs, maintenance, station clean-ups, payroll reporting, and incident reporting

• Report to assigned Battalion Chief and notifying the Command Staff of any incident or issues that have the potential to negatively affect service to the public. These include but are not limited to traffic accidents involving fire department vehicles, employee injuries or illnesses while on duty, staffing shortfalls, and significant emergency incidents for which no chief officer responded.

  RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Candidates for the Captain position should have a strong fire service background, and should be thoroughly familiar with accepted firefighting principles, practices, and procedures.  Candidates should have the ability to exercise sound judgement in both routine and emergency situations. The Captain is a first-line supervisory position, which requires experience and knowledge of basic management principles.   The Captain must be able to work with others, including superior ranking officers, line firefighters, town officials, citizens, and media representatives. Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of standing, walking, grasping, talking, and hearing.

• Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to move objects.

• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, examine and work with maps, charts, and detailed materials, operate a computer, inspect sites, and to read extensively. REQUIRED Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent

• Honorable discharge, if any, from the military
• Valid NC driver’s license and Class B driver’s license 
• IFSAC / Pro Board Firefighter II, or NC Fire Fighter II
• IFSAC / Pro Board Driver Operator – Pumps and Aerials
• IFSAC / Pro Board Hazardous Materials Operations
• North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Must meet the medical requirements set forth in NFPA 1582 
• No disciplinary actions received within the last six months (Internal Candidates)

• Minimum of three years at the mid-level supervisor level position (External Candidates) PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• IFSAC / Pro Board Technical Rescuer 

• An associate’s degree or higher in a field of study related to fire science, leadership, business

• North Carolina Fire Officer I, II certification, or an out-of-state equivalent which meets the respective NFPA Fire Officer job performance requirements, must be obtained within one year of hire. Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license.