HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire CaptainCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #37-01 FLSA Non-Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Fire Captain
Department: Fire
Division: Fire Administration
Immediate Supervisor: Battalion Chief
Job Summary
Performs work in the supervision of shift personnel and equipment. Performs related work as required.
Job Scope
Reports directly to the assigned battalion chief. Functional supervision is exercised over 3 to 5
firefighters and 4 lieutenants on various pieces of apparatus. Evaluates subordinates. May discipline
or recommend discipline of employees.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Acts as shift commander in the absence of the Battalion Chief.
Directs all shift training.
Assigned to departmental committee established to give overall direction of department training
program.
Trains and drills shift personnel in all phases of firefighting, hazardous materials mitigation, rescue
and emergency medical care in accordance with departmental goals, policies and guidelines.
Provides input to the budget process.
Responsible for training new employees.
Directs the activities of one truck or rescue company and coordinates the activities of shift
companies.
Produce and maintain shift duty roster and daily log.
Submits all required documents and reports (incident reports, purchasing card statements,
evaluations, timesheets, payroll change forms, inspections, etc.) consistent with department policies
and deadlines.
Responds with companies to alarms.
Operates radio equipment, mobile data computers and computer equipment.
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Coordinates daily activities of assigned shift.
May determine firefighting method at scene and need for additional assistance.
May direct firefighting and related life and property protection until relieved by the Battalion Chief.
Directs and assists in extinguishing fires.
May operate fire apparatus and equipment.
Supervises maintenance of Station 1, including apparatus.
Inspects and tests fire equipment and apparatus.
Maintains logs and other periodic and special activity records.
Participates in fire prevention activities.
Reviews and reconciles bi-weekly timesheets of all shift personnel.
Assigns and assists in performing inspections and code enforcement.
Maintains a work environment conducive to high morale and welfare of personnel under his/her
command.
Evaluates subordinates.
Advises and explains to assigned shift personnel all department rules, regulations and directives
from ranking officers and assures they are followed.
May discipline or recommend discipline of employees.
Assists in investigation and fire cause determination.
Responsible for completing various goals and objectives as assigned.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
Required physical activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling,
reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing,
and hearing repetitive motions. Participates in department Physical Fitness Program. Physical
characteristics of work include medium work requiring exertion in excess of 50 pounds of force
occasionally, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force
constantly to move objects.
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Environmental conditions include work performed inside or outside and being exposed to cold, heat,
noise, vibration, mechanical or electrical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory
system, and use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Education, Experience, and Certification
Associate degree in fire science or a related field from an educational institution accredited by a DOE
recognized accreditation body and one year as a Lieutenant with the Iowa City Fire Department
required. Sixty hours of coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in fire science or a related field from
an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized accreditation body may substitute for an
Associate degree. Instructor I certification required. Iowa or National EMT certification required. Must
live within 17 miles of the corporate limits of Iowa City, Iowa within one year of appointment to the
position. Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record required. Must be at least 18 years of
age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience, and Certification
Bachelor’s degree in fire science or a related field from an educational institution accredited by a
DOE recognized accreditation body preferred. Instructor II certification preferred. Experience in public
education, hazardous materials, technical rescue and the Fire Prevention Bureau preferred. Fire
origin and cause training from State Fire Marshal or National Fire Academy preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge in the areas of fire behavior, firefighting evolutions, firefighting tactics, the
incident management system, emergency medical services, technical rescue and inspection
techniques and methods; instructional methodology, Fire Department Rules and Regulations, City
Administrative Policies, and other related standards and regulations associated with emergency
response. Specialized or extensive knowledge in one or more special operations, such as hazardous
materials, confined space rescue, high-angle rescue, vehicle extrication, etc. Thorough knowledge of
management fundamentals. Strength and ability to do prolonged strenuous manual and mechanical
work under adverse conditions. Ability to effectively communicate clearly and concisely, both orally
and in writing. Must maintain minimum required certifications, such as emergency medical status and
also retain and improve professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops,
reviewing professional publications, participating in scheduled drills, studying applicable federal,
state, and local laws and standards, and by reviewing departmental policies and procedures. Ability
to operate technical equipment, such as computers and related software, defibrillators, combustible
gas indicators, power tools and equipment, etc. Must be in good physical condition.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities,
duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.