Fire Captain

Manages the day-to-day operation and maintenance of a fire station and the apparatus and personnel assigned to that fire station. A Captain serves as a company officer, supervising a crew of Firefighters assigned to a specific fire station on a specific shift. Captains supervise a fire crew and the station apparatus dispatched to emergency scenes, including fire scenes, emergency medical calls, hazardous materials incidents, etc. Captains may serve in the capacity of incident commander at emergency incidents. Reports to the Shift Battalion Chief.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Is responsible for saving lives and property of city residents and others in case of fire or other emergencies such as tornados, floods, etc.; supervises all department firefighting and housekeeping; directs, supervises and instructs personnel in the use of apparatus and fire equipment necessary to control and extinguish fires.

Assists in the supervision of department personnel which involves instructing, assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; allocating personnel; acting on employee problems; and recommending transfers/promotions, disciplinary actions, discharges and salary increases.

Manages and directs firefighting and other emergency operations, fire and life safety inspections, training programs, maintenance and upkeep of equipment, emergency activities, and public relations activities.

Insures compliance with local, state and federal worker safety standards.

Assists with fire safety inspections and fire and life safety education.

Utilizes and operates various types of machinery and equipment including fire apparatus, hoses, air compressor, generators, radios, computers, tablets, copier, chain saw, hand tools, pumpers, fire extinguishers, and general office supplies.

Works under stressful, high-risk conditions and with life threatening situations.

Is responsible for responding to on-call emergencies at all times.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Captains live and work in a fire station in 24-hour shifts. This work environment includes many of the same amenities of a home, including kitchens, showers, beds, etc. In this environment, Captains will perform routine day-to-day activities, such as training of subordinates, meeting with supervisors, planning and scheduling work. Outside of the fire station, Captains work in all weather, under extreme emergency conditions (e.g., fires, hazardous materials, auto accidents) performing essential job functions.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum 21 years of age.

Minimum of 5 years of fire suppression experience.

Must have a valid driver’s license. If out of state, must have the ability to obtain a South Carolina driver’s license.

Must pass required pre-employment NFPA 1582 physical, background check, and drug screening.

Certifications:

Required:

Basic Auto Extrication

SCFA Emergency Vehicle Driver’s Training

Pump Operations 1 & 2

CPR / Emergency Medical Responder

NIMS (ICS) 100, 200, 300, 700, and 800

Hazardous Materials Operations

IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter 2

IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Officer 1

Hazardous Materials Technician

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate different types of machinery and equipment including fire apparatus and other firefighting equipment, etc. Must by physically able to exert up to one hundred pounds of force occasionally and/or frequently to life, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of sedentary work. Work involves reaching, stooping, bending, standing, walking, climbing and balancing.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange pertinent and vital information to co-workers. Includes the receiving of information and instructions from supervisor. Includes giving instructions and assignments to subordinates.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read and prepare a variety of documents and reports using the proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar. Has the ability to speak with co-workers and the general public with poise, voice control and confidence. Must be able to speak effectively to large groups. Voice and language must be clearly expresses so that radio transmission can be clearly understood.

Intelligence: Has the ability to learn and apply principles of rational systems such as fire science in order to solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information and to follow verbal and written instructions. Is able to communicate by way of two-way radio.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages and decimals; determine time and weight; and apply algebraic principles.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Motor Coordination: Must have excellent hand/eye coordination. Requires the ability to operate motor vehicles.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of small items such as knobs, switches, needles, medicine vials, etc. Must be able to twist, push and pull knobs or switches, etc. Must have maximum levels of foot/hand/eye coordination.

Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Has the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. The worker needs to relate to people in situations involving more than receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under high stress when confronted with emergency, dangerous, and life-threatening situations.

Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking – expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing – perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to speak clearly and must be able to hear low, monotone sounds such as whispers, blood pressure and lung sounds, etc.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has considerable knowledge of the practices, procedures, rules and regulations of the Fire Department. Is knowledgeable of supervisory techniques and methods and is able to supervise firefighters effectively. Has knowledge of the activities related to fire administration and firefighting. Knows how to maintain emergency vehicles and related equipment, supplies and materials. Has extensive experience in conducting inspections on commercial areas within the fire zone. Is capable of working with the State Fire Marshall and enforcing all required code and regulations. Has knowledge in all proper techniques relating to firefighting and extinguishment. Is able to communicate both orally and in writing with various agencies, and individuals of a variety of professions. Is able to respond, act and think quickly and accurately in stressful and/or emergency situations. Is able to maintain accurate records of policies and procedures established by the department. Is able to communicate effectively, follow instructions, and give instructions clearly and concisely on occasion. Has the ability to operate and maintain various equipment and machines, operating same in safe manner. Is able to work in varying degrees of adverse weather conditions. Knows how to operate tow-way radio equipment. Is knowledgeable of radio codes and signals. Is able to work under highly stressful conditions.

Quality of work: 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 interface with all County departments and divisions, co-workers and customers, and the general public.

Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under “Specific Duties and Responsibilities.”

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directive, County policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends work regularly and on time with a minimum of tardiness and absences and adheres to County policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

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

Judgment: 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.

Cooperation: 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 County policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the County.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and County benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all County employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, customers, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the County and to project a good image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the County. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the County. Interfaces effectively with higher management, professionals, customers, and the general public.

Coordination of Work: 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.

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

Planning: Plans, directs and uses information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department. Knows and understands the expectations of the County 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 County. Within the constraints of County policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving departmental and County objectives. Organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designate resources in an efficient and effective way so as to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the County.

Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all County and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.

Leading: Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to staff so that they know whether their performance levels are satisfactory. Commends and rewards subordinates for outstanding performance yet does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of County goals and objectives.

Controlling: Provides a work environment which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits, and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of County standards, methods and procedures.

Delegating: Assigns additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate in order to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assist staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.

Decision Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department. When a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.

Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the department and County. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change.

Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers their suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.

Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of County policies regarding the department and County function. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from subordinate staff.

Policy Formulation: Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the County and continually reviews department policies in order to ensure that any changes in County philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated. Also understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and department morale and performance. Works to see that established policies enhance same.

Please visit www.kershaw.sc.gov

Go to JOBS tab

Find the job you want to apply for and click on the job