Job Description

FIRE CAPTAIN

JOB CODE 61040

Effective Date:	Rev. 07/07A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to supervise a number of Firefighters and Fire Engineers, some of which may be assigned as Paramedics in an assigned fire company, and to perform skilled fire fighting and emergency medical service work. Fire Captains are responsible for the discipline of the employees and the proper maintenance of apparatus and equipment at a fire station. Incumbents drill and instruct the employees and are responsible for their performance at the scene of a fire or emergency medical incident. Performance is reviewed regularly by a Fire Battalion Chief or Fire Division Chief and evaluation is based upon the performance of the assigned company. Comparable responsibility may include assignments to the Training Academy, Fire Prevention, Health Center, Community Services, Resource Management, Emergency Medical Services, or Emergency Transportation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responds to emergency medical scenes, fire incidents, and other related emergency requests;
• Directs and coordinates emergency scene activity unless and until relieved of command by a supervisor;
• Supervises search and rescue operations;
• Coordinates the laying of hose lines and the placement of ladders; Directs pressure and use of water streams, and directs ventilation procedures, salvage operations and overhaul activities;
• Supervises the keeping of fire apparatus and equipment in readiness;
• Writes reports of all fires and related emergency activities, and reports concerning the use and condition of apparatus, related equipment, and supplies;
• Instructs and drills employees in fire fighting and emergency medical service techniques to ensure minimum company standards are maintained;
• Keeps a company journal of all company activities;
• Administers emergency medical services to injured persons, including basic techniques to restore cardiopulmonary functions;
• Lays and connects hose, and raises and climbs ladders at fire scenes;
• Moves and/or covers furnishings, removes smoke, and performs other salvage operations to minimize property damage;
• Attends in-service classes in fire fighting, emergency medical service, and related duties;
• Participates in physical fitness activities to maintain physical conditioning;
• Operates Computer Aided Dispatch equipment;
• Participates in inspections of fire hydrants.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Fire fighting principles, practices, and procedures.
• The geographical layout of the City of Phoenix, street names and numbers, and hydrant locations.
• The operation and maintenance of various types of apparatus and equipment used by the Fire Department.
• Emergency medical service techniques.
• Fire salvage and overhaul operations.

Ability to:

• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Enter data or information into a terminal, PC or other keyboard device such as the Computer Aided Dispatch system.
• Train and instruct employees in modern fire fighting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Work in confined spaces such as attic crawl spaces.
• Travel across wet, slippery, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces.
• Work at heights greater than ten feet.
• Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) long distances (more than 20 feet).
• Observe or monitor people's behavior to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards, or to assess patient condition.
• Communicate orally with customers, clients or the public in face-to-face one-on-one settings, or using a telephone.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language.
• Perceive red, yellow, and blue colors to recognize hazards identified by fire diamonds.
• Tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing job duties.
• Work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration.
• Rely on sense of sight, hearing, touch, and smell to help determine the nature of an emergency and make operational decisions.
• Make life and death decisions during emergency situations.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material in the English language.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements.
• Learn job related material through structured lecture and reading and through oral instruction and observation. This learning takes place in both a classroom setting and in an on-the-job training setting.
• Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper English sentence construction, punctuation and grammar.
• Observe or monitor objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to perform emergency medical services, or perform duties on the fire ground.
• Perform duties requiring frequent pulling of 40 pounds or more, such as removing hose from apparatus, pulling ceilings, starting power equipment, and opening doors on the apparatus.
• Lift arms above shoulder level to cut vent holes with an axe or to force entry into automobiles using specialized tools.
• Use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment or shift.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. In addition, individuals may be required to pass an Arizona Department of Transportation physical exam and possess the appropriate commercial driver's license (C.D.L.). Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Arizona State Department of Health Services EMT Certification.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Seven years of experience in fire fighting with the City of Phoenix, supplemented with related college courses. Each three semester hours of college credit acquired with a "C" or better may be substituted for one month of experience to a maximum of 36 credits.