HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire CaptainUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Fire Captain
Department: Fire
Division: Fire Administra�on
Supervisor: Battalion Chief
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 37
Job Number: 3701
Job Summary
Performs work in the supervision of shi� personnel and equipment. Performs related work as
required.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Acts as shi� commander in the absence of the Batalion Chief.
• Assigned to departmental commitee established to give overall direc�on of department
training program.
• Trains and drills shi� personnel in all phases of firefigh�ng, hazardous materials
mi�ga�on, rescue and emergency medical care in accordance with departmental goals,
policies and guidelines.
• Provides input to the budget process.
• Responds to alarms, directs the ac�vi�es of one truck or rescue company and
coordinates the ac�vi�es of shi� companies.
• Administers emergency medical care as outlined in the scope of prac�ce pertaining to an
Emergency Medical Technician.
• Produces and maintains shi� duty roster and daily log.
• Maintains, reviews, and submits all required documents and reports (incident reports,
purchasing card statements, evalua�ons, �mesheets, payroll change forms, inspec�ons,
etc.) consistent with department policies and deadlines.
• Operates radio equipment, mobile data computers and computer equipment.
• May determine firefigh�ng method at scene and need for addi�onal assistance.
• Directs and assists in ex�nguishing fires.
• May operate fire apparatus and equipment.
• Supervises maintenance of Fire Sta�on and apparatus.
• Inspects and tests fire equipment and apparatus.
• Par�cipates in fire preven�on ac�vi�es.
• Assigns and assists in performing inspec�ons and code enforcement.
• Maintains a work environment conducive to high morale and welfare of personnel under
his/her command.
Updated: March 2024
• Advises and explains to assigned shi� personnel all department rules, regula�ons and
direc�ves from ranking officers and assures they are followed.
• Assists in inves�ga�on and fire cause determina�on.
• Responsible for comple�ng various goals and objec�ves as assigned.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Other related du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on; or three years of related
experience and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Degree or 60
hours of coursework in Fire Science or related, experience one year as Lieutenant with
Iowa City Fire Department.
• Instructor I cer�fica�on. Iowa or Na�onal EMT cer�fica�on. Valid State of Iowa driver's
license with sa�sfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal
background check. Must live within 25 miles of the corporate limits of Iowa City, Iowa
within one year of appointment to the posi�on.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on; or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Degree in Fire
Science. Experience in public educa�on, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and the
Fire Preven�on Bureau.
• Instructor II cer�fica�on. Fire origin and cause training from State Fire Marshal or
Na�onal Fire Academy.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as propor�ons, percentages, area,
circumference, and volume.
• Ability to effec�vely communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in wri�ng.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instruc�ons furnished in writen, oral, diagram, or
schedule form.
• Ability to maintain minimum required cer�fica�ons, such as emergency medical status
and also retain and improve professional and technical knowledge by atending
educa�onal workshops, reviewing professional publica�ons, par�cipa�ng 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 so�ware,
defibrillators, combus�ble gas indicators, power tools and equipment, etc.
• Ability to par�cipate in physical requirements, must be in good physical condi�on and
participates in the department physical fitness program.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, opera�ng and maintenance
instruc�ons, and procedure manuals.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to solve prac�cal problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in
situa�ons where only limited standardiza�on exists.
• Ability to use strength and ability to do prolonged strenuous manual and mechanical
work under adverse condi�ons.
• Ability to write rou�ne reports and correspondence.
• Knowledge at a specialized level in one or more special opera�ons, such as hazardous
materials, confined space rescue, high-angle rescue, vehicle extrica�on, etc.
• Knowledge at advanced level in the areas of fire behavior, firefigh�ng evolu�ons,
firefigh�ng tac�cs, the incident management system, emergency medical services,
technical rescue and inspec�on techniques and methods; instruc�onal methodology,
Fire Department Rules and Regula�ons, City Administra�ve Policies, and other related
standards and regula�ons associated with emergency response.
• Knowledge of management fundamentals.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
Involves leadership role such as regularly guiding, training, and providing direction to
permanent staff in completing daily tasks and assignments. May perform additional supervisory
duties at the direction of the Department or Division Head to include disciplinary action,
assisting with hiring or firing, and writing or delivering performance reviews.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally
required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee
must push, pull or lift varying amounts. The employee regularly lifts and/or moves 10 pounds,
occasionally will lift and/or move 25 pounds, and will occasionally lift and/or move up to and
excess of 100 pounds with or without assistance. Participates in the department physical fitness
program. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color
vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
Updated: March 2024
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, smoke, toxic or caustic
chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, traffic hazards, and blood/body fluids. The
employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, dampness, direct sunlight,
dust, pollen, insect stings, and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Employee may be exposed to dangerous situations, dangerous fumes while engaged in
firefighting or cause determination activities, exposed to atmospheric conditions that affect the
respiratory system, and use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. Involves some exposure to
stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Scot Lyon, Fire Chief (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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