Fire Captain

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: LEAD FROM THE FRONT 

Are you ready to step into a definitive leadership role where your tactical expertise, operational courage, and mentorship, change lives every day? The City of Tulare is looking for its next two Fire Captains— commanding officers who balance strategic oversight with frontline action to protect our community and inspire the next generation of first responders.

Why This Role Matters

As a Fire Captain, you are not just a manager; you are the backbone of our emergency response. You will run your own station, command high-stakes incidents, and directly shape the culture, readiness, and safety of your company.

Your Mission & Impact

• Command with Confidence: Take immediate tactical command of fires, rescues, hazardous material scenes, and medical emergencies.
• Build Elite Teams: Plan, mentor, and lead the daily work of Firefighters, Paramedics, and Engineers. Your drills and guidance keep them sharp.
• Shape Station Operations: Manage station budgets, spearhead grant-writing initiatives, and oversee vital equipment logistics.
• Protect the Future: Enforce life-saving fire codes, conduct investigations, and serve as a trusted, visible ambassador to our community.

• Command Presence: The rare ability to make split-second, sound choices in high-pressure, chaotic environments.
• Tactical Expertise: Advanced mastery of fire suppression, technical rope rescues, hazardous materials, and EMS response.
• Operational Knowledge: Deep understanding of personnel management, local geography, and complex building construction mechanics.
• Community Integrity: Excellent communication skills, building trust with city officials, business owners, and the public alike.
  

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 located in the heart of California's Central Valley.  The organization, staffed with 400 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

Message from Marc Mondell, City Manager

It’s an exciting time to be part of the City of Tulare, there is an unprecedented level of public and private investment and growth occurring within the community.  This is also true for the Fire Department in that the City Council has invested significant funds over the past 4.5 years including a new $1.5 million state of the art ladder truck, new $1 million fire engine, and a new $500 thousand Type III wildland engine.  The City provided the largest raise in the history of the Department to all fire personnel and hired 12 new fire fighters through the SAFER program.  The Department recently completed its Standards of Coverage analysis which calls for a new Fire Station and management is actively working to determine the preferred location, design parameters, and funding.  

If you are looking to be part of a great team doing important work with career advancement opportunity, then you should consider applying for one of our leadership positions today.  On behalf of City Council and Chief Ott, we welcome your application!

Message from Michael Ott, Fire Chief

The City of Tulare Fire Department (TFD) is in the midst of a bold and deliberate transformation. Over the past few years, we have made significant, measurable progress toward aligning our operations with National Fire Protection Association 1710 staffing standards and ISO benchmarks, ensuring we deliver the highest level of fire and emergency services to the Tulare community, while prioritizing the safety of our personnel.

TFD has made substantial investments in modern apparatus, advanced technology, and state-of-the-art equipment. Our firefighters operate with cutting-edge tools designed to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and, most importantly, safety on every call.

We have also elevated our training standards. By bringing in instructors from across the country and sending our personnel to premier national conferences such as Fire Department Instructors Conference, Fire-Rescue International, and programs through the National Fire Academy, we ensure our team remains at the forefront of fireground operations and emergency response. The knowledge, skills, and capabilities of TFD personnel reflect that commitment.

Equally important, we are leading the way in firefighter health and wellness. Our department has implemented comprehensive annual physicals, including advanced cancer screening (LifeScan), established a newly built NFPA 1851-compliant PPE cleaning and inspection facility, and is actively working towards advanced rehabilitation and resiliency efforts through cold-water immersion and sauna protocols.

This is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking, high-performing organization committed to excellence, innovation, and service.

I challenge you to take a closer look at what TFD has to offer and join a growing team proud to serve the City of Tulare.

About Tulare Fire Department (TFD) 

The TFD was established in 1882. The department has an outstanding history, tradition, and connection to the community of Tulare. Today, the TFD strives to evolve each day to meet the demands of the citizens, visitors, organizations and companies who live, learn, play, work, worship, and prosper in Tulare.

TFD is comprised of 52 full-time sworn personnel, supported by four non-sworn members, one Fire Marshal, one Fire Inspector, one Management Analyst, and one part-time Fire Inspector. This staffing model ensures comprehensive operational readiness, fire prevention oversight, and administrative support.

TFD operates from three strategically located fire stations, each housing an engine company staffed with up to four personnel on duty per day. In addition, the department operates a ladder company from Fire Station 61, also staffed with up to four personnel daily. Daily staffing levels range from 13 to 17 members.

The department’s highly trained firefighters maintain constant readiness to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, ensuring timely and effective protection for the community. TFD operates advance life support apparatus, non-transport.

TFD is proud to maintain an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 2 rating, reflecting the department’s high level of operational effectiveness and training. This rating contributes to reduced property insurance rates for residents and businesses within the city.

APPLY TODAY

To be considered for this position applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills.  In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to attach copies of all the required certificates. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application.

The dates associated with the various steps of our recruitment process are outlined in this job posting.  Please be sure to make note of the dates and plan now to participate in each phase of the process.
   
RECRUITMENT PROCESS

If we determine that you meet the minimum requirements for the position and that you have attached all of the required items, you will be invited to take part in the recruitment process.

Written Exam: To be administered on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 19^th

The exam is based upon the following source material:

• IFSTA Fire & Emergency Services Company Officer (6^th Ed.) ISBN 9780879396503 - Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 
• IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting (7^th Ed.) ISBN 9780879396572 - Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 16, 20, 22, 23, 24

Additional details regarding the written exam will be sent via email to qualified applicants after the recruitment closes and our screening process is completed (on or before Friday, August 14th at 5 p.m.).

Refer to the "Qualifications/Requirements" section of this posting for a complete list of all the required qualifications and attachments.

Interview & Assessment Center: To be administered on Wednesday, August 26^th and/or Thursday, August 27^th. 

The interview and assessment center process will take approximately one- and one-half hours to complete. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, it may take two days for us to assess all of the candidates, but you will only need to report on one of the days.

The recruitment process will establish the eligibility list.  Candidates must receive a minimum overall score of 70% to be placed on the list in rank order. 

Chief’s Interview: We are currently recruiting for two positions therefore, the top seven candidates in rank order, will be eligible to advance to the Chief's interview phase scheduled to occur on: Wednesday, September 9th 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general supervision, plans, schedules, deploys, supervises, and reviews the work of Firefighters, Firefighter/Paramedics, and Fire Engineers of an assigned company or station responsible for providing fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical treatment, hazardous material response, and fire inspection and prevention services; takes command of fires and other emergency incidents within the City unless relieved by another officer; performs the full range of emergency response duties as a member of a response team; coordinates, and participates in non-emergency inspection, training, maintenance, and related activities; and performs other duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a Fire Battalion Chief/Division Chief.  Exercise direct and general supervision over assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a full supervisory class in the fire series, responsible for all activities of an assigned company or station and for assisting with overall department management activities, as assigned. Responsibilities include both company command and the performance of a variety of emergency response, non-emergency maintenance, and administrative duties.  This class is distinguished from the Fire Battalion Chief/Division Chief in that the latter is a management-level class responsible for the operations of an assigned program within the Fire Department.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Establishes incident command system at all emergencies; directs firefighting operations until relieved by a higher-ranking officer, including commanding tactical and safety activities to ensure all response activities are conducted in a manner consistent with prescribed policies and procedures.
• Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; establishes schedules and methods for providing effective fire suppression and prevention services; implements policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development of the Fire Department's budget, including submitting budget recommendations and monitoring expenditures.
• Plans, schedules, organizes, assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of sworn staff of an assigned company or station; provides input into selection, disciplinary, and other personnel matters; may counsel employees as required.
• Identifies fire training needs of company personnel; drills and instructs personnel in the use of a variety of fire fighting apparatus, equipment, tools, and devices; instructs personnel on location of fire hazards in public buildings and the methods of combating fires in such places; ensures conformance of training and instructional work with department policies and procedures.
• Ensures an accurate and efficient inventory of equipment and supplies, including purchasing needed equipment and submitting equipment requests accordingly.
• Administers, coordinates, manages, and personally performs work in support of a variety of departmental programs and activities such as fire administration, prevention, public education, inspection, fleet equipment maintenance, inventory, training, or other aspects of the fire prevention and suppression programs.
• Represents the department and the City in contacts with other fire and medical response agencies.
• Provides mutual aid to other fire service and medical emergency agencies in accordance with departmental policy.
• Assists in rendering emergency medical services.
• Supervises and participates in the laying and connection of hose, direction of water streams, placement of ladders, ventilation of buildings, rescue of persons, and salvage operations; ascertains the need for and type of additional equipment necessary to handle emergencies; makes technical decisions as to the best methods of extinguishing fires after observing the fire and receiving reports from company officers.
• Checks commercial and residential buildings for code compliance including in the areas of building exits, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarms, fixed fire extinguishing systems, commercial hood and duct systems, emergency generators, underground water systems and hazardous materials storage; interprets and enforces provisions of fire prevention and fire safety laws, ordinances, and other regulations.
• Performs and assists in company and/or station inspections; inspects personnel, equipment, and company quarters.
• Conducts preliminary investigation on causes of fire; obtains and otherwise preserves evidence at a fire scene; collects, prepares, and presents evidence in court when required; prepares reports of findings and recommendations.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with the community; presents a variety of educational and public service programs to children, youth and community groups; responds to questions and comments from the public; collaborates with involved parties to reach resolutions on identified issues.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others informed regarding present and potential work issues and provides solutions to address issues.
• Performs a variety of administrative duties including recording company activities in designated logs, preparing and maintaining records, reports, forms, recommendations, and other required administrative procedures of the company.
• Applies for various grants and coordinates the process from the beginning (i.e., grant writing) to the end (i.e., purchase order tracking).
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews materials to remain current on principles, practices, and developments in assigned work areas.
• Performs the full range of Firefighter and/or Fire Engineer duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

When performing the Training assignment:

• Oversees and coordinates the daily operations and activities of a comprehensive training program within the Fire Department, ensuring that the assigned program has the necessary logistical support to ensure efficient operations at all times, and compliance with Federal, State, and local training mandates.
• Trains and supervises assigned staff to implement goals, objectives, and functions of training programs, including coordinating and participating in ongoing training activities, participating with staff in correcting deficiencies, and maintaining records as appropriate.
• Schedules monthly training of staff; plans, oversees, and coordinates all related activities; produces, maintains, and manages all training-related reports, records, and logs.
• Plans, develops, and instructs training courses in a variety of fire service areas; researches various current materials, tools, techniques, and equipment for performing various emergency tasks.
• Participates in training planning on at the local, State, and national level as a member of related committees and organizations.
• Manages and administers the training budget; prioritizes training leave; approves and purchases training materials and supplies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, and evaluation and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles, practices, procedures, techniques, and equipment used in: fire, medical, and hazardous materials emergency response, including containment and clean-up; technical and confined response situations.
• Basic emergency medical procedures including basic first aid and CPR.
• Symptoms of medical emergencies and of appropriate responses to such conditions.
• Practices, procedures, and equipment used in fire investigations, including the ability to recognize and collect evidence.
• Basic building construction techniques and practices including operation characteristics and designs of fire protection, sprinkler, alarm, elevators, and other related systems.
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Geography of the City, including locations of streets, hydrants, sprinkler and standpipe hookups, and alarm panels.
• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, and ordinances.
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work.
• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and computer applications.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to:

• Plan, schedule, assign, supervise, review, and evaluate the work of staff on an assigned shift.
• Train staff in work procedures.
• Serve as an integral part of the department's management team; including administering assigned programs and projects.
• Perform fire suppression and associated rescue and salvage work in a safe and effective manner.
• Evaluate patients' conditions and properly render emergency medical care including administration of emergency medications.
• Perform at required EMS, technical rope rescue, and hazardous material operation levels.
• Apply the mechanics of fire fighting.
• Operate vehicles and apparatus safely and in conformance with department procedures and traffic laws.
• Deal with hazardous materials incidents in conformance with department procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and accurate reports and other written materials.
• Interpret, apply, and explain complex codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Enter information into a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to perform the work.
• Establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized recordkeeping and project management systems.
• Make sound, independent decisions in emergency situations within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented with extensive course work in fire science, police science, fire investigation, or related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible full time paid fire fighting experience.  Seasonal experience may be used to fulfill this requirement if documentation can be provided that indicates the experience was equivalent to that of full time firefighting duties. In addition, two (2) years in the operation of equipment and apparatus at the level of Fire Engineer is desirable. A two-year degree in Fire Science or a related field from an accredited college is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid Class A or B driver's license, or a Class C driver's license with a Fire Fighter 'F' endorsement, and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a valid Fire Officer or Company Officer certificate from the California State Fire Marshal.
• Possession of the Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations certification.
• Possession of a valid healthcare provider CPR certification.
• Possession of a valid EMT-I certification or valid EMT-P issued by a California Emergency Medical Services Authority.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; mobility, physical strength, and stamina to respond to emergency situations and use all emergency apparatus and equipment; perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines, and to climb and descend ladders; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to discern colors and assess emergency situations, including medical incidents, to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.  This is partially a sedentary, partially a field classification that requires operating in emergency situations and identifying and assessing problems or hazards.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, operate standard office equipment, and to operate above-mentioned apparatus and equipment.  Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites, and push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials, objects, and individuals necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  The work also involves work in the field with exposure to loud noise levels, extreme temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, substantial heights, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.  Employees may interact with upset staff and public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Employees are required to work shifts, as scheduled by the department.