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Engine Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fire Engine Captain

Flagstaff, AZ Β· On-site

$24.71 - $26.42/hr

Fire Engine Captain Apply now Job No: 540567 Work Type: Full-time Location: FLAGSTAFF Categories: Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT Manage and reduce ...

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Engine Captain information

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How much do engine captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for engine captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engine captain?

An Engine Captain is a supervisory firefighter who leads a crew responsible for operating and maintaining a fire engine, typically during wildfire or forest fire incidents. They oversee fire suppression activities, ensure the safety and training of their crew, and coordinate with other teams on the fireline. Engine Captains also handle administrative tasks, such as documentation and equipment inspections, and play a key role in both emergency response and preventative fire management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engine captain?

To thrive as an Engine Captain, you need a strong background in wildfire suppression, leadership, and emergency response, typically supported by relevant fire science training and experience. Proficiency with firefighting equipment, wildland engines, radio communications, and certifications such as NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) are essential. Excellent decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills help manage crews effectively and respond to rapidly changing fire conditions. These skills ensure the safety of crew members and the successful containment of wildfires under high-pressure situations.

What are some common challenges faced by an engine captain during wildfire suppression operations?

Engine Captains often face the challenge of making quick, critical decisions in high-pressure environments, especially during rapidly changing wildfire conditions. Coordinating a crew, managing equipment, and maintaining safety protocols while communicating with other teams requires strong leadership and adaptability. Additionally, Engine Captains must ensure their team’s morale and well-being during long shifts and physically demanding tasks. Building solid teamwork and maintaining clear communication are key to overcoming these challenges.

What are popular job titles related to Engine Captain jobs?

For Engine Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Fire Engine Captain

Flagstaff, AZ β€’ On-site

Arizona Department of Administration
Travel Arrangement ServicesΒ β€’Β 11 - 50 employees

$24.70 - $26.41/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise the activities of a wildland engine and its crew during daily project work, fire operations, and all risk incidents.

  • Operate fire apparatus and equipment, including engines, utility trucks, portable pumps, radios, chainsaws, chippers, and ATV/UTV.

  • Monitor and ensure the maintenance, inventory, and safety compliance of apparatus and equipment.


Job description

Fire Engine Captain
Job No: 540567
Work Type: Full-time
Location: FLAGSTAFF
Categories: Forestry/Wildland Fire/Natural Resources
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT
Manage and reduce fire risk to protect Arizona's people, communities, and wildland areas to champion the health of Arizona's natural resources. The Department of Forestry and Fire Management provides services through strategic implementation of cooperative natural resources and fire assistance programs, development and support of statewide fire policies, and coordination of resources across all-lands and jurisdictions.
Fire Engine Captain
Job Location:
Address: 3650 Lake Mary Road Flagstaff, AZ 86005
Posting Details:
Salary: $24.7086-$26.4170 Hourly
Grade: 19
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Job Summary:
This position directs the activities of a wildland engine and its crew during daily project work, fire operations (both emergency and planned events), and all risk operations. Responsible for supervising all preventative maintenance performed on apparatus or equipment by crew personnel. Assists the Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO) with presenting fire training to meet the needs of the District. Operates motorized apparatus and emergency equipment to include engines and utility trucks. Operates equipment to include portable pumps, radios, chainsaws, chippers, ATV/UTV. Is responsible for the inventory associated with the District's engines.
Job Duties:
  • Supervise work being performed by crew members to monitor quality of work, and progress to meet timelines. This will include assigned daily projects as well as creating projects for the crew to work on.
  • Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for crew members.
  • Evaluates employee performance.
  • Respond to wildland fires and all risk incidents.
  • Operate fire apparatus and equipment. Supervise maintenance checks and services of apparatus and equipment to include vehicle condition, condition of hose, chainsaws and other firefighting equipment.
  • Present and assist in District training needs. Participate in and monitor performance of physical training conducted by crew personnel to ensure they remain physically fit.
  • Assures that subordinates are trained and fully comply with the provisions of the safety regulations.
  • Ensure inventory levels and conditions are kept to standards on assigned apparatus and ensure bay and work space is kept organized, neat and clean.
  • Other duties as assigned, as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
  • Various fire apparatus and equipment commonly found on wildland fire operations.
  • ICS and how fire operations work on various type incidents.
  • Handheld and mobile radio operation and dispatch procedures.
  • Water handling equipment and its uses on wildland fire.
  • Chainsaw use, maintenance and repair.
  • Principles and practices of supervision.

Skills in:
  • Wildland firefighting and fireline supervision.
  • Verbal and written communication.
  • Interpersonal and supervisory skills.
  • Mapping and basic computer skills.

Ability to:
  • Make sound decisions, maintain composure and communicate clear, concise instructions during high stress wildland fire operations.
  • Drive/operate a motor vehicle.
  • Learn and adhere to employment laws (EEO, FMLA, etc).
  • Adhere to State of Arizona and Department of Forestry and Fire Management Standards of Conduct, policies, procedures and practices.
  • Compose detailed written reports.
  • Perform heavy lifting and have an adequate physical fitness level to work on the fireline per NWCG PMS310-1 standards.
  • Provide effective guidance and supervision to subordinate staff.
  • Drive on Sate business

Pre-Employment Requirements:
  • Arizona Drivers License
  • NWCG qualification of Engine Boss (ENGB) and physical fitness level of Arduous per PMS310-1 must be obtained within one year of hire.

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits:
The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
  • Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
  • 10 paid holidays per year
  • Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
  • Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
  • Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
  • Deferred compensation plan
  • Wellness plans
  • Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page
Retirement:
  • Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
  • Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
  • Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
  • The current contribution rate is 12.00%.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (623) 236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
Advertised: 28 Apr 2026 US Mountain Standard Time
Applications close:
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