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Fire Captain Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

City of Owensboro, KY

Lateral Transfer Firefighter

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$16.89 - $23.84/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... FIRE DEPARTMENT . Applications are accepted year-round for this position. However, the City will ... This job reports to the Captain or Lieutenant, as assigned, or as otherwise designated by ...

City of Owensboro, KY

Lateral Transfer Firefighter

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$16.89 - $23.84/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... FIRE DEPARTMENT . Applications are accepted year-round for this position. However, the City will ... This job reports to the Captain or Lieutenant, as assigned, or as otherwise designated by ...

Marquette Transportation Company LLC

Chief Engineer

Paducah, KY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Inspect and maintain all fire suppression systems. * Train crew members in the proper use of onboard firefighting equipment. * Assist the captain in executing fire emergency procedures and conducting ...

Mad Taco

Mad Taco Assistant Manager

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Team up with the culinary and bar legends to keep the food and drinks fire * Tackle problems with ... Paid vacation time because even captains need to touch grass. * Wellness First: Medical, dental ...

Mad Taco

Mad Taco Sous Chef

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll guide, coach, and hype up your crew, making sure every plate looks fire and every bite ... Paid vacation time because even captains need to touch grass. * Wellness First: Medical, dental ...

All JobsFire Captain JobsFire Captain Jobs in Kentucky

Fire Captain information

See Kentucky salary details

$33.4K

$67.7K

$116.8K

How much do fire captain jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire captain in Kentucky is $67,736.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,300.00 and $86,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Fire Captain vs Fire Lieutenant?

AspectFire CaptainFire Lieutenant
CertificationsFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license, leadership trainingFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic license, some leadership training
Work EnvironmentOversees fireground operations, manages crews, strategic decision-makingAssists in fireground tasks, supervises firefighters, reports to captain
ResponsibilitiesCommand of fire scenes, personnel management, incident strategySupport role, direct firefighting teams, ensure safety protocols

Fire Captains hold higher leadership roles, overseeing entire operations and making strategic decisions. Fire Lieutenants assist captains, supervise firefighters, and handle tactical tasks. Both roles require firefighting experience and certifications, but captains have broader responsibilities and authority.

What are some typical leadership challenges faced by a fire captain, and how can they be effectively managed?

Fire Captains often encounter challenges related to leading diverse teams during high-pressure situations and ensuring clear communication in emergencies. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on leadership at incident scenes can be demanding. To manage these challenges effectively, Fire Captains rely on strong interpersonal skills, continuous training, and fostering a culture of trust and accountability within their crew. Regular drills, open communication, and mentorship are key strategies for maintaining team cohesion and operational efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Captain, you need extensive firefighting experience, leadership abilities, and usually certification from fire academies or training programs, often along with EMT or paramedic credentials. Familiarity with incident command systems, fire suppression technologies, and emergency management software is important. Strong decision-making, communication, and team leadership skills help a Fire Captain coordinate crews effectively and maintain safety under pressure. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient emergency response, safeguarding personnel, and protecting the public during critical incidents.

What is a fire captain?

Fire Captains are experienced firefighters who supervise and manage a team of firefighters during emergency responses and daily operations at a fire station. They are responsible for directing firefighting tactics, ensuring safety protocols are followed, training personnel, and maintaining equipment. In addition to emergency response, Fire Captains handle administrative duties, coordinate with other emergency services, and serve as a key leadership figure within the fire department.

What does a fire captain do?

A fire captain’s duties and responsibilities are to oversee the daily operations of a fire station. Some captains have specialized responsibilities, such as leading emergency medical services (EMS) crews connected to the station. As the fire captain, you are the leader of the entire company, so you must gain significant experience at the lower ranks. You manage the training and supervision of new personnel and the administration of training exercises related to fire management, fire suppression, hazardous material response, and rescue operations. You are the primary commander at an emergency until the battalion chief arrives.

More about Fire Captain jobs

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Cities in Kentucky with the most Fire Captain job openings:

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Fire Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Captain job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,736 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Fire Captain IAFF - INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY

City of Paducah

Paducah, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description:

THIS IS AN INTERNAL ONLY POSITION - OUTSIDE CANDIDATES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under general direction, directs and supervises the activities of a fire company or station; performs firefighting, rescue, emergency medical care and repair and maintenance of equipment; acts in capacity of Assistant Fire Chief as required.


ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES:

  • Directs, supervises and participates in fire company activities (e.g., Responds to alarms, firefighting activities, rescue activities, equipment and apparatus maintenance, etc.).
  • Enforces policy compliance within their company and station.
  • Ensures their company performs in a professional manner and treats customers and fellow employees with respect and courtesy.
  • Leads by example
  • Actively participates in preparing subordinates for the next career step.
  • Schedules and assigns employee work tasks; develops and implements training programs.
  • Instructs firefighting personnel in fire safety, equipment and apparatus operations, and fire suppression and prevention techniques.
  • Evaluates and recommends personnel job performance; recommends discipline.
  • Assume command on the scene of an emergency of fire in the absence of the Assistant Fire Chief.
  • Participates in fire prevention activities, Performs company inspections, Speaks or assigns fire company personnel to speak before schools, businesses or other agencies on fire prevention and fire control.
  • Inspects equipment and delegates tasks to ensure proper operation and inventory of emergency and firefighting equipment on assigned apparatus.
  • Maintains records and prepares and submits reports.
  • Performs related duties as required or assigned by the Assistant Chief or Fire Chief.



Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Completion of a secondary education and five (5) years experience as a firefighter and three (3) years experience as a Lieutenant; or equivalent combination of training and/or experience which shows an advanced knowledge of supervision, comprehensive knowledge of firefighting’s, rescue, and first aid; demonstrable ability to operate the various pieces of fire department equipment and apparatus; demonstrable ability to perform heavy sustained labor and physical activity in hazardous conditions, and possession of a valid State of Kentucky motor vehicle operator’s license.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to operate various fire equipment and apparatus, and to perform sustained physical activity in hazardous conditions.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of City and Departmental policies and procedures, supervision, fire suppression and fire prevention techniques, fire apparatus operation and maintenance, management principles an procedures, employee training and development procedures, safety practices and procedures, operation of fire and emergency equipment and apparatus, tools; methods and procedures used in equipment and building maintenance. Ability to deal with many variables and to determine specific actions, perform and act under stressful conditions, sustain physical activity for prolonged periods of time, communicate effectively in written and oral form, work as a team member in fighting fires; follow oral and written instructions; and demonstrable skills in operation of fire and emergency equipment apparatus.


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