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Fire Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Under general direction of the Assistant Fire Chief, the Fire Captain plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in fire suppression, prevention, and basic investigation of structure fires ...

Fire Captain

Los Banos, CA · On-site

$91K - $116K/yr

Fire Opening Date: 07/02/2026 Closing Date: 7/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description POSITION TITLE FIRE CAPTAIN DEPARTMENT FIRE EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY REGULAR EMPLOYMENT LEVEL SUPERVISORY DEFINITION To ...

General Definition of Work Under direction of the Fire Battalion Chief or higher-ranking officer or acting of his/her own volition, the Fire Captain performs responsible management, technical and ...

Fire Captain

Klamath, CA

$34.04 - $56.24/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Under direct supervision of the Battalion Chief this position will assist in all aspects of fire management functions including, preparedness, suppression, fuels management ...

Implements fire protection programs that conform to the United States Antarctic Program, including the operation of contract locations inAntarctica. * Responds to and/or supervises fire/EMS/Aircraft ...

Fire Captain

Klamath, CA · On-site

$34.04 - $56.24/hr

Fire Opening Date: 07/08/2026 Closing Date: 7/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific POSITION SUMMARY Under direct supervision of the Battalion Chief this position will assist in all aspects of fire management ...

Fire Captain

Belmont, NC

$20.14 - $32.22/hr

Promotional Process for Fire Captain * Notice of competitive process Qualifying candidates wishing to compete in this process should submit their resume to Interim Fire Chief Alex Hardee. II. ...

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 ...

Job Summary The Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) is recruiting for one Fire Captain position located at the Ely Industrial Shop. This position, under the supervision of the Battalion Chief acts as a ...

Florida State Fire Officer I Certificate * Current Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) * Basic Life Support by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuer ...

Florida Firefighter II Florida State Fire Instructor I Certificate Florida State Engineers Certification(within 12 months of initial hire) Florida State Fire Officer I Certificate Current Florida ...

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Fire Captain information

See salary details

$38.5K

$78K

$134.5K

How much do fire captain jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire captain in the United States is $77,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $100,000.00 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 are Fire Captains?

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.

What cities are hiring for Fire Captain jobs? Cities with the most Fire Captain job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Fire Captain jobs? The top employers for Fire Captain jobs are:
What states have the most Fire Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Captain jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Captain jobs? For Fire Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Fire Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $77,989 per year, or $37.5 per hour.
Fire Captain

$46 - $54.12/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Under general direction of the Assistant Fire Chief, the Fire Captain plans, organizes, supervises, and participates in fire suppression, prevention, and basic investigation of structure fires, wildland fires, medical aids, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, rescue efforts, and other emergency calls. Provides training, guidance, direction, and leadership to others in the department.


  • Drives the fire engine and transports firefighting personnel to an emergency site; locates hydrants, operates pumps, and evaluates water system and supply.
  • Responds to fire emergencies; takes incident command as needed; operates various firefighting, control, and rescue equipment; performs fire ground operations; responds to and participates in emergency situations involving toxic/hazardous materials.
  • Renders emergency medical aid, CPR, and life supportive procedures to the sick and injured in fire and other emergency situations.
  • Supervises multiple resources while on assignment including Chumash Fire personnel and others.
  • Collaborates with different agencies, fire departments, tribal organizations, and additional resources.
  • Operates emergency vehicles while exercising due care and caution, and in exception to traffic control devices; in congested traffic; in unsafe road conditions; and in environmental conditions such as fog, smoke, rain, ice, and snow.
  • Develops and implements protocols to keep training and fire records up to date and organized for reporting to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
  • Administers and inspects the cleaning and services of firefighting equipment and apparatuses; administers and maintains clean and orderly conditions in and about the fire station; administers and implements tests and maintenance of the hydrant systems.
  • Administers, coordinates, delegates, and participates in training activities, practice drills, and physical fitness programs.
  • Administers and participates in inspections of public and commercial buildings for fire prevention, target hazard identification and review, and fire code enforcement.
  • Administers and assists with programs such as weed abatement, arson investigation, public information programs, staff development, pre-fire planning, and maintaining pertinent maps; delegates, coordinates, and assists in department operations by assigning tasks to personnel.
  • Participates in public education programs; makes presentations to school children, service departments, and public gatherings on fire and burn prevention; represents the department at public functions to promote fire and burn prevention by the general public.
  • Administers department participation in community events; represents the department in a respectful and professional manner.
  • Trains, develops, empowers, coaches, counsels, conducts performance reviews, resolves problems, provides open communication vehicles, and recommends disciplinary action to senior management as appropriate.
  • Builds a work environment that promotes teamwork, partnership, recognition, mutual respect, collaboration, performance feedback/management, and Team Member satisfaction while role modeling the company values, behaviors, and culture of One.Team.Chumash.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

  • High School Diploma or GED Certificate is required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Business or Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field or equivalent work experience is required.
  • Certified by the California State Board of Fire Services as a Firefighter 1.
  • EMT B Certification.
  • Possession of a current CPR card or ability to obtain before start date.
  • Valid Firefighter Class B California Driver’s License.
  • Completed Firefighter 1 Certification Task Book under the NWCG PMS 310-1.
  • Must complete Chumash Fire Department Structure Firefighter Task Book within one year from hire date.
  • Qualified under the NWCG PMS 310-1 as an Engine Boss, or the ability to obtain a task book within one year of appointment (hire date).
  • Five years of firefighting safety, and risk management experience in a professional Firefighter position.
  • Two years of supervisory experience is required.
  • Knowledge of leadership and management skills and techniques; able to foster teamwork and develop and mentor others in a culturally diverse environment.
  • Knowledge of fire behavior and suppression techniques; operation and maintenance of pumping engines and water tender; practical/applied hydraulics; mathematics; water pressure and flow calculations; hydrant and water main systems; traffic laws and regulations; reservation geography; universal fire vocabulary and emergency medical care and basic life support techniques; basic mechanical and building construction maintenance principles; universal safety precautions when providing medical attention; equipment safety inspection procedures; the proper handling of toxic/hazardous materials.
  • Must be insurable to drive department vehicle.
  • Must pass physical agility test within 30 days of hire and continue to pass each year of employment thereafter.
  • Intermediate computer proficiency utilizing Microsoft applications, email, and internet.
  • Ability to work irregular hours, weekends, and holidays.
  • Native American hiring preference applies.
  • Leadership: Achieving results through people by successful objective setting, performance review, motivation, delegation, teambuilding, commitment gains, and empowerment.
  • People Development: Having the ability to assess skill strengths and weaknesses of individuals and teams in order to determine what actions are appropriate to build and/or improve the needed skills.
  • Teamwork: Working as a productive member of a cohesive group toward a common goal and contributing to team development and effective team dynamics.
  • Results Orientation: Being persistent and showing perseverance on achieving concrete and tangible results out of personal responsibility; getting optimum results from situations and being ready to take action and show tenacity in case of obstacles or resistance.
  • Stress Tolerance: Performing well when faced with pressure due to time frame, workload, adversity, disappointment, or opposition.

100 Via Juana Drive
$47.38 per hour
$55.74 per hour