Rev. 4/98

City of San José

CLASS PURPOSE  

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Responds to alarms received in an assigned district and directs the routes to be taken to the fire; makes decision as to the best methods of extinguishing the fire and saving lives until relieved of command by a superior officer; supervises the laying of hoses, direction of water streams, pressure of streams, placing of ladders, ventilation of building, rescuing of persons, administering of first aid, placing of salvage covers, and cleaning up the premises after the fire has been extinguished, sees that all company equipment is returned to its proper place after the fire has been extinguished. Assures a proper state of company readiness by supervising drills and training sessions, inspects and supervises the maintenance of a fire station and fire equipment; conducts roll call; keeps a daily log of company activities.
• Studies and becomes familiar with district streets, water supplies, building occupancy and contents, alarm boxes, nonambulatory citizens and other district features relating to fire safety.
• May perform the more difficult inspections of all buildings to ensure compliance with State and local laws; may arrest arson suspects; may carry firearms while investigating fires involving suspected arson.
• Performs training duties in the Bureau of Education and Training and coordinates and conducts the training of Plant Industrial Fire Brigades.

An incumbent is the Fire Department's first line supervisor responsible for the discipline, safety, performance, and training of personnel in the classes of Firefighter, Fire Engineer, Fire Prevention Inspector and Arson Investigator. The incumbent is responsible for supervising emergency and non-emergency situations in any Fire Department Bureau until relieved by a superior officer. Work may involve physical exertion and risk to personal safety. Direction is normally provided by a Battalion Chief. The incumbent may be assigned to any Fire Department Bureau and assignments to Fire Department Bureaus may be rotated periodically to attain and maintain a high level of proficiency in the Fire Captain level.

• Knowledge of the practices, procedures and equipment used in fire fighting, fire prevention and saving lives and property.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of fire and rescue equipment.
• Knowledge of codes and ordinances enforced by the Fire Prevention Bureau.
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations which govern the Fire Department, hazardous and flammable materials, evidence of arson, and presentation of evidence in court.
• Knowledge of panic and crowd control, building evacuation techniques and traffic rules.
• Knowledge of modern training methods and training equipment.

• Ability to effectively supervise employees and equipment under emergency conditions.
• Ability to supervise and inspect the maintenance of fire equipment.
• Ability to investigate and determine the cause of fires.
• Ability to train Fire personnel in the use of fire equipment.
• Ability to inspect buildings and interpret the laws, ordinances and regulations which govern the Fire Prevention Bureau.

(Rev. 7/80), (Rev. 6/84), (Rev. 4/98)