Fire Captain

Salary : $121,079.40 - $142,029.00 Annually
Location : Compton, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-27:26
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 10/28/2026
Closing Date: 11/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general direction, to command the work, training and discipline of personnel of a fire station on an assigned shift; to have immediate responsibility for the station's fire apparatus and equipment; to have charge of fire prevention work when so assigned by the Fire Chief; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED
As the first-line supervisor, a Fire Captain has direct command over the activities and personnel of a fire station during an assigned shift, and is responsible for the discipline of personnel and proper use and maintenance of apparatus and equipment, subject to the policies and supervision of the Fire Chief. Until the arrival of the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief or the Fire Battalion Chief, the Fire Captain decides on the equipment to be used, plans the spotting of equipment in relation to the fire, and decides on, and carries out the best method of fighting the fire. The Fire Captain is responsible for the effective and efficient extinguishment of the fire unless relieved of command.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responds to fire alarms, selects the route to be taken to the fire, assigns personnel and equipment, and orders placement of the truck in proper position for efficient operation; makes decisions as to the best methods and equipment to use in extinguishing the fire and saving lives unless relieved of command by the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Battalion Chief; supervises and assists in the laying of hose lines, the direction of streams of water, pressure of streams, placement of ladders, ventilation of buildings, and rescue of persons; administers first aid; supervises and conducts salvage and clean-up operations; sees that equipment is returned to its proper place and serviced after the fire has been extinguished; takes charge of the fire station and supervises the maintenance of quarters and equipment during assigned shift; supervises the cleaning of quarters, equipment and apparatus and inspects them to see that they are in good condition; inspects personnel and maintains discipline; conducts classes and fire drills; transmits orders and information to crew members; maintains records; occasionally relieves a Fire Battalion Chief.
When so assigned, supervises assigns and directs the work of the Fire Prevention Bureau; makes inspections of storage for explosives and flammable liquids, automatic fire alarm systems, automatic sprinkler systems, factories, schools and other buildings where people gather; writes reports of inspects and recommends preventative action to be taken; enforces State and City fire laws and ordinances, and reports violations; investigates origin and causes of fires; speaks before school and civic groups; distributes information in the form of bulletins and pamphlets on fire prevention; holds staff meetings with Fire Engineers and Firefighters to outline special hazards and problems which may be encountered in fighting fires; maintains records of inspections, investigations and related activities and performs administrative assignments when so directed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented with at least one (1) college level course in each of the following areas: Fire Management, Fire Command, Fire Investigation, Fire Prevention and Fire Instruction; OR
  
  An Associate in Science degree in Fire Science from as accredited college can be substituted for the required college level courses specified above.
  
  State Certification as a Fire Officer is desirable.

• Experience: Presently employed as a Fire Engineer or Firefighter with four (4) or more years of services at a municipal fire department.

KNOWLEDGES AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of modern fire fighting, and of protecting lives and property; thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Compton Fire Department and State and City fire laws and ordinances; wide knowledge of the operations and maintenance of the types of apparatus and equipment used by Compton Fire Department, together with ability to direct the efficient use of such apparatus and equipment; wide knowledge of fire training principles; ability to make inspections and detect hazardous conditions and violations of fire laws; thorough knowledge of the geography and the major fire hazards of the City of Compton; wide knowledge of first aid and resuscitation practices, and ability to lead personnel effectively and maintain discipline; the ability to maintain records and submit reports; meet physical and health status requirements necessary for performance in this classification of work as outlined in the City's Medical Standards for Applicants and Employees.
LICENSE: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.
Please note: Only the first 50 applications received that best meet the qualifications and needs of the hiring department will be invited to continue in the hiring process. Additional applications may be reviewed at a later time, based on hiring needs.

EXAMINATION
The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.

Phase one (1) is a written exam (weighted 30%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills. Phase two (2) is an oral examination (weighted 30%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability, Phase three(3) will be a green cell simulation (weighted 40%) which will measure all or portions of the above knowledge, and skills . The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for each phase is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.