FIRE CAPTAIN (PROMOTIONAL)

City of Montebello, CA

$113K — $142K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of progressive fire service experience, including supervisory role.
  • Valid Fire Officer Certification from California State Fire Marshal, or equivalent completion of courses.
  • California Class C Driver's License with Firefighter endorsements required.
  • EMT Certification must be current at the time of application.
  • Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations certificate required.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise and coordinate activities of fire company personnel on shift.
  • Develop work assignments for effective fire protection coverage.
  • Instruct and train staff in firefighting and rescue techniques.
  • Evaluate performance of assigned personnel.
  • Direct maintenance of equipment and living quarters.
  • Respond to emergencies as the initial command officer.
  • Manage administrative functions including budgeting and documentation.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage, including dental and vision.
  • Retirement plan options with city contributions.
  • Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.
  • Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Full Job Description
Salary : $113,829.00 - $142,157.00 Annually
Location : 1600 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Fire Department
Division: Suppression
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/24/2026 12:00 PM Pacific

PROMOTIONAL RECRUITMENT
This recruitment is set to close on Thursday, September 24, 2026

***Application deadline will close at 12:00 P.M. (Noon)***
Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly!

A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
  • Completed City of Montebello employment application
  • A valid Fire Officer Certification or Company Officer Certification, from the Office of the California State Fire Marshal.
  • A valid California Class C Driver's License with Firefighter endorsements.
  • EMT Certification
  • Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations certificate.

EXAMINATION DATE: September 29, 2026
The examination will consist of the following components:
  • Oral Exam - 25%
  • Written Exam - 25%
  • Emergency Simulator - 50%
    • Minimum score of 70% required in each component to successfully pass the examination


Promotional Test - City Employees Only: In accordance with the City of Montebello Civil Service Rule VI, Section 170, this process will be a promotional test, and only full-time City employees are eligible to apply and must possess the qualifications of the position as set forth in the position specifications.
JOB SUMMARY

Under general direction, to plan, coordinate, and supervise the activities of a fire company during an assigned shift; to serve as initial command officer during emergencies, directing firefighting and emergency service functions; to provide for the training and development of assigned personnel; to have responsibility for administrative functions in the Department; and to perform related work as required.

This is a supervisory position with responsibility for assigning, coordinating, and supervising the work and the in-service training of a fire company at a City station during an assigned shift. Incumbents normally serve as initial command officers when responding to emergencies. In addition, positions are assigned administrative responsibilities for organization and development of a department service or function

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Provides supervision and work coordination for staff assigned to a fire company at a City station during an assigned shift.
  • Develops work assignments and ensures proper coverage of fire protection and emergency response services.

  • Maintains discipline; instructs and drills others in firefighting and rescue methods and procedures.


  • Evaluates assigned staff.


  • Directs the cleaning and maintenance of living quarters, equipment, and apparatus; Performs a variety of recordkeeping and administrative assignments.


  • Responds to fire and other emergencies by taking initial command at the scene of the emergency.


  • Orders placement of equipment for effective use.


  • Performs requisite fire suppression, emergency medical service, and other emergency functions as required by the nature of the emergency.


  • Supervises and participates in salvage and overhaul operations.


  • May drive fire and emergency service equipment.


  • Supervises and participates in fire inspection and fire prevention activities.


  • Administrative responsibility for the organization and development of Department functions.


  • Over sees a safe workplace.


  • Assists with the development of budgets.


  • Develops and prepares a variety of reports.


  • May represent Department functions with citizens, community organizations, and other government agencies.


  • May serve as Battalion Chief in the Chief's absence.

  • Represents assigned functions with City staff and other governmental agencies as delegated.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Fire Officer Certificate as issued by the State of California Fire Marshal or proof of completion of all required courses for the State of California Fire Marshal's Fire Officer Certification at time of application.
Possession of a California Class C Driver's License with Firefighter endorsements at time of application and maintenance of said license in good standing throughout employment in this position.
Possession of a current Emergency Medical Technician certification at time of application and maintenance of said license in good standing throughout employment in this position.
Possession of a Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations certificate at time of application and throughout employment in this position.
Training and Experience

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:
Education

Fire Officer Certificate as issued by the State of California Fire Marshal, or proof of completion of all required courses for the state of California Fire Marshal's Fire Officer Certification at time of application. State Fire Marshal Engine Boss Certification.

Work BackgroundFive years of progressively responsible work experience in the provision of fire and other emergency services, preferably including some experience in a lead or supervisory position, and presently holding the rank of Fire Engineer or presently a certified relief Fire Engineer with the Department.
Supplemental Information
Knowledge of:

  • Methods and principles of fire suppression, fire investigation, fire prevention, emergency medical response, and hazardous material control.


  • Principles of supervision and training.


  • Operation, maintenance, and capabilities of firefighting and emergency rescue equipment.


  • Practical hydraulics and pump operations.


  • Fire codes, laws, rules, and regulations.


  • Research methods and procedures.


Ability to:

  • Plan, coordinate, and supervise the activities of a fire company during an assigned shift.


  • Provide supervision, training, and work evaluation for staff.


  • Maintain discipline.


  • Provide guidance and assist with administration of Department policy, rules, and regulations.


  • Drive fire and emergency response equipment safely and skillfully in accordance with traffic rules and regulations.


  • Apply firefighting and emergency service techniques and methods in a variety of situations.


  • Direct fire inspections and prevention activities in the field.


  • Prepare a variety of reports and presentations.

  • Research, collect, and analyze information related to fire services.
  • Develop budget information and monitor expenditure.

  • Interpret, explain, and apply fire codes and regulations.


  • Effectively represent the fire service functions of the Department with concerned individuals, community organizations, and other governmental agencies.


  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.


  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

01

What is your highest level of formal education completed?
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Some College
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree

02

Describe your experience supervising, leading, or providing direction to fire service personnel. Include the number and classifications of employees you have supervised or led, your leadership responsibilities, and how you have addressed performance, discipline, or operational concerns.
03

Describe your experience serving in a leadership or command role during a fire, emergency medical incident, hazardous materials incident, or other emergency. What was the situation, what decisions were you responsible for making, and what was the outcome?
04

Describe your experience developing, coordinating, or delivering training to fire service personnel. Include the types of training you have provided, how you identified training needs, and how you evaluated whether the training was effective.
05

Describe your experience interpreting and applying fire codes, laws, departmental policies, rules, or regulations. Provide a specific example in which you had to analyze a situation, determine the appropriate requirement or procedure, and explain or enforce your decision.
06

Describe your experience performing administrative responsibilities within a fire department or similar public safety organization. Include your experience preparing reports, conducting research, analyzing information, maintaining records, developing budget information, or monitoring expenditures.
07

Fire Captains may represent the Department when working with City staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, and members of the public. Describe a situation in which you represented your department or organization with internal or external stakeholders. What was your role, how did you communicate effectively, and what was the result?
Required Question

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