Fire Captain

Job Description

Job Description

***Position open until February 19, 2026***

The City of Haines City is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, religion, creed, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. The City of Haines City is a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants who complete the initial screening process will be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical. Police Department applicants will also be required to take a Polygraph Examination. All information provided by an applicant will be verified for truthfulness and accuracy if a conditional offer of employment is made. Applications and other submitted documents are considered public records.

Salary range is provided to show the min to max compensation for a position. It is not the basis for or guarantee of a starting salary.

Position Function:

Under the general direction of the Battalion Chief, the Fire Captain provides direct supervision of personnel assigned to a fire company or station. This position is responsible for the leadership, direction, and management of emergency response activities, including fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials incidents, and public education. The Captain ensures the readiness of personnel, equipment, and facilities, and fosters a professional, safe, and efficient operational environment.

Essential Duties:

1. Maintains the ability to perform and may perform duties of a Firefighter, EMT/Paramedic, Driver Engineer, and Lieutenant as operationally required.
   
   
2. Supervises and directs daily activities, emergency operations, and station management for assigned personnel.
   
   
3. Holds assigned personnel accountable for performance, conduct, training compliance, and adherence to department standards.
   
   
4. Responds to fire, medical, rescue, hazardous materials, and other emergency incidents; assumes command as required until relieved by a higher-ranking officer.
   
   
5. Ensures compliance with department policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
   
   
6. Conducts training, drills, and continuing education programs for assigned shift personnel to maintain operational proficiency.
   
   
7. Oversees the inspection, maintenance, and readiness of apparatus, equipment, and facilities.
   
   
8. Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of incident action plans.
   
   
9. Prepares clear and concise reports on incidents, training, personnel matters, and station activities.
   
   
10. Facilitates mentoring, coaching, and professional development of subordinate personnel.
    
    
11. Enforces safety practices and standards to ensure the health and welfare of personnel.
    
    
12. Assists in community risk reduction initiatives, including public education, fire prevention programs, and station tours.
    
    
13. Participates in performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and promotional processes as required in accordance with department policy.
    
    
14. Ensures accurate and timely completion of NERIS and EMS reporting.
    
    
15. Serves as Acting Battalion Chief when assigned in accordance with department policy.
    
    
16. Performs additional duties as assigned.
    
    

Environment:

Work is performed in an office, station, and hazardous emergency environments with exposure to extreme weather, fire, smoke, hazardous materials, unstable structures, and infectious diseases. Exposure risk to traumatic or thermal injuries is possible; infectious disease; grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma, burn victims, and death; loud noises; confined spaces; heights; chaotic situations; and chemical and electrical hazards.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
  
  
• State of Florida Firefighter II Certificate of Compliance.
  
  
• State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License/Certification.
  
  
• State of Florida Pump Operator Certificate of Competency.
  
  
• 45 Hour Aerial Operations Course
  
  
• State of Florida Fire Officer I Certificate of Competency.
  
  
• Minimum seven (7) years of full-time firefighting experience with two (2) years in a supervisory role.
  
  
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
  
  
• Ability to lead and supervise personnel under emergency and routine conditions.
  
  
• Skilled in firefighting, emergency medical services, rescue operations, fire prevention, and inspections.
  
  
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards.
  
  
• Ability to lift and carry up to 150 pounds and operate firefighting equipment.

Preferred

• State of Florida Paramedic (PMD) License/Certification.
  
  
• State of Florida Fire Inspector I Certificate of Competency.
  
  
• State of Florida Fire Officer II Certificate of Competency.
  
  
• Associate's Degree in Fire Science or related field.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Florida Class E driver's license.

• Must pass post-offer pre-employment Drug Screen and Physical Examination, and applicable Background Checks to include CJIS screening.

• All listed certifications must be maintained for the duration of employment.

• Must meet and retain all job requirements of the most recent Haines City Lieutenant job description.

• Must successfully obtain and maintain a State of Florida Fire Inspector I Certificate of Competency within 24 months of appointment.

• Must successfully obtain and maintain a State of Florida Fire Officer II Certificate of Competency within 24 months of appointment.

• Ability to work under high demands, short time constraints, and pressure of a fast-paced work environment.

• Ability to remain up-to-date on Federal, State, and City regulations, and Occupational Health and Safety standards in order to implement best practices and policies affecting department activities.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working and professional relationships with City and other public employees, public officials, contractors, consultants, businesses, and the general public.

• Ability to lift and/or carry 150 pounds during emergency fire and medical rescue.

• Ability to use Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

• Ability to operate and maintain (to include minor repairs) fire suppression pumper and aerial apparatus, and all job-related equipment and tools.

• Ability to operate and maintain voice radio equipment.

• Skilled in selecting and applying appropriate emergency treatment and using specialized equipment and apparatus.

• Skilled in analyzing fire and emergency situations and providing an effective course of action.

• Skilled in effectively dealing with people under stress.

• Knowledge of fire prevention and safety education, and modern fire suppression methods, practices, and principles.

• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS).

• Knowledge of laws and ordinances related to fire prevention, public safety, and arson investigation.

• Knowledge of the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

• Knowledge of fire hydraulics, fire apparatus, equipment, tools, devices, facilities, and the proper use and maintenance.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency medical procedures such as advanced first aid, CPR, and other medical assistance techniques.

• Knowledge of city geography and hydrant locations.

• Knowledge of decontamination procedures.

• Thorough knowledge of commercial and residential operations and related potential hazards.

• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

This position may be required to report for work during declared emergencies in Polk County.