Fire Captain

The Fire Captain is responsible for the leadership, supervision, and operational management of assigned fire and emergency services personnel. Reporting directly to the Fire Chief, this position oversees daily shift operations, emergency response activities, workforce readiness, training programs, and personnel performance to ensure the safe and effective delivery of fire protection, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency services. 

• Direct and manage daily fire department operations during assigned shifts. 
• Establish operational priorities and ensure personnel, apparatus, and equipment remain prepared to support emergency response requirements. 
• Supervise emergency response activities involving fire suppression, rescue operations, hazardous materials incidents, emergency medical incidents, and other emergency situations. 
• Evaluate operational readiness and implement corrective actions to address deficiencies, performance concerns, and operational risks. 
• Ensure compliance with departmental policies, procedures, safety standards, and operational guidelines. 
• Respond to emergency incidents and serve as Incident Commander until command is transferred or the incident is resolved. 
• Assess incident conditions, identify hazards, establish operational objectives, and direct response resources. 
• Coordinate firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials, and emergency response activities to achieve safe and effective incident outcomes. 
• Ensure personnel accountability and adherence to established safety practices during emergency operations. 
• Coordinate activities with mutual aid agencies, customers, contractors, and other stakeholders as required. 
• Provide direct supervision, leadership, and mentorship to Lieutenants, Firefighters, Drivers, and other assigned personnel. 
• Assign work, establish priorities, monitor performance, and ensure work is completed effectively and safely. 
• Conduct employee performance evaluations and provide coaching, counseling, and developmental guidance. 
• Support employee engagement, succession planning, and workforce development initiatives. 
• Participate in personnel selection, training recommendations, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement activities. 
• Foster a professional work environment that promotes teamwork, accountability, diversity, and organizational excellence. 
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible fire service experience. 
• Required Certifications: 
• DoD (IFSAC), Pro Board, or Mississippi State Fire Officer II. 
• DoD (IFSAC), Pro Board, or Mississippi State Fire Instructor I. 
• DoD (IFSAC), Pro Board, or Mississippi State Hazardous Materials Operations. 
• NIMS ICS-100. 
• NIMS ICS-200. 
• NIMS ICS-300. 
• NIMS ICS-400. 
• NIMS ICS-700. 
• NIMS ICS-800. 
• Must be at least 21 years of age. 
• Must possess strong leadership, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills. 
• Must be capable of directing personnel and making sound operational decisions in dynamic, high-pressure environments. 
• Obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• Successfully pass background and drug screening

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Safety, or a related field preferred. 
• Bachelor's degree in Fire Administration, Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or a related field preferred. 
• Previous supervisory, officer-level, or leadership experience within a fire service organization preferred. 
• Experience managing personnel, conducting training programs, and leading emergency response operations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of fire suppression, rescue operations, hazardous materials response, emergency incident management, and firefighter safety practices. 
• Knowledge of Incident Command System principles and emergency management concepts. 
• Knowledge of fire service leadership, supervisory practices, workforce management, and employee development. 
• Ability to lead, motivate, supervise, and develop personnel. 
• Ability to analyze emergency situations, assess risks, and make sound operational decisions. 
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs and evaluate workforce performance. 
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, technical guidance, and regulatory requirements. 
• Ability to prepare reports, evaluations, training documentation, and administrative records. 
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, conflict resolution, and communication skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, records management systems, and electronic reporting platforms. 
• Skill in operating emergency response equipment, communications systems, and fire service technology resources.