Fire Captain

This position is part of the Promotional Process for Fire and Emergency Services. Only internal candidates will be considered.

The Fire Captain supervises and commands all operations within a fire company or academy or serves as second-in-command of a fire prevention or planning and research division. Responsibilities include enforcing departmental policies, implementing managerial directives, conducting fire investigations, determining plans of action at fire scenes, overseeing fire equipment maintenance, and assisting with fire prevention and related programs. Work is performed within broad policy and organizational guidelines, with independent planning and project implementation. Progress is reported through periodic conferences and meetings.

While typically assigned to supervise a company in the Operations Section, incumbents may also serve in non-company assignments in Support Services, Business Services, Administration, Safety, or Emergency Management.

Supervision Exercised / Received :

Exercised : Supervises employees in assigned areas.

Received : Reports to a Fire Battalion Chief or Staff Battalion Chief. (Other reporting relationships may apply.)

Representative Duties :

Supervise staff : selection, training, evaluation, counseling, discipline, and termination recommendations.

Organize and assign work, set priorities, and ensure maximum utilization of personnel and equipment.

Maintain discipline and assume direct responsibility for company operations.

Prepare and deliver training programs in coordination with the Training Division; maintain training records.

Support employee professional development and create a growth-focused environment.

Engage in community relations by working with neighborhood associations and other departments.

Prepare and manage facility, project, and division budgets; monitor and control costs.

Develop and recommend policies, procedures, and practices.

Participate in purchasing, including soliciting and awarding bids.

Supervise facility and equipment maintenance; ensure accurate recordkeeping and reporting.

Prepare information for news releases to ensure accuracy and proper format.

Serve in command roles at incidents (Type IV and V) and as assigned at larger incidents (Type III or greater).

Develop incident action plans and conduct post-incident analyses.

Conduct inspections, investigations, and collect evidence or witness information.

Supervise and participate in fire cause / origin investigations.

Maintain a safe and healthful work environment in both routine and emergency operations.

Investigate and report near misses, injuries, or illnesses.

Oversee activities to maintain member physical readiness and minimize injury risks.

Ensure compliance with safety policies and maintain hazard-free facilities.

Make accurate, timely, and policy-consistent decisions under emergency and non-emergency conditions.

Motivate members, resolve disputes, and apply corrective action or recognition as appropriate.

Communicate effectively in writing, orally, and in group settings.

Ensure interagency and intergovernmental cooperation.

Act in a Fire / Staff Battalion Chief position as assigned.

General Requirements :

Valid state drivers license in good standing.

Annual medical assessment and random substance screenings.

Successful completion of background checks.

No disciplinary action in the last 12 months resulting in suspension, rank reduction, or pay reduction.

No more than one at-fault accident or property damage incident in the last 12 months.

No criminal conviction in the last 12 months.

Compliance with all required trainings.

At least Meets Standard on the most recent performance evaluation.

Required Time in Rank :

Two (2) years of uninterrupted service at the promoted rank of Fire Lieutenant at time of application.

Required Accredited Education :

High school diploma or GED.

Sixty (60) college or university credits at the time of application.

Additional Requirement (Effective July 1, 2025) :

Completion of Fire Behavior and Combustion by January 1, 2027. (Starting in 2027, this must be completed prior to promotion.)

Preferred Accredited Education :

Building Construction for Fire Protection

Fire Prevention

Fire Protection Systems

Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival

Required Training / Certifications (at time of application) :

Valid Virginia or National Registry EMT Certification

Fire Instructor II (NFPA 1041)

Fire Officer II (NFPA 1021)

ICS 300 Certification

Incident Safety Officer (NFA, VDFP, or FDSOA)

Additional Training Requirement (Effective July 1, 2025) :

NFA Health and Safety Program Manager (must be completed by January 1, 2027; required prior to promotion starting in 2027).

Preferred Training / Certifications (at least one within 3 years of promotion) :

NFA Managing Officer Program

Virginia Fire Officer Academy

Virginia Chief Officer Academy

Northern Virginia Fire Officer Leadership Development Institute

Executive Development Institute

Management of Emergency Medical Services

NFA Executive Fire Officer Program

Public Safety Leadership Academy

EMS Quality Management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Knowledge of workplace safety regulations and department policies / procedures.

Supervisory practices and performance evaluation techniques.

Departmental organizational structure and decision-making processes.

Budgeting and resource management practices.

Facility, vehicle, and equipment maintenance principles.

Emergency management fundamentals.

Conflict resolution and counseling techniques.

Community and cultural awareness.

Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills.

Ability to lead, motivate, and evaluate members effectively.

Ability to maintain professionalism and sound judgment in high-stress environments.