Fire Captain
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California, MO, United States
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal‑opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-491867
Position #(s):
542-000-1095-VAR
Working Title:
Fire Captain
Classification:
FIRE CAPTAIN
$5,934.00 - $7,694.00 A
$6,513.00 - $8,483.00 B
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term – Full Time
Facility:
Statewide
Department Information The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.
When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co‑workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities.
Department Website:
www.fire.ca.gov
Job Description And Duties
Supervise the work of engine companies and hand crews, including the management and maintenance of a fire station and emergency apparatus and equipment.
Perform full‑time duties in specialty assignments such as peace officer/fire prevention duties, dispatcher, assistant air attack program coordinator, helitack captain, supervisory roles in conservation camps and fire centers, instructor at the Fire Academy, or fuels reduction crews.
Plan and assign work; give instructions, maintain discipline, and make decisions relating to the supervision of engine companies and hand crews engaged in fighting wildland, structural, or other fires, flood control, hazardous materials incidents, emergency responses, vehicle extrication incidents, and other emergency activities.
Occasionally perform minor maintenance on buildings and fire stations/camps; supervise projects related to resource management and fuels reduction using prescribed fire and equipment.
Train companies to fight fire and operate tools; supervise and perform construction and maintenance of fire defense improvements; inspect, supervise use, and perform preventive and minor maintenance on assigned equipment.
Operate fire apparatus, power tools, and heavy equipment during emergency incidents and non‑emergency project work; transport crew over mountainous roads.
Assist in the preparation and maintenance of a fire prevention plan; apply and enforce fire prevention laws; conduct fire prevention education programs.
Install and supervise exhibits and displays; issue citations; investigate and report on causes and origins of fires; collect and preserve evidence.
Conduct inspections for enforcement of Titles 19 and 25 of the California Administrative Code; perform dispatching of resources; act as fire information officer.
Supervise air attack base crew; serve as controller in airport operations; lead helitack crew; conduct classroom and field training, including lesson plans and evaluation of student performance.
Evaluate work of assigned employees; read and use maps; assist with accounting, budgeting, personnel, and material management tasks; keep records; write and submit reports as required; perform other related work.
Note: Fuels Reduction Crews positions exist within the units. Duties include implementation of approved prescribed fire and fuels reductions project utilizing assigned personnel, maintaining fuel reduction records, reviewing and assessing burn plans for implementation, and administering orientation and training to assigned personnel.
Hiring Process Applications will be processed in rounds with the following cut‑off dates:
March 6, 2026
May 8, 2026
July 8, 2026
September 8, 2026
Applications submitted after the cut‑off date will be processed in the next group and considered in the following round.
Special Requirements
The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation cleared prior to being hired.
The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.
For peace‑officer positions, you must obtain and maintain current peace‑officer requirements as a condition of employment.
Possession of a valid driver’s license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles is a condition of continued employment.
Applicants must pass medical clearances under the Respiratory Protection Program.
What is TAU? TAU appointments to this classification are made under temporary authorization. In accordance with the California State Constitution, no person may serve in one or more positions under a temporary appointment longer than 9 months in 12 consecutive months. Therefore, all time served in temporary appointments during the 12 consecutive month period will count toward this 9‑month maximum. An employee gains no status or rights as a result of the TAU appointment, and an employee who has had only a TAU appointment has no reinstatement eligibility. Persons who do not possess the minimum qualifications for the classification are ineligible for appointment as a TAU.
If you are offered and accept a TAU appointment, you will be required to take the next exam administered for this classification. If you do not apply to take the exam, score too low to be in a reachable rank, or if you fail the test, your TAU appointment will be terminated within 48 hours of the exam results being released.
Felony Disclosure Pursuant to California Penal Code 4571, any individual interested in seeking employment that requires working with inmates at a conservation camp must disclose any prior felony status up front so that CALFIRE/CDCR can provide informed consent to a former felon to be on the conservation camp/prison grounds. Any person/employee who has been convicted of a felony and has not received written consent is committing a felony.
Felony Disqualification Existing law provides that persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Such persons are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this class. This felony disqualification applies only to those positions designated as peace officers within this class.
PREA Information Positions located at a Camp or requiring the supervision of inmates require compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Compliance is determined by completing a Live Scan prior to appointment and during the course of employment to verify that the standards of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 115 Prison Rape Elimination Act National Standards are met.
Citizenship Requirement Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(a), in order to be a peace officer, a person must be either a U.S. citizen or be a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship. Any permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall be disqualified from holding that position if his/her application for citizenship is denied.
Application Instructions Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose not to apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection CAL FIRE Northern Region Hiring Attn: FC Hiring 135 Ridgway Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Address for Drop‑Off Application Packages
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection CAL FIRE Northern Region Hiring FC Hiring 135 Ridgway Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95401
08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
Resume is required and must be included.
Other – Authorization to Release Information Form (PO‑299). This form may be found at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/D817B8E27D8049C3BC35297686467FB9
Other – Current FC Work Location Form. This form may be found at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/57033D7C11CC4F429D91C311252DDC82
Other – Copy of the front and back of your valid Driver’s License of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-491867
Position #(s):
542-000-1095-VAR
Working Title:
Fire Captain
Classification:
FIRE CAPTAIN
$5,934.00 - $7,694.00 A
$6,513.00 - $8,483.00 B
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term – Full Time
Facility:
Statewide
Department Information The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.
When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co‑workers, as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities.
Department Website:
www.fire.ca.gov
Job Description And Duties
Supervise the work of engine companies and hand crews, including the management and maintenance of a fire station and emergency apparatus and equipment.
Perform full‑time duties in specialty assignments such as peace officer/fire prevention duties, dispatcher, assistant air attack program coordinator, helitack captain, supervisory roles in conservation camps and fire centers, instructor at the Fire Academy, or fuels reduction crews.
Plan and assign work; give instructions, maintain discipline, and make decisions relating to the supervision of engine companies and hand crews engaged in fighting wildland, structural, or other fires, flood control, hazardous materials incidents, emergency responses, vehicle extrication incidents, and other emergency activities.
Occasionally perform minor maintenance on buildings and fire stations/camps; supervise projects related to resource management and fuels reduction using prescribed fire and equipment.
Train companies to fight fire and operate tools; supervise and perform construction and maintenance of fire defense improvements; inspect, supervise use, and perform preventive and minor maintenance on assigned equipment.
Operate fire apparatus, power tools, and heavy equipment during emergency incidents and non‑emergency project work; transport crew over mountainous roads.
Assist in the preparation and maintenance of a fire prevention plan; apply and enforce fire prevention laws; conduct fire prevention education programs.
Install and supervise exhibits and displays; issue citations; investigate and report on causes and origins of fires; collect and preserve evidence.
Conduct inspections for enforcement of Titles 19 and 25 of the California Administrative Code; perform dispatching of resources; act as fire information officer.
Supervise air attack base crew; serve as controller in airport operations; lead helitack crew; conduct classroom and field training, including lesson plans and evaluation of student performance.
Evaluate work of assigned employees; read and use maps; assist with accounting, budgeting, personnel, and material management tasks; keep records; write and submit reports as required; perform other related work.
Note: Fuels Reduction Crews positions exist within the units. Duties include implementation of approved prescribed fire and fuels reductions project utilizing assigned personnel, maintaining fuel reduction records, reviewing and assessing burn plans for implementation, and administering orientation and training to assigned personnel.
Hiring Process Applications will be processed in rounds with the following cut‑off dates:
March 6, 2026
May 8, 2026
July 8, 2026
September 8, 2026
Applications submitted after the cut‑off date will be processed in the next group and considered in the following round.
Special Requirements
The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation cleared prior to being hired.
The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
The position(s) require(s) Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.
For peace‑officer positions, you must obtain and maintain current peace‑officer requirements as a condition of employment.
Possession of a valid driver’s license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles is a condition of continued employment.
Applicants must pass medical clearances under the Respiratory Protection Program.
What is TAU? TAU appointments to this classification are made under temporary authorization. In accordance with the California State Constitution, no person may serve in one or more positions under a temporary appointment longer than 9 months in 12 consecutive months. Therefore, all time served in temporary appointments during the 12 consecutive month period will count toward this 9‑month maximum. An employee gains no status or rights as a result of the TAU appointment, and an employee who has had only a TAU appointment has no reinstatement eligibility. Persons who do not possess the minimum qualifications for the classification are ineligible for appointment as a TAU.
If you are offered and accept a TAU appointment, you will be required to take the next exam administered for this classification. If you do not apply to take the exam, score too low to be in a reachable rank, or if you fail the test, your TAU appointment will be terminated within 48 hours of the exam results being released.
Felony Disclosure Pursuant to California Penal Code 4571, any individual interested in seeking employment that requires working with inmates at a conservation camp must disclose any prior felony status up front so that CALFIRE/CDCR can provide informed consent to a former felon to be on the conservation camp/prison grounds. Any person/employee who has been convicted of a felony and has not received written consent is committing a felony.
Felony Disqualification Existing law provides that persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers. Such persons are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in this class. This felony disqualification applies only to those positions designated as peace officers within this class.
PREA Information Positions located at a Camp or requiring the supervision of inmates require compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Compliance is determined by completing a Live Scan prior to appointment and during the course of employment to verify that the standards of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 115 Prison Rape Elimination Act National Standards are met.
Citizenship Requirement Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(a), in order to be a peace officer, a person must be either a U.S. citizen or be a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. citizenship. Any permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall be disqualified from holding that position if his/her application for citizenship is denied.
Application Instructions Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: Until Filled
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose not to apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection CAL FIRE Northern Region Hiring Attn: FC Hiring 135 Ridgway Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Address for Drop‑Off Application Packages
Department of Forestry & Fire Protection CAL FIRE Northern Region Hiring FC Hiring 135 Ridgway Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95401
08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All experience and education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
Resume is required and must be included.
Other – Authorization to Release Information Form (PO‑299). This form may be found at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/D817B8E27D8049C3BC35297686467FB9
Other – Current FC Work Location Form. This form may be found at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/57033D7C11CC4F429D91C311252DDC82
Other – Copy of the front and back of your valid Driver’s License of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
#J-18808-Ljbffr