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.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free workplace. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-491865
Position #(s):
542-000-1095-VAR
Working Title:
Fire Captain
Classification:
FIRE CAPTAIN
Salary A:
$5,934.00 – $7,694.00
Salary B:
$6,513.00 – $8,483.00
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, 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. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!
Department Website: https://www.fire.ca.gov
Job Description & Duties Under direction, the Fire Captain supervises the work of an engine company (or companies) and hand crews. Fire Captains share in the management of a fire station, including the maintenance of emergency apparatus and equipment, or perform full‑time duties in one of the following specialty assignments:
Peace officer/fire prevention duties within a unit
Serve as a dispatcher
Serve as an assistant air attack program coordinator
Serve as a helitack captain
Supervise crews in conservation camps and fire centers and operate crew‑carrying vehicles and fire apparatus
Serve as an instructor at the Fire Academy and other training assignments
Supervise fuels reduction crews
The Fire Captain plans and assigns work, gives instructions, maintains discipline, and makes 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. The Fire Captain may occasionally perform minor maintenance on buildings and fire stations/camps, supervises projects related to resource management, fuels reduction projects using prescribed fire and equipment, trains a company to fight fire and operate tools, supervises and performs the construction and maintenance of fire defense improvements, inspects, supervises the use of, and performs preventive and minor maintenance on assigned equipment, transports a crew over mountainous roads, operates fire apparatus, power tools (e.g., chainsaws), and heavy equipment during emergency incidents and non‑emergency project work, assists in the preparation and maintenance of a fire‑prevention plan, applies and enforces fire‑prevention laws, conducts fire‑prevention education programs, installs and supervises exhibits and displays, issues citations and makes investigations and reports on the cause and origin of fires, collects and preserves evidence, makes inspections for enforcement of Titles 19 and 25 of the California Administrative Code, performs dispatching of resources, performs as fire information officer, supervises the air attack base crew, serves as controller in airport operations, leads a helitack crew, conducts classroom and field training including the preparation of lesson plans and the evaluation of student performance, evaluates work of assigned employees, reads and uses maps, may assist others in performing accounting, budgeting, personnel, and material management tasks, keeps records, writes and submits reports as required, and does other related work.
Note: Fuels Reduction Crews positions exist within the units. Duties include: implementation of approved prescribed fire and fuels reduction projects utilizing assigned personnel, maintain fuel reduction records, review and assessment of burn plan for implementation for units, administer 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 a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
The position(s) require Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
The position(s) require Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.
For those positions which require peace officer status, 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.
The Bargaining Unit 8 Memorandum of Understanding regarding Voluntary In‑Class Reassignment Policy (Inter‑Unit) (Section 9.2) will be followed. Reassignments may require a two‑year commitment.
TAU Applicants TAU applicants are encouraged to apply.
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 towards 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 CAL FIRE/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 requires 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 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 https://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 to not 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 https://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
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug‑free workplace. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-491865
Position #(s):
542-000-1095-VAR
Working Title:
Fire Captain
Classification:
FIRE CAPTAIN
Salary A:
$5,934.00 – $7,694.00
Salary B:
$6,513.00 – $8,483.00
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Permanent, 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. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!
Department Website: https://www.fire.ca.gov
Job Description & Duties Under direction, the Fire Captain supervises the work of an engine company (or companies) and hand crews. Fire Captains share in the management of a fire station, including the maintenance of emergency apparatus and equipment, or perform full‑time duties in one of the following specialty assignments:
Peace officer/fire prevention duties within a unit
Serve as a dispatcher
Serve as an assistant air attack program coordinator
Serve as a helitack captain
Supervise crews in conservation camps and fire centers and operate crew‑carrying vehicles and fire apparatus
Serve as an instructor at the Fire Academy and other training assignments
Supervise fuels reduction crews
The Fire Captain plans and assigns work, gives instructions, maintains discipline, and makes 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. The Fire Captain may occasionally perform minor maintenance on buildings and fire stations/camps, supervises projects related to resource management, fuels reduction projects using prescribed fire and equipment, trains a company to fight fire and operate tools, supervises and performs the construction and maintenance of fire defense improvements, inspects, supervises the use of, and performs preventive and minor maintenance on assigned equipment, transports a crew over mountainous roads, operates fire apparatus, power tools (e.g., chainsaws), and heavy equipment during emergency incidents and non‑emergency project work, assists in the preparation and maintenance of a fire‑prevention plan, applies and enforces fire‑prevention laws, conducts fire‑prevention education programs, installs and supervises exhibits and displays, issues citations and makes investigations and reports on the cause and origin of fires, collects and preserves evidence, makes inspections for enforcement of Titles 19 and 25 of the California Administrative Code, performs dispatching of resources, performs as fire information officer, supervises the air attack base crew, serves as controller in airport operations, leads a helitack crew, conducts classroom and field training including the preparation of lesson plans and the evaluation of student performance, evaluates work of assigned employees, reads and uses maps, may assist others in performing accounting, budgeting, personnel, and material management tasks, keeps records, writes and submits reports as required, and does other related work.
Note: Fuels Reduction Crews positions exist within the units. Duties include: implementation of approved prescribed fire and fuels reduction projects utilizing assigned personnel, maintain fuel reduction records, review and assessment of burn plan for implementation for units, administer 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 a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
The position(s) require Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
The position(s) require Psychological Evaluation clearance prior to being hired.
For those positions which require peace officer status, 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.
The Bargaining Unit 8 Memorandum of Understanding regarding Voluntary In‑Class Reassignment Policy (Inter‑Unit) (Section 9.2) will be followed. Reassignments may require a two‑year commitment.
TAU Applicants TAU applicants are encouraged to apply.
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 towards 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 CAL FIRE/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 requires 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 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 https://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 to not 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 https://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