FIRE CAPTAIN (Promotional)

FIRE CAPTAIN (Promotional)

Salary

$123,048.00 - $149,568.00 Annually

Location

City of West Covina, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-035

Department

Fire Department

Division

Fire Administration

Opening Date

09/09/2026

Closing Date

9/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Promotional Only

This position is open to City of West Covina employees only.

Candidates who are not current City employees will not be considered.

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, responds to fire, rescue, medical emergency calls; provides basic or advanced life support to injured persons; maintains related response equipment and supplies including response unit and related devices; protects life and property endangered by fire or other hazards; assists in maintenance of stations and equipment; supports public relations; participates in drills and training related to fire suppression; and performs fire suppression duties as needed. The Fire Captain commands a fire company and fire station on an assigned shift. The Fire Captain supervises a systematic and intensive program of company fire prevention and pre-fire planning inspections; participates in coordinating and performing assigned departmental administrative activities, exercises leadership in instructing personnel, supplying policies and procedures, and in performing related work as required.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Responds to fire, rescue, and medical aid calls.
• Provides basic and advanced life support and transportation to sick and injured persons.
• Responds to alarms in a wide variety of emergency situations as a member of an assigned crew.
• Fights fires as directed, ventilates buildings; lays hoses, directs streams of water; extricates endangered persons, climbs ladders, and enters involved structures utilizing prescribed procedures.
• Administers first aid, operates resuscitators, and assists in providing medical treatment.
• Assists in maintenance of fire vehicles, rescue units and other apparatus and equipment.
• Inventory supplies on a regular basis and maintains an adequate number of necessary items needed for medical aid calls.
• Attends drills and classes, studies technical periodicals and publications and maintains all current certifications as required by the State of California.
• Cleans up and performs salvage work after fires.
• Inspects business establishments, residences, public buildings, warehouses, and other buildings in the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to fire prevention; prepares reports and maintains records of inspections.
• Conducts public education activities.
• Does related work as required.
• Responds to alarms and directs the route to be taken to the fire; decides firefighting methods to be employed, and the need for additional assistance; activates the standardized Emergency Management System.
• Supervises and assigns crews in the process of firefighting and related life and property protection.
• Supervises the upkeep of station grounds, all equipment, and apparatus assigned to the station.
• Distributes educational material and educates the public in fire prevention. May perform duties as a Fire Investigator, within and outside the City of West Covina as needed.
• Inspects and tests fire equipment and apparatus assigned to company.
• Accurately maintains logs and other periodic special activity records.
• Supervises and participates in the in-service training of probationary and regular firefighters.
• Prepares and recommends changes in fire regulations required to keep pace with current fire safety developments.
• Meets with business and industrial representatives in order to secure cooperation of fire prevention measures.
• Prepares a plan for extending Department services to a specific geographical area covered by assigned station.
• Speaks to groups to encourage outside support of department programs and other activities related to fire prevention.
• Prepares annual and special reports.
• Performs related administrative duties such as serving on local boards, participates in staff meetings, and acts as Assistant Chief as needed.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Basic mathematics and principles of mechanics; knowledge of principles of elementary chemistry and physics are desirable.
• Basic or advanced life saving techniques.
• Use and application of related rescue and medical first aid equipment is required.
• Departmental rules and regulations.
• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing fire prevention and safety.
• Modern fire prevention and suppression methods.
• Principles and practices of fire prevention and suppression.
• The use and maintenance of firefighting equipment and apparatus.
• City geography, fire hazards, hazardous materials, and firefighting resources, such as personnel, equipment, water supply, and communications.
• Court procedure entailed in fire prevention enforcement; and first aid.

Ability to:

• Read and understand technical materials relating to firefighting, prevention, and departmental regulations.
• Apply elementary principles of chemistry and physics to firefighting problems.
• Understand and follow written and verbal directions under both routine and stressful conditions.
• Work effectively under emergency conditions and use sound judgment under hazardous circumstances.
• Work independently and as a team member.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain cooperative working relations.
• Work effectively and courteously with the public.
• Physical endurance and agility.
• Write simple reports.
• Operate all types of firefighting equipment and apparatus and to instruct others in such operations under normal and emergency or hazardous conditions.
• Lead and train firefighters; lay out and direct their work, and to maintain effective discipline and morale.
• Keep records and prepare reports accurately.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience

Five (5) years of firefighting experience as an employee of the City of West Covina.

Twenty-one (21) college units leading to an Associate Degree in Fire Science.

Associates Degree or above in any Emergency services or Emergency management discipline satisfies college units requirements.

Incident Command Requirements:

• I-100
• I-200
• ICS-300
• NIMS-SEMS 700-800
• S-215
• S-231
• S-290

Equivalents:

G-231 satisfies S-215, S-231, S-290

California State Fire Training Requirements:

• Instructor I (CA State Fire Training)
• Company Officer 2A (CA State Fire Training)
• Fire Investigation IA (CA State Fire Training)
• Fire Inspector IA (CA State Fire Training)

OR (all 9 Below)

• Command 1A (CA State Fire Training)
• Command 1B (CA State Fire Training)
• Command 1C (CA State Fire Training)
• Instructor 1A (CA State Fire Training)
• Instructor 1B (CA State Fire Training)
• Investigation 1A (CA State Fire Training)
• Management 1 (CA State Fire Training)
• Prevention 1A (CA State Fire Training)
• Prevention 1B (CA State Fire Training)
• OR-

1. Company Officer Certification satisfies all California State Fire Training requirements. Retired Fire officer Certification satisfies all State Fire Training Requirements.

Licenses / Certifications / Special Requirements

• A valid California Class C Drivers License with a satisfactory driving record is required and Firefighters "F" Endorsement.
• A valid EMT and/or Paramedic License with a Los Angeles County accreditation.
• American Red Cross or any other Fire Department approved accredited certification in CPR.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents are required to meet the required moderate physical exertion, associated with the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or climb. This position also requires extensive and repetitive physical activity involving the arms, wrists, and hands, including writing and using a keyboard. It also requires physical abilities associated with the ability to read, write, and communicate in a work environment.

Supplemental Information

Those applications and resumes that clearly demonstrate the most job-related education, training and experience will be selected to participate in the process which includes; Written Examination, Oral Board Interview, Problem Solving and Tactical Assessment Center. Please attach all required documents to this application.

Examination:

• Completed Application: Qualifying
• Minimum Qualifications: Qualifying
• Written Examination Week of 10/5/2026: Qualifying
• Tactical Assessment TBA: 40.00% Weight
• Problem Solving Exercise TBA: 20.00% Weight
• Interview Oral Panel TBA: 40.00% Weight

An Eligibility List will be established to fill current and future vacancies within the department. This is a full-time bargaining level position in a leadership role.

READING & REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Fire and Emergency Services Company Officer,7thEdition, (New to fire station library, 8/28)

2. Building Construction Related to the Fire Service, 5thEdition, IFSTA

3. City of West Covina Personnel Rules:https://www.westcovina.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1037/West-Covina-Personnel-Rules-2023--PDF

4. Memorandum of Understanding between the City of West Covina and Local 3226:https://www.westcovina.gov/280/Memorandum-of-Understanding-Employee-Con#docaccess-e72edfbadf5d35a6e2899d6d5bfc3759

5. West Covina FD Policies: Department Policy

6. West Covina FD Standard Operating Procedures: West Covina Fire Department - Standard Operating Procedures - All Documents

All exam parts listed are subject to change without notice

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of West Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

HOLIDAYS- All Firefighter Association employees receive twelve (12) hours per month with no specific date designated.

VACATION- All Firefighter Association employees accrue 360 vacation hours per year, 10 hours per month, and at five years, they receive an additional 60 hours.

SICK LEAVE- Firefighter Association employees accrue eight (8) hours per month. There is unlimited accumulation, and the City has an annual payoff plan for unused sick leave, plus a payoff plan upon termination (no cash out if discharged).

RETIREMENT - The employee pays the entire member contribution to the Public Employees Retirement System. "Classic" CalPERS members enter at 3%@55. "New" CalPERS members enter at 2.7%@57. Options include single highest year, post-retirement survivor benefit, military buyback service credit and service credit for unused sick leave.

HEALTH INSURANCE - The City will provide up to the corresponding Kaiser rate per month (Employee only, Employee plus one, or Employee plus 2 or more (family)) towards health coverage through the Public Employees Retirement Systems (PERS). Employees covered by a health insurance plan outside of the Citys plan will receive $600/month to cash out or deposit into a deferred compensation plan.

DENTAL PROGRAM- A dental program is offered to all employees at group rates. The City contributes up to $62.23 per month towards premiums.

VISION PROGRAM- A vision program is offered to all employees at group rates. The City contributes up to $45.42 per month towards premiums.

LIFE INSURANCE - The City provides one-half of annual salary for active employees, plus $100,000 accidental death while on duty, and $10,000 upon retirement.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION- The City shall match up to fifty dollars ($50.00) per month for those members that participate in a deferred compensation plan.

RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN (RHS) - A $200 City contribution and $50 employee contribution made per month toward a retiree health savings plan.

DISABILITY INCOME - The City pays 100% of the employees salary up to one year if he/she becomes disabled as a result of a job-related injury.

FIRE SERVICE SENIORITY PAY - All sworn Fire personnel shall receive additional monthly compensation for years of service as follows:

Firefighters: 5 yrs = $133; 10 yrs = $266; 15 yrs = $333; 20 yrs = $433; 25 yrs = $599.

Firefighter/Paramedics and Fire Engineers: 5 yrs = $155; 10 yrs = $310; 15 yrs = $388; 20 yrs = $504; 25 yrs = $698.

Fire Captains: 5 yrs = $181; 10 yrs = $363; 15 yrs = $454; 20 yrs = $590; 25 yrs = $816

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT - The City provides a tuition reimbursement program for all regular full-time employees for continuing job-related education.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE - All sworn Fire personnel shall receive additional compensation per month for Firefighter Certifications and/or degrees received as follows and as outlined in the Fire MOU:

Firefighters: AA degree = $185; AA degree plus FFII = $320; BA degree = $285; BA plus FFII = $420; MA degree = $385; MA degree plus FFII = $520.

Firefighter/Paramedics and Fire Engineers: AA degree = $195; AA degree plus FFII = $340; BA degree = $295; BA plus FFII = $440; MA degree = $395; MA degree plus FFII = $540

Fire Captains: AA degree = $218; AA degree plus FFII = $385; BA degree = $318; BA plus FFII = $485; MA degree = $485; MA degree plus FFII = $585.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE- This position receives an annual uniform allowance of $1,000 per calendar year.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE - Up to three (3) shifts per occurrence may be granted.

BILINGUAL ALLOWANCE - Employees in public contact positions with bilingual skills shall receive $100 per month when they possess and are using a language skill necessary for effective communication within the community, are assigned by their Department Head, and certified by Human Resources.

SECTION 125 - The City has established a program consistent with Section 125 of the IRS Code, which enables employees to voluntarily use pre-tax earnings for medical, dental, and dependent care expenses.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) - As an employee of The City of West Covina, you and your eligible dependents are entitled to receive EAP services.

01

I hereby understand and declare that the statements on this supplemental questionnaire are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. As applicable, I hereby authorize the City and/or designees to contact the references listed to verify the information I have supplied. I hereby release from liability all persons and organizations furnishing such information. I understand that the City reserves the right to validate information received on the supplemental questionnaire and that I will be subject to disqualification and/or termination if any statement in this supplemental questionnaire is found to be untrue or determined to be misleading.

• I Understand

02

I understand that these supplemental questions are part of the examination process and will be used to determine which candidates are selected to move forward in the recruitment process.

• Yes
• No

03

This recruitment is for current City of West Covina employees only. Are you currently an employee of West Covina Fire Department? If not, you will be disqualified from this recruitment.

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have Five (5) years of firefighting experience as an employee of the City of West Covina?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of West Covina

Address 1444 W. Garvey Avenue South

West Covina, California, 91790

Website http://westcovina.org