| Location | CA |
| Salary | $139,643.99–$187,136.28 Per Year |
Fire Investigation Unit Captain (Fire Prevention Captain)
Salary
$139,643.99 - $187,136.28 Annually
Location
County-Wide, CA
Job Type
Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
RPTD-2026A
Department
Fire District - Contra Costa
Opening Date
10/05/2026
Closing Date
10/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
4N
The Position
The Position
Bargaining Unit: IAFF Local 1230
Shift: Standard 40-hour work week with possible overtime
Stationed in: Pittsburg, CA
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is recruiting to fill one (1) position for Fire Investigation Unit Captain (Fire Prevention Captain)
In addition to the base salary, the position may also receive the following:
15% monthly pay differential for Fire Prevention Captain
5% on-call pay for participation in the Fire Investigation Off-Duty Standby Team
Why should you join Contra Costa County Fire Protection District?
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is seeking an experienced, motivated, and highly engaged person to join our team as a Fire Investigation Unit Captain (Fire Prevention Captain).
The Fire Prevention Bureau provides the highest level of fire prevention services through comprehensive inspections and code enforcement, plan review and engineering services, public education, fire investigations, and exterior hazard control to ensure properties are properly constructed in accordance with local and state codes.
The Fire Prevention Bureau provides fire prevention services to our citizens who live or work in the cities of Antioch, Clayton, Concord, Lafayette, Hercules, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Pinole, Pittsburg, San Pablo, Walnut Creek, Brentwood, Oakley, including the unincorporated communities of north Alamo, Bay Point, Clyde, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, Montalvan Manor, North Richmond, Pacheco, Rodeo, Tara Hills, Bethel Island, Discovery Bay, Knightsen and Byron.
The Community Risk Reduction Unit provides a long list of valuable programs to the public to promote and teach fire safety to all ages through a variety of delivery methods. The Unit's programs range from teaching kindergarteners how to "Stop, Drop and Roll" to assisting senior citizens how to recognize and eliminate hazards in their home. This unit also performs Exterior Hazard Control inspections in both public and private properties for compliance with Fire District weed abatement standards, which were established through local ordinance. The purpose is to limit the potential sources of fuel for fire through abatement of combustible rubbish and vegetation to create "defensible space" around properties to would allow firefighters to effectively stop fires from spreading from open space areas to homes and properties. The District works proactively with other agencies throughout the County, including Fire Safe Councils, to reduce the threat of wildfire in the communities we service.
The Fire Investigation Unit is responsible for determining origin and cause of fires and the investigations of fire related incidents of both criminal and accidental nature, pursuant to the mandate for fire origin and cause determination as outlined in the Fire Code and California Health and Safety Code. The Unit works closely with other law enforcement personnel from our County and City agencies to effect the successful investigation, arrest, prosecution, and conviction of arsonists.
We are looking for someone who is:
What you will typically be responsible for:
A few reasons you might love this job:
A few challenges you might face in this job:
To read the complete job description, please visit this website.
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future openings for up to twelve (12) months.
Minimum Qualifications
License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operators License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license will be accepted during the application process.
AND
Education: An Associate Degree from an accredited college or university.
AND
Certificate and Training Requirements for assignment to the Fire Investigation Unit:
Within 12 Months of appointment, appointees must satisfactorily complete the following:
Within 24 Months of appointment, appointees must satisfactorily complete the following:
Ongoing maintenance of certification(s) is required.
AND
Experience requirements for assignment to the Fire Investigation Unit: Three (3) years of full-time experience as a Fire Investigator in the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, or two (2) years experience as a Fire Prevention Captain in the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, or five (5) years experience as a full-time public fire investigator involving the full scope of arson investigation, including writing and service of warrants and making arrests, or five (5) years of sworn law enforcement experience with a police department or sheriff's office.
AND
Other Requirements for all assignments:
Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
Age: Must be at least 21 years of age.
Physical Requirements: Ability to meet such health standards as are established by the County Medical Consultant.
Psychological Requirements: Ability to meet psychological evaluation standards, including written and oral psychological screening as specified in Section 1031 of the California Government Code.
Desirable Qualifications:
NOTE: Prior to appointment, candidates are required to successfully pass the prescribed physical and psychological examinations.
Background: A permanent job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a thorough background investigation, including provisions specified in Sections 1031 and 1031.1 of the California Government Code. The background investigation also includes a criminal record investigation. Candidates shall not have been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, of any offense in any other state or in any federal jurisdiction, which would have been a felony if committed in this state, or discharged from the military for committing an offense, as adjudicated by a military tribunal, which would have been a felony if committed in this state as defined by Cal. Gov. Code § 1029. Disqualifying Factors: In addition to the definition of disqualifying criminal acts as defined by Cal. Gov. Code § 1029, applicants who have engaged in "Serious Misconduct" as defined by Cal. Pen. Code § 13510.8are ineligible to be employed as a peace officer in the State of California.
Selection Process
Application Filing: All applicants must apply on-line at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date.
Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.
Assessment Center Exercises: The assessment center will consist of a series of administrative and operational leadership exercises designed to evaluate each candidates ability to perform the duties of the position. Candidates must achieve an overall assessment center score of 70% to be placed on the eligible list. (Weighted 100%) Tentative Assessment Date: November 12, 2026
Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the selection process.
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
For recruitment specific questions, please contact Elizabeth Loud at eloud@cccfpd.org. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at:
Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.
To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits
01
The supplemental questionnaire is part of the application process. The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to evaluate your relevant experience to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in a competitive oral examination. Answer the questions below and submit your responses with your on-line application. Although you may submit a resume to further describe your qualifications or additional information, such items may not be substituted in lieu of the supplemental questionnaire. An incomplete supplemental questionnaire may result in disqualification.
02
I am at least 21 years old
03
I have completed the following trainings and possess the required certifications. Failure to provide this information will result in disqualification.
04
I affirm that I have attached the required certificates listed below, and understand that if I did not attach the certificates my application will be disqualified. - FEMA Courses ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800 - California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certified Penal Code 832 Arrest and Firearms Course - Valid drivers license
05
I certify that I meet the announced requirements for this examination and understand that I will be eliminated at any stage in such examination if it develops that, in fact I do not meet them. I further certify that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and the application are true and I agree and understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will cause forfeiture of my rights to employment with Contra Costa County.
Required Question
Employer County of Contra Costa