City of Santa Cruz
Overview
The City of Santa Cruz invites qualified members of the Fire Department who are current regular City of Santa Cruz employees to participate in a promotional examination process for the position of Fire Captain. This examination will be used as a component of the examination process to establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies within the Fire Department. This is not an announcement of a current vacancy. The eligibility list created from this process is anticipated to remain in effect for twelve (12) months from the date of certification and may be extended or abolished earlier per Personnel Rule 4.4.
Examination: FIRE CAPTAIN EXAM #26-031. The examination plan may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director.
Examination Process:
Friday, 10/31/25 at 5 pm PST – the examination announcement will close.
Required: Members of the Fire Department who are current regular City of Santa Cruz employees interested in participating must email Debbie Bailey at dbailey@santacruzca.gov by 5 pm PST on Friday, 10/31/2025. A link to the Assessment Center Virtual Orientation will be provided with confirmation that the email has been received.
Monday, 11/03/25 – participants will receive notification with an invitation to take part in the Fire Captain's Assessment Center by the end of the business day on 11/03/2025.
Wednesday, 11/05/25 – the Fire Captain's Assessment Center is scheduled.
Three exercises in the Assessment Center: (1) scenario-based simulation, (2) role-play, (3) background interview with external raters. There will be no take-home assignments.
Participants with a passing score (70%) will be eligible to apply for the next announced vacant position.
Future Vacancy and Process Components:
As part of establishing the eligibility list, an application will be REQUIRED with the next vacancy announcement to determine Minimum Qualifications, including required licenses and certifications and proof of passing the 2025 Fire Captain's Assessment Center. Qualified candidates will be invited to an internal panel interview to determine ranking on the eligibility list and subsequent invitation to a Chief's Interview.
Typical Duties
Basic Function
Under direction, the Fire Captain commands a fire station and supervises firefighters in fire suppression, emergency medical care, fire prevention, rescue operations, public education, and maintenance activities; and performs related work as required.
If Assigned to Marine Safety Division:
Under general direction, plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of the Marine Rescue Services Division; manages the Division's budget; oversees all activities; and performs related duties as required.
Typical Duties (May include, but are not limited to):
Responds to calls for fires, medical emergencies, rescues, fire alarms, hazardous materials, and other calls for service as needed.
Drives and operates department vehicles as needed.
Supervises the application of extinguishing agents to fires using hoses, nozzles, hydrants, pumps, hand tools, and other firefighting equipment.
Supervises entry into burning structures to effect rescues and extinguish fires; supervises use of ladders, hand tools, protective breathing apparatus, and power tools.
Performs rescues and removes people from hazardous environments.
Performs technical rescue and extrication using rope, hydraulic tools, ladders, and other equipment.
Supervises, trains and evaluates firefighters; supervises pre-fire planning, inspection, public education and related fire prevention activities.
Command a fire station; schedule daily activities and contribute to monthly training schedules; oversee training programs and drills.
Supervise maintenance of fire station grounds, apparatus, and equipment; prepare incident reports and daily activity journals.
May be assigned specialized areas of responsibility (e.g., first aid and rescue; forms and reports; water distribution; apparatus and equipment; training and lesson plans; fire science coordination). Assist in fire suppression and initial command of fire situations.
If Assigned to Marine Safety Division:
Plans, directs, and coordinates activities to safeguard the public by ensuring Lifeguard coverage, aquatic safety education, and related services.
Develops comprehensive plans to satisfy Marine Rescue Services needs, and prepares budgets and schedules; coordinates with legal advisors, citizens, and officials.
Advises the Fire Department Chief and City leadership on marine safety policy and municipal codes; coordinates special projects and prepares performance reports.
Assists in hiring processes, staff development, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions as needed; coordinates training manuals and materials.
Represents the City in community relations and with external agencies; coordinates marine safety activities with other agencies.
Assumes command in difficult emergencies; administers first aid/CPR (as qualified); ensures safety conditions and investigations; monitors and inspects marine safety operations and facilities; participates in special events and projects.
Working Conditions
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking and running on varied terrains; ability to lift and carry items up to 165 pounds; ability to work in extreme conditions, read and interpret documents, and communicate clearly in emergencies. May require responding to after-hours emergencies and exposure to hazardous environments. Some accommodations may be available for qualified individuals.
Minimum Qualifications
The following are the minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education and Experience:
High school graduation or tested equivalent; and
Five years of experience as a paid full-time firefighter OR four years of experience as a paid full-time firefighter and 36 college units in fire science or a related field.
Knowledge:
Supervisory techniques; report writing and form procedure; modern principles and practices of fire department administration, firefighting procedures, techniques and equipment; local/state/national safety codes including OSHA; principles of combustion and extinguishment; customer service; safety standards; city ordinances; departmental policies; fire enforcement and fire prevention techniques; building materials and construction.
Abilities:
Supervise, train, motivate, lead and evaluate others; communicate effectively; establish and maintain relationships with the public; maintain physical health and stamina; learn technical concepts and operation of firefighting equipment; use tools safely; assess situations quickly; work as part of a team; follow instructions; read and apply technical procedures; perform under physically demanding conditions; interact respectfully with all people; meet department standards; work 24-hour shifts and be recalled during emergencies.
Marine Safety Division – Additional Knowledge (if assigned):
Marine safety principles, ocean rescue safety, currents and conditions, beach/coastal considerations, related municipal codes, EMS protocols, and marine safety administration.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession at time of application and throughout employment of the following:
Valid California Class B commercial driver’s license or Class C with Firefighter Endorsement and safe driving record.
EMT certificate or State Paramedic license.
CalFire Fire Command 1A/1B/1C or Company Officer 2D/2E; Fire Instructor 1A/1B/1C; or equivalent.
NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I; S-231 Engine Boss and S-290 Fire Behavior certificates; course equivalencies acceptable from recognized organizations.
Marine Safety Division Certificates (if assigned):
US Lifesaving Association certification in Aquatic Rescue Response Team; Certified Personal Water Craft Operator; additional Fire Officer/Paramedic related certificates as applicable.
Desirable Qualifications
AA/AS degree or higher; completion of Santa Cruz Fire Department Acting Captain/Engineer programs or NFPA-aligned equivalents; Fire Officer and related certifications; hazmat and advanced certifications as applicable; marine division certifications as needed.
Career Ladder
Fire Chief
Fire Division Chief
Fire Battalion Chief
Fire Captain / Deputy Fire Marshal
Fire Engineer
Firefighter/Fire Prevention Inspector II
Fire Prevention Inspector I
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries
Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The City of Santa Cruz invites qualified members of the Fire Department who are current regular City of Santa Cruz employees to participate in a promotional examination process for the position of Fire Captain. This examination will be used as a component of the examination process to establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies within the Fire Department. This is not an announcement of a current vacancy. The eligibility list created from this process is anticipated to remain in effect for twelve (12) months from the date of certification and may be extended or abolished earlier per Personnel Rule 4.4.
Examination: FIRE CAPTAIN EXAM #26-031. The examination plan may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director.
Examination Process:
Friday, 10/31/25 at 5 pm PST – the examination announcement will close.
Required: Members of the Fire Department who are current regular City of Santa Cruz employees interested in participating must email Debbie Bailey at dbailey@santacruzca.gov by 5 pm PST on Friday, 10/31/2025. A link to the Assessment Center Virtual Orientation will be provided with confirmation that the email has been received.
Monday, 11/03/25 – participants will receive notification with an invitation to take part in the Fire Captain's Assessment Center by the end of the business day on 11/03/2025.
Wednesday, 11/05/25 – the Fire Captain's Assessment Center is scheduled.
Three exercises in the Assessment Center: (1) scenario-based simulation, (2) role-play, (3) background interview with external raters. There will be no take-home assignments.
Participants with a passing score (70%) will be eligible to apply for the next announced vacant position.
Future Vacancy and Process Components:
As part of establishing the eligibility list, an application will be REQUIRED with the next vacancy announcement to determine Minimum Qualifications, including required licenses and certifications and proof of passing the 2025 Fire Captain's Assessment Center. Qualified candidates will be invited to an internal panel interview to determine ranking on the eligibility list and subsequent invitation to a Chief's Interview.
Typical Duties
Basic Function
Under direction, the Fire Captain commands a fire station and supervises firefighters in fire suppression, emergency medical care, fire prevention, rescue operations, public education, and maintenance activities; and performs related work as required.
If Assigned to Marine Safety Division:
Under general direction, plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of the Marine Rescue Services Division; manages the Division's budget; oversees all activities; and performs related duties as required.
Typical Duties (May include, but are not limited to):
Responds to calls for fires, medical emergencies, rescues, fire alarms, hazardous materials, and other calls for service as needed.
Drives and operates department vehicles as needed.
Supervises the application of extinguishing agents to fires using hoses, nozzles, hydrants, pumps, hand tools, and other firefighting equipment.
Supervises entry into burning structures to effect rescues and extinguish fires; supervises use of ladders, hand tools, protective breathing apparatus, and power tools.
Performs rescues and removes people from hazardous environments.
Performs technical rescue and extrication using rope, hydraulic tools, ladders, and other equipment.
Supervises, trains and evaluates firefighters; supervises pre-fire planning, inspection, public education and related fire prevention activities.
Command a fire station; schedule daily activities and contribute to monthly training schedules; oversee training programs and drills.
Supervise maintenance of fire station grounds, apparatus, and equipment; prepare incident reports and daily activity journals.
May be assigned specialized areas of responsibility (e.g., first aid and rescue; forms and reports; water distribution; apparatus and equipment; training and lesson plans; fire science coordination). Assist in fire suppression and initial command of fire situations.
If Assigned to Marine Safety Division:
Plans, directs, and coordinates activities to safeguard the public by ensuring Lifeguard coverage, aquatic safety education, and related services.
Develops comprehensive plans to satisfy Marine Rescue Services needs, and prepares budgets and schedules; coordinates with legal advisors, citizens, and officials.
Advises the Fire Department Chief and City leadership on marine safety policy and municipal codes; coordinates special projects and prepares performance reports.
Assists in hiring processes, staff development, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions as needed; coordinates training manuals and materials.
Represents the City in community relations and with external agencies; coordinates marine safety activities with other agencies.
Assumes command in difficult emergencies; administers first aid/CPR (as qualified); ensures safety conditions and investigations; monitors and inspects marine safety operations and facilities; participates in special events and projects.
Working Conditions
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking and running on varied terrains; ability to lift and carry items up to 165 pounds; ability to work in extreme conditions, read and interpret documents, and communicate clearly in emergencies. May require responding to after-hours emergencies and exposure to hazardous environments. Some accommodations may be available for qualified individuals.
Minimum Qualifications
The following are the minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education and Experience:
High school graduation or tested equivalent; and
Five years of experience as a paid full-time firefighter OR four years of experience as a paid full-time firefighter and 36 college units in fire science or a related field.
Knowledge:
Supervisory techniques; report writing and form procedure; modern principles and practices of fire department administration, firefighting procedures, techniques and equipment; local/state/national safety codes including OSHA; principles of combustion and extinguishment; customer service; safety standards; city ordinances; departmental policies; fire enforcement and fire prevention techniques; building materials and construction.
Abilities:
Supervise, train, motivate, lead and evaluate others; communicate effectively; establish and maintain relationships with the public; maintain physical health and stamina; learn technical concepts and operation of firefighting equipment; use tools safely; assess situations quickly; work as part of a team; follow instructions; read and apply technical procedures; perform under physically demanding conditions; interact respectfully with all people; meet department standards; work 24-hour shifts and be recalled during emergencies.
Marine Safety Division – Additional Knowledge (if assigned):
Marine safety principles, ocean rescue safety, currents and conditions, beach/coastal considerations, related municipal codes, EMS protocols, and marine safety administration.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession at time of application and throughout employment of the following:
Valid California Class B commercial driver’s license or Class C with Firefighter Endorsement and safe driving record.
EMT certificate or State Paramedic license.
CalFire Fire Command 1A/1B/1C or Company Officer 2D/2E; Fire Instructor 1A/1B/1C; or equivalent.
NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I; S-231 Engine Boss and S-290 Fire Behavior certificates; course equivalencies acceptable from recognized organizations.
Marine Safety Division Certificates (if assigned):
US Lifesaving Association certification in Aquatic Rescue Response Team; Certified Personal Water Craft Operator; additional Fire Officer/Paramedic related certificates as applicable.
Desirable Qualifications
AA/AS degree or higher; completion of Santa Cruz Fire Department Acting Captain/Engineer programs or NFPA-aligned equivalents; Fire Officer and related certifications; hazmat and advanced certifications as applicable; marine division certifications as needed.
Career Ladder
Fire Chief
Fire Division Chief
Fire Battalion Chief
Fire Captain / Deputy Fire Marshal
Fire Engineer
Firefighter/Fire Prevention Inspector II
Fire Prevention Inspector I
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries
Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr