Fire Lieutenant

Description

Definition

Under general supervision, the Fire Lieutenant performs the full range of firefighting duties and supervises personnel and operations during an assigned shift. In the absence of a Fire Captain, the Fire Lieutenant assumes responsibility for station operations and incident command. The position participates in fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue, and fire prevention activities, and provides leadership, training, and direction to assigned staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Fire Lieutenant is a first-line supervisory classification within the Fire Department. Incumbents are responsible for shift supervision, tactical incident management, and day-to-day oversight of fire company operations. Fire Lieutenants provide direct supervision to Fire Apparatus Engineers, Firefighters, and extra-help personnel, and serve as acting station supervisors when higher-ranking officers are absent.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Received: General supervision from a Fire Captain or higher-level Fire Department staff. Exercised: Direct supervision over Fire Apparatus Engineers, Firefighters, and extra-help or volunteer personnel as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Respond to fire, medical, rescue, and other emergency alarms and participate in emergency response operations.
• Perform tactical incident management and direct the activities of fire personnel until relieved by a senior officer.
• Supervise fire company personnel during assigned shifts, including scheduling, work assignments, and performance oversight.
• Drive and operate fire apparatus; operate pumps, ladders, and other firefighting and rescue equipment as required.
• Assist in fire suppression, emergency medical care, rescue operations, and protection of life, property, and the environment.
• Conduct or assist in residential and commercial fire inspections to identify and eliminate fire hazards.
• Provide public education in fire prevention and life safety practices.
• Assist in planning, conducting, and evaluating training programs and drills for fire personnel.
• Ensure fire stations, apparatus, and equipment are adequately maintained and operationally ready.
• Prepare and maintain reports, records, and documentation related to incidents, personnel, training, and inspections.
• Ensure compliance with departmental policies, procedures, safety standards, and applicable laws.
• Assist in fire investigations and determination of fire origin and cause as assigned.
• Administer emergency medical care within the scope of certification.

Other duties may be assigned that are consistent with this classification.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Fire prevention and suppression methods, including use of the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Operation, use, and maintenance of firefighting apparatus and equipment.
• Principles of fire prevention, building construction, fire inspections, and pre-fire planning.
• Mechanical principles related to fire apparatus and allied equipment.
• First aid, CPR, and emergency medical response techniques.
• Firefighter Procedural Bill of Rights (FBOR).
• Fire Department policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Supervise, train, and direct fire personnel during routine and emergency operations.
• Plan, prioritize, and manage daily shift activities.
• Analyze emergency situations quickly and adopt effective courses of action.
• Make sound decisions under stressful and time-sensitive conditions.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other agencies, and the public.
• Prepare accurate and concise reports and maintain operational records.
• Operate radio communications and modern office equipment.
• Delegate tasks appropriately and provide leadership and mentorship to subordinates.

Education and Experience

• Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
• Experience: Two (2) years of full-time fire suppression and prevention experience, including at least one (1) year at the driver/operator or equivalent level, and completion of an Acting Company Officer task book or equivalent, as determined by the City.

Licenses and Certifications

Required at time of appointment and to be maintained throughout employment:

• Valid California driver’s license with appropriate firefighter endorsement.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-I or EMT-B) certification.
• Professional Rescuer CPR/AED certification.
• Hazardous Materials Incident Commander or equivalent certification.

Additional certifications may be required pursuant to City or departmental policy.

Desirable Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Fire Technology, Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field.
• California State Fire Marshal Company Officer certification.

Physical and Working Conditions

• Ability to perform physically demanding work under emergency conditions, including lifting, climbing, bending, and working in hazardous and extreme environments.
• Required to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-back assignments.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and requirements may be modified consistent with City needs and applicable laws.