Fire Captain - Internal Only

JOB TITLE:                      Fire Captain - Internal Only

DEPARTMENT:              Fire

SALARY RANGE:           $ 100,159.54

DATE POSTED:              June 22, 2026

CLOSING DATE: July 19, 2026

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JOB DESCRIPTION

The Fire Captain is a front-line leadership and supervisory position. Employees in this role are assigned to a platoon, inspection, or suppression bureau based on operational needs and departmental guidelines. The Fire Captain is responsible for supervising a crew of firefighters and volunteers, directing emergency response operations, and managing community risk reduction activities, including code enforcement and community education. The Fire Captain ensures that all crew efforts are highly coordinated to achieve positive outcomes for the community. In addition to administrative and supervisory duties, the Fire Captain ensures the readiness of fire apparatus, tools, and equipment, and leads/conducts training exercises as directed by the Fire Chief.

Princeton Fire Department Fire Captains must possess the desire and compassion to help others, protect lives, property, and the environment, while modeling the highest standards of professional leadership. Instead of serving merely as individual contributors, Fire Captains are responsible for commanding firefighting teams during emergency responses, directing rescue services, overseeing preplanning initiatives, and driving community outreach events. Fire Captains hold ultimate accountability for safeguarding, to a reasonable degree, life and property from the hazards of fire, explosion, and dangerous conditions within the use or occupancy of buildings or premises under their watch.

Employee benefits include medical and dental insurance, vision reimbursement, and prescription drug plan access; fourteen paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal leave; training and continuing education, including tuition reimbursement up to $2,750 annually; non-resident benefits of Princeton Public Library and recreation program use.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PERFORMED

• Command and Tactical Leadership: Direct, supervise, and coordinate firefighting and technical rescue work, including preventing, combating, and extinguishing fires; assume Incident Command at emergency scenes until relieved by a higher-ranking officer
• Personnel Supervision: Manage, evaluate, and mentor a shift or platoon of firefighters and volunteers, fostering a positive, professional, and collaborative atmosphere within the Princeton Fire Department
• Oversee and complete field inspections and ensure all activities strictly adhere to the rules and regulations set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:70 et. seq. and Local Fire Code Ordinances
• Administrative Review: Complete incident reports and other documentation as required by the department. Evaluate direct reports with formal reviews, coaching and mentoring if necessary
• Operational Readiness: Ensure all assigned apparatus, tools, hydraulic/small engine motors, and specialized equipment are fully operational, properly maintained, and ready for immediate deployment
• Ability and knowledge to perform firefighting and technical rescue work, including preventing, combating, and extinguishing fires
• Perform in the roles of driver/operator, officer, interior firefighter / fire officer, or technical rescuer as needed
• Work closely with and maintain a positive atmosphere with all members of Princeton Fire Department, community members and mutual aid partners

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Adequate vision to function in rapid paced maneuvering, including in situations of low light, heavy smoke, and glare
• Clarity of hearing and speech sufficient for communications during emergency situations
• Manual dexterity sufficient for lifting and manipulating the operation of fire-fighting equipment, medical emergency equipment, and communications equipment
• Overall physical health, personal mobility, decisiveness, and reflexes for handling rapidly moving situations when quick maneuvering in less-than-ideal situations involving obstacles, challenging climbing requirements and structural collapse

SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

• Command & Communication: Ability to efficiently communicate orders, expectations, and tactical plans to all members of the Department, mutual aid partners, and the community.
• Crisis Decision-Making: Proven ability to make critical, high-stakes decisions under extreme time-sensitive and hazardous situations.
• Supervisory Competence: Demonstrated skills in functioning effectively within—and enforcing—a structured command hierarchy, with the ability to manage personnel conflicts and promote teamwork.
• Administrative & Technical Skills: proficiency in fire-fighting incident reporting software, record-keeping, and office productivity software (MS Office Suite: PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
• Training & Development: Ability to facilitate, and evaluate training exercises to integrate new technologies, techniques, and scientific advancements into crew operations.
• Regulatory Expertise: Thorough, actionable knowledge of State (N.J.A.C. 5:70) and Local Fire Code Laws, Ordinances, and modern fire administration practices.
• Geographical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of local geography, target hazards, and water supply infrastructure within the response area.
• Professional Integrity: Act as a proactive self-starter possessing unwavering integrity, an exemplary work ethic, sound judgment, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of fire service professionals.
• A positive attitude and commitment to working as a team player in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a full-time firefighter in good standing with the Princeton Fire Department
• High School diploma/GED required
• Computer knowledge and experience
• Ability to conduct yourself in a productive, positive, and team-oriented manner
• Must have a valid NJ Driver’s License in good standing
• NJ residency required by N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70)
• Pursuant to Federal Law, proof of US Citizenship or immigration status will be required upon hire

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• New Jersey Division of Fire Safety – Firefighter 1 and 2
• New Jersey Division of Fire Safety – Hazardous Materials Awareness Level
• New Jersey Division of Fire Safety – Hazardous Materials Operations Level
• New Jersey Division of Fire Safety – Hazardous Materials on Scene Incident Commander
• New Jersey Division of Fire Safety – Incident Management Level 2
• New Jersey Division of Fire Safety – Fire Instructor Level 1
• New Jersey Division of Fire Safety – Drill Ground Instructor
• Incident Safety Officer
• New Jersey Division of Fire Safety – Fire Inspector

In addition to applying online, all interested applicants are required to drop off a resume, cover letter and copies of their certifications to the Fire Chief (363 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ). Applicants can drop off this information, Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM.

Click here to apply.