What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Captain-Department Promotional position at City of Oxnard?
- Only current City of Oxnard Fire Department employees that meet the qualifications for the position of Fire Captain are eligible for this promotional opportunity**
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Fire Captain is a supervisory level class responsible for commanding an engine company of fire fighting personnel in suppression activities or provides supervision and oversight for a variety of department functions such as equipment and apparatus maintenance, emergency preparedness, fire prevention and education and medical/rescue. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Fire Engineer by the performance of supervisory duties and the responsibility of managing all employees for an entire engine company or assignment.
Supervision Received/Exercised
General direction is provided by a Battalion Chief. Exercises direct and functional supervision over field and technical fire fighting personnel.
Include But Are Not Limited To The Following
Accepts supervisory responsibility for activities, operations and services of an assigned company including the supervision, performance and safety of assigned firefighting personnel on the scene of an emergency incident; maintains discipline on calls and in company quarters; may be assigned to supervise or perform administrative functions related to departmental services.
Responds to reported emergencies (fires, accidents, emergency medical incidents, rescues and hazardous conditions) by directing an engine company to the scene, assessing and reporting conditions at the scene, assuming command of firefighting and rescue operations of the company unless relieved by a senior officer.
Manages emergency scene operations, including size-up, resource request and assignment, confinement, extinguishing, overhaul and salvage; participates in fire control activities and performs fire inspections. Responds to alarms and directs the route to be taken to emergencies.
Makes decisions as to fire fighting methods to be employed, and the need for additional assistance.
Oversees and/or participates in the development, implementation and maintenance of assigned goals, objectives, policies and procedures; ensures that company goals are achieved.
Assists in coordinating the maintenance and repair of fire suppression equipment and facilities such as hydrants, trucks, and support equipment; oversees the on-going up-keep of quarters, equipment vehicles and apparatus at an assigned fire station.
Assists in coordinating the selection, orientation, training and evaluation programs for engine company personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; identifies and resolves staff deficiencies; fulfills discipline procedures.
Conducts inspections to discover and eliminate potential fire and life hazards, including improperly handled or stored hazardous materials.
Educates the public on fire protection.
Keeps logs and maintains inspection records and other periodic and/or special activity records.
Inspects business establishments, residences, public buildings, warehouses and other sites in the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to fire prevention, life safety, and hazardous materials; inspects fire escapes and emergency exits.
Checks alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and other equipment.
Investigates evidence in arson cases, and complaints of law violations.
Participates in the in-service training of Fire Protection personnel.
Assists in the planning for responding to City emergencies and disasters; plans and coordinates emergency response activities with other City departments, other jurisdiction and agencies.
Recommends and prepares changes required in fire regulations to keep pace with the latest fire safety developments.
Meets with business and industrial representatives in order to secure cooperation of fire prevention measures.
Speaks to groups to promote department programs in the interest of fire prevention.
Prepares periodic and special reports.
Assists chief officers with administrative details in the completion of special assignments.
The following are minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:
Education And/or Experience
- AA/AS in Fire Science or Fire Technology* or OSFM Fire Officer Certified or OSFM Company Officer Certified or OSFM Company Officer eligible** (must be attached to your application) and;
- Five (5) years of experience with the Oxnard Fire Department as a firefighter, engineer, or fire investigator (safety).
- To be Company Officer eligible the candidate must show proof of completion of of all classes required for CSFM Company Officer Certification at time of application:
- Company Officer 2A: HR Management
- Company Officer 2B: General Administrative Functions
- Company Officer 2C: Fire Inspections and Investigations
- Company Officer 2D: All-Risk Incident Command Operations
- Company Officer 2E: Wildland Incident Operations
- Instructor I
- California Driver's License meeting one of the requirements set forth in the California Vehicle Code Section 12804.11
- A Class C License with an endorsement issued by the Oxnard Fire Department as described in Section 12804.9.
- A Class A or Restricted Class A License with the appropriate endorsements as described in Section 12804.12
- A Commercial or Noncommercial Class B License with the appropriate endorsements as described in Section 12804.10.
- Engine/Pump Certification
- Truck Certification
The Following Coursework And Education Is Highly Desirable
- SFM Company Officer Education
- Company Officer 2A: HR Management
- Company Officer 2B: General Administrative Functions
- Company Officer 2C: Fire Inspections and Investigations
- Company Officer 2D: All-Risk Incident Command Operations
- Company Officer 2E: Wildland Incident Operations
- Instructor I
- NWCG / CICCS Engine Boss Training
- Fire Operations in the Wildland Urban Interface (S-215) or Company Officer 2E: Wildland Incident Operations
- Crew Boss (Single Resource) (S-230)
- Engine Boss (Single Resource) (S-231)
- Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)
- December 8, 2025, 1700 hrs: Deadline to submit NEOGOV/GovernmentJobs on-line.
- February 17, 2026, 0900 hrs: Written Exam
- February 17, 2026, 0900 hrs: Professional History Portfolio (PHP) Due. Submission will be at the time of the Written Exam.
- February 18, 2026: Performance-Based Assessment
- Week of March 9th, 2026: Chiefs Interviews
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the online application and include the information only on the resume. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Cover letters and/or optional resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.
The list of qualified candidates that is established from this recruitment may be used to fill other full-time, part-time and temporary assignments as vacancies arise.
UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).
Note
The work schedule of this position may vary depending on assignment.
This position requires a twelve (12) month probationary period.
For most positions, the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.
Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.
City staff may be required to play an active role in the event of an emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or sexual orientation.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodation for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date. Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.
LEGAL REQUIREMENT: On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS. 888-897-7781 dhs.gov/e-verify
For questions, please contact Jackie Ramos at (805) 385-7451 or by email at jackie.ramos@oxnard.org
NOTE: 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.