Fire Captain

City of Homer, Alaska; Homer (AK); On-site; USD 71,071 - 86,864; Full time

Job summary

The City of Homer, Alaska, is seeking a Fire Captain / ALS EMT to lead firefighting and emergency medical services for the Homer Volunteer Fire Department.

Responsibilities include commanding incidents, training personnel, managing budgets and records, and ensuring readiness of equipment and facilities. The role requires extensive firefighting/EMS experience, state certifications, and ability to work rotating shifts and meet physical requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter 1 & 2 certification.
• Hazardous Materials Operations level certification.
• IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Officer 1.
• State of Alaska EMT 3/NRAEMT or higher ALS certification.
• Fire/EMS instructor certification.
• Meet Homer Volunteer Fire Department driver/operator requirements.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, and lead fire personnel and volunteers.
• Respond to emergencies, perform fire suppression and EMS duties.
• Operate and inspect emergency tools, equipment, and vehicles.
• Prepare department records and reports.
• Prepare and coordinate training materials and sessions.
• Lead during emergency responses and training activities.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Statutes knowledge

Firefighting experience

Office procedures

Policy knowledge

Emergency equipment

Training program development

Education

High school diploma

IFSAAC/ProBoard Firefighter 1 & 2

Hazardous Materials Operations

IFSAAC/ProBoard Fire Officer 1

State EMT 3/NRAEMT ALS

Fire/EMS instructor certification

Driver/Operator certification

Tools

Office software

NFPA standards familiarity

Job description

Job Title

Fire Captain / ALS EMT

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary for Fire Captain is $78,968.00 or higher, DOE. Non‑exempt position eligible for overtime. $5,000 recruitment bonus for licensed paramedics.

Residency Requirement

Employees of the Homer Volunteer Fire Department must live within a 15‑minute maximum response/driving time to Fire Station 1.

Work Schedule

Employees will work 24 hours on and 48 hours off (56‑hour/week schedule).

Pre‑Employment Requirements

Successful applicants must pass pre‑employment drug screening, an NFPA‑approved physical examination, and a comprehensive background investigation. Annual re‑examination, fit testing, and compliance with the physical ability requirements for a firefighter and EMT must be maintained.

General Functions

This position is expected to respond to emergency calls as a company officer providing advanced life support, and to provide training, maintenance, and support services within the department.

Job Functions and Major Activities

• Recruit, train, and lead fire personnel, volunteers, rescuers, and medics; ensure readiness, training, equipment adequacy, and accountability.
• Respond to emergencies and perform fire suppression, rescue, hazmat, and emergency medical duties; assume incident‑scene command as required.
• Operate and inspect all emergency, fire, rescue, medical, and life‑saving tools, equipment, and vehicles.
• Monitor and assign maintenance of department facilities, equipment, and supplies; inspect and return equipment to service after use.
• Prepare and maintain required departmental and emergency response records.
• Prepare specialized budgets and complete budgetary documentation as needed.
• Prepare, edit, update, and coordinate the production of training materials; develop specialized training sessions.
• Provide emergency medical and fire training for emergency responders.
• Review changes in laws, rules, regulations, and policies; update training content and provide liaison as required.
• Conduct health and fire safety inspections of commercial properties.
• Update and maintain a variety of files, records, charts, and documents; gather, compile, synthesize data, and prepare reports as required.
• Periodically lead and manage multiple resources during emergency responses and training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of state, city, and federal statutes, rules, codes, and regulations.
• Five years of firefighting experience with a minimum of three years paid or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Extensive knowledge of modern office procedures and use of computers and software programs; excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of department policies and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of firefighting and emergency services techniques, procedures, and related safety and legal issues.
• Strategy and tactics for management and deployment of personnel and equipment in fire and emergency situations.
• Experience with methods and techniques to develop and present training programs.

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Certified as an IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter 1 and 2.
• Hazardous Materials Operations level certification.
• Certified IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Officer 1.
• State of Alaska EMT 3/NRAEMT or higher ALS certification.
• Fire and/or EMS instructor certification.
• Meet all requirements of a driver/operator for the Homer Volunteer Fire Department.

Other Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid State of Alaska driver’s license (CDL preferred).
• Must be a United States citizen or naturalized citizen.
• Must pass a physical examination and drug urinalysis test.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or have disqualifying criminal history within the past seven years.
• Must endure a personal, professional, and moral background investigation to determine honesty, maturity, and dependability.
• Must be able to work shift work and attend additional job‑specific training as scheduled.
• Must be fluent in English.
• Obtain any other certification deemed necessary by the chief or designee at the department’s expense.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Service Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience/college credit hours. Licensed Intensive Mobile Intensive Care paramedic. Fire Officer I.

Supervisory Authority

Supervise assigned volunteers, firefighters, and driver operators in the absence of a chief officer. Mentor all assigned members and assist with annual performance evaluations.

Decision‑Making Responsibilities

Exercise independent judgment in all aspects of duty. Carry out department‑level procedures and make decisions that may involve potential loss of life or property. Handle moderate budget authority and confidentiality requirements.

External Visibility/Contact

Low contact with key city personnel and limited presentations or public meetings. High contact with the general public. Low contact with government officials and key service personnel.

Working Conditions

High exposure to hazardous situations during firefighter and EMT duties. Moderate exposure to adverse weather conditions. Work rotates through holidays, weekends, and occasional overtime. May be on call for emergencies. Must annually pass physical examination and fit testing as required by NFPA and department policy. Full‑time employees subject to a 14‑day work schedule as defined in the employee agreement.