FIRE CAPTAIN-PROMOTIONAL ONLY

City of Visalia; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement program

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Longevity Pay

Onsite City Health and Wellness Clinic

Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave

Job summary

The City of Visalia Fire Department is seeking a Fire Captain who will supervise station personnel and programs, ensuring readiness for all call types. The role emphasizes leadership, training oversight, and contribution to department-wide initiatives.

Ideal candidates bring four years of firefighting/engineering experience, acting captain qualifications, and an associate's degree in fire-related fields. Completion of required California State Fire Training coursework or certification is

Qualifications

• Four (4) years previous experience as a Fire Fighter/Fire Engineer or comparable experience, with demonstrated ability to supervise personnel, command operations at fire scenes and prepare administrative reports.
• Qualified as an Acting Captain with the City of Visalia.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in fire science, fire technology, public administration, or closely related field by time of appointment.
• Completion of California State Fire Training required Company Officer or Fire Officer 2 course work or California State Fire Training Fire Officer Certification by time of appointment.
• Company Officer or Fire Officer 2 Certification Task Book to be completed and certification issued prior to completion of the probationary period (one year from appointment). This does not apply if hired with a Fire Officer Certification.

Responsibilities

• Supervise station personnel and programs; ensure readiness for responses.
• Lead training efforts to maintain high performance and safety.
• Support the department's mission and vision through effective management.
• Prepare and submit administrative reports and documentation.
• Collaborate with other divisions and external agencies as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Fire scene command

Administrative reporting

Education

Associate's Degree in Fire science/Fire technology/public administration

Tools

California State Fire Training Company Officer/Fire Officer 2

Job description

*****The City of Visalia Fire Department is recruiting for Fire Captain.

Applicants must be currently employed with the Visalia Fire Department.*****

THE DEPARTMENT

For more than 150 years, the Visalia Fire Department has provided protection and service to the residents of Visalia. The Department is an all-risk agency operating out of six fire stations, staffing five engines, two trucks and two paramedic squad units. All apparatus provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) and are staffed with at least one paramedic. Fire stations are strategically located to provide service to the approximate 146,000 residents and the many visitors stopping on their way to the Sequoia National Park and other events. The well-trained, professional personnel of the Visalia Fire Department respond to more than 17,000 calls for service each year to include Fire, EMS, Rescues and Hazardous Materials. The Visalia Fire Department is the host agency of the Tulare-Kings County Interagency Hazardous Materials Response Team and responds and trains in coordination with adjacent agencies. The Fire Prevention Division is staffed with a Fire Marshal and three inspectors and is responsible for fire prevention, public education, inspections and investigations. The Training Division operates out of Fire Station 55 with a dedicated classroom and a two-story training building equipped with propane burning capabilities. The nearly 80 operations personnel of the Visalia Fire Department is dedicated to protecting all through excellent service.

THE POSITION

This position is responsible for the supervision, leadership, and management of assigned station personnel and programs. Responsibilities include response readiness through training and preparation, risk management through education and assessment, and supporting the overall mission and vision of the department.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Visalia Fire Department is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual with the following requirements:

• Four (4) years previous experience as a Fire Fighter/Fire Engineer or comparable experience, with demonstrated ability to supervise personnel, command operations at fire scenes and prepare administrative reports.
• Qualified as an Acting Captain with the City of Visalia.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in fire science, fire technology, public administration, or closely related field by time of appointment.
• Completion of California State Fire Training required Company Officer or Fire Officer 2 course work or California State Fire Training Fire Officer Certification by time of appointment.
• Company Officer or Fire Officer 2 Certification Task Book to be completed and certification issued prior to completion of the probationary period (one year from appointment). This does not apply if hired with a Fire Officer Certification.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Possession of valid EMT certificate and CPR certificate.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License with Firefighter Endorsement or Class B.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS

Lift and carry equipment and people; endure periods of extreme heat and physical exertion and stress; enter burning areas and other hazardous and life-threatening situations.

SELECTION PROCESS

Application and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be most qualified will be invited to participate in a job-related interview and/or examination process. Exam process is tentatively scheduled for October 22, 2026, at the Visalia Convention Center.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The City of Visalia offers a competitive total compensation package that includes:

• Monthly Salary: $9,368 - $11,776
• CalPERS retirement program
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Longevity Pay
• Onsite City Health and Wellness Clinic (no out of pocket expenses)
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave and much more

Review the Benefits tab for more information.

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

If work-life balance is important to you, consider living in a thriving community that offers the most affordable housing in California with a typical commute time of less than 20 minutes. With a population of over 146,000, Visalia offers small town charm with metropolitan amenities. Visalia has a world class health care system, our own Sequoia Symphony Orchestra, a flourishing arts community, a minor league baseball team, a downtown convention center, and numerous fine dining establishments.

As the Tulare County seat, Visalia is the principal retail center in the region, and home to several large industrial employers. Visalia has a vibrant downtown district, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, institutions for higher learning, and low cost of living. The City has many community parks, organized team sports, a municipal golf course and private country club, a multi-sport family-oriented regional sports park, and numerous outdoor and recreational activities.

Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, Visalia offers easy access to the nearby mountains, national parks, lakes and rivers which provide year-round opportunities for sports and recreation within an hour or less. Visalia was ranked as the top Central Valley community and one of seven California cities in the top 25 of Gallup Sharecare's latest State of American Well Being Index. Our strong sense of community and social well-being keeps Visalians happy, healthy and moving forward. Come discover all Visalia has to offer!

The City of Visalia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.