Fire Protection Shift Captain

New Mexico State University; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University is seeking a Fire Protection Shift Captain in Las Cruces, NM. The role oversees shift operations, coordinates firefighting and EMS activities, and ensures readiness of equipment and personnel under a 24-hour shift plan.

Preferred candidates hold fire officer certifications, EMT-Intermediate or higher, and have relevant supervisory experience. The position is non-exempt and part of AFSCME, with a 25.56 USD hourly rate.

Qualifications

• Required Education and Experience: Associate’s Degree + 4 years of relevant experience with a minimum of 1 year at company officer level or above.
• Preferred Qualifications: IFSAC or equivalent Fire Officer I and II Certification; NM EMT-Intermediate or higher License; IS 100, 200, 300, 700, and 800 Certifications

Responsibilities

• Serves as a shift commander and may supervise multiple fire and/or EMS companies and assigned personnel.
• Responds to fire, rescue, medical, hazardous materials, and other emergency incidents to protect life and property.
• Directs and coordinates firefighting, rescue, emergency medical, and incident command operations during emergency responses.

Skills

Leadership

Emergency response

Supervision

Education

Associate’s Degree + 4 years experience

Job description

• 504243


• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States


• Staff


• Staff Full-time


• Closing at: Nov 16 2026 - 23:55 MST

Department Contact

Chris Sloman, 575-646-2519, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search

Department Posting -open to regular employees within the department only (promotion/transfer opportunity)

Advertising Summary

Serves as a shift commander and may supervise multiple fire and/or EMS companies and assigned personnel. Responds to fire, rescue, medical, hazardous materials, and other emergency incidents to protect life and property. Directs and coordinates firefighting, rescue, emergency medical, and incident command operations during emergency responses. Supervises company officers and personnel, assigns resources, and ensures effective deployment of personnel and equipment. Oversees daily shift operations and ensures fire apparatus, equipment, facilities, and grounds are maintained in a constant state of readiness. Plans, conducts, and evaluates training in fire suppression, rescue operations, fire prevention, emergency medical care, incident command, and related disciplines. Maintains communications and coordinates operations with public safety agencies, mutual aid partners, and other stakeholders during emergency and non-emergency incidents. Ensures compliance with department policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and safety standards. Evaluates the performance of company officers and personnel, provides leadership and mentoring, and supports employee development, accountability, and operational excellence.

Position Details

• Position Title: Fire Protection Shift Captain


• College/Division: President's Office


• Department: 500425-FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES


• Location: Las Cruces


• Offsite Location (if applicable):


• Target Hourly/Salary Rate: 25.56


• Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0


• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt


• Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).


• Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable


• Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift


• If Not a Standard Work Schedule: Emergency Services 24 hour shift

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Serves as a shift commander and may supervise multiple fire and/or EMS companies and assigned personnel. Responds to fire, rescue, medical, hazardous materials, and other emergency incidents to protect life and property. Directs and coordinates firefighting, rescue, emergency medical, and incident command operations during emergency responses. Supervises company officers and personnel, assigns resources, and ensures effective deployment of personnel and equipment. Oversees daily shift operations and ensures fire apparatus, equipment, facilities, and grounds are maintained in a constant state of readiness. Plans, conducts, and evaluates training in fire suppression, rescue operations, fire prevention, emergency medical care, incident command, and related disciplines. Maintains communications and coordinates operations with public safety agencies, mutual aid partners, and other stakeholders during emergency and non-emergency incidents. Ensures compliance with department policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and safety standards. Evaluates the performance of company officers and personnel, provides leadership and mentoring, and supports employee development, accountability, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Required Education and Experience: Associate’s Degree + 4 years of relevant experience with a minimum of 1 year year being at the company officer level or above.


• Preferred Qualifications: IFSAC or equivalent Fire Officer I and II Certification; NM EMT-Intermediate or higher License; IS 100, 200, 300, 700, and 800 Certifications

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements: i.e. extreme temp, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precaution/protective equip


• Physical Effort: Considerable physical activity. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of the job.


• Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.


• Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMSU Global Campus

Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.

NMSU Main Campus

Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.

Doña Ana Community College

Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance.

Alamogordo Campus

Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.

Grants Campus

NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.

EEO Statement

New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-\u0021merit factor.

Requesting an Accommodation

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and New Mexico State University policy, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply, interview, or complete onboarding for a position with New Mexico State University, or if you cannot use the online application system, please visit our Accessibility & Accommodations page to initiate an accommodation request