Fire Captain - Promotional

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site:
www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs . Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Pay & Benefits

Whether you're starting your career journey or seeking new opportunities, we welcome all and offer:

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Retirement:CalPERS retirement system
• Wellness Program

Salary Range (DOQ):

• Fire Captain (40-hour workweek): Step A-F: $54.0716- $69.0111hourly
• Fire Captain (56-hour workweek): Step A-F: $38.6227- $49.2938 hourly

About the Opportunity

Under the direction of the on-duty Battalion Chief, the Fire Captain assigns, coordinates, and supervises the activities of a fire company. This role provides direct leadership and supervision, oversees departmental programs related to emergency services, fire prevention, and public education, and ensures safe and effective operations. The position requires wearing a uniform, working rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and being available for emergency call-outs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Responds with company personnel, apparatus, and equipment to fire emergencies, vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, and medical emergencies. Assesses conditions, initiates control actions, gives directions to firefighters, supervises all activities at emergency scenes, and participates in rescue operations and the administration of medical aid when required.
• Plans, assigns, and supervises daily activities of company personnel, including station and equipment maintenance. Coordinates projects and departmental programs, evaluates staff performance, ensures compliance with departmental rules, policies, and procedures, and assists in the development and delivery of in-service training.
• Maintains inventory of non-expendable maintenance and operational items, monitors the budget, and initiates necessary repairs. Conducts inspections of structures for compliance with fire and life safety codes, maintains inspection records, and responds to citizen questions or complaints related to fire and life safety.
• Participates in physical fitness programs and maintains readiness for emergency operations. Completes staff work and may be assigned special projects or administrative duties by the Battalion Chief. Participates in fire and life safety education programs and makes recommendations on departmental practices, policies, and procedures.
• In the absence of the Battalion Chief, may assume their duties and responsibilities. May be assigned to staff assignments as directed by the Fire Chief. Attends meetings, conferences, and training sessions as needed, and performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications - Required

Experience & Education:

• Five years of full-time, paid fire suppression experience, including at least three years with the City of Ventura, OR four years of full-time, paid fire suppression experience, including at least three years with the City of Ventura, AND one of the following:
  • Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in a related field
  • 60 college semester units equivalent to an A.A. or A.S. degree in a related field
  • Certification as a Fire Officer by the State of California

Desirable Qualifications:

• Supervisory certificate and/or training in effective supervisory practices

Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically capable of performing all duties of a Ventura Firefighter-Paramedic, including rigorous emergency operations, and meet California DMV visual acuity standards necessary to maintain required licenses

Licenses / Certificates

• Current and valid EMT-1 or EMT-P certification
• Current and valid CPR certification
• Current and valid California Class A, B, or C driver’s license with Firefighter endorsement
• If not currently employed as a Fire Engineer, completion of the Ventura City Fire Department Engine Operator Task Book or Ventura City Fire Department Relief Driver certification is required at the time of application
• State of California Fire Officer certification or completion of the California Company Officer certification track is highly desirable

About the Department

The Ventura Fire Department proudly serves the vibrant and diverse community of Ventura, providing all-hazards emergency response from six strategically located fire stations covering approximately 32 square miles. Each year, our firefighter-paramedics respond to more than 18,000 incidents, including fires, medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous materials responses, and mutual aid calls.

As the county seat and home to roughly 110,000 residents, Ventura offers an unmatched quality of life with scenic beaches, parks, trails, and a historic downtown.

Built on character, integrity, and accountability, the Ventura Fire Department offers a rewarding career for those committed to protecting others and making a lasting impact in their community.

How to Apply & Selection Process

Submit your online City job application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. Resumes may be attached but will not replace a completed application or supplemental questionnaire. All communication regarding your application will be via email, so please check your inbox regularly and ensure your contact information is current.

Application Deadline: Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Selection Process Timeline:

The examination process consists of three scored components, completed sequentially. Candidates must successfully pass each component to advance to the next stage of the process. All examination components require a minimum passing score of 70%.

Testing components may include, but are not limited to, the following subject areas: Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), Operational Guidelines, Personnel Rules and Regulations, Standard Operating Procedures, Training Manuals, VFD Truck Operations, Ventura City Fire Incident Commander’s Guides, all applicable resources available on the Ventura City Fire intranet, and the study materials outlined below.

WRITTEN EXAM (pass/fail)

Date: April 14, 2026, at 0900. (Public Safety Training Room)

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in a written examination designed to evaluate candidate's knowledge and abilities in the fire service topics outlined below. Topics include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Fire and Emergency Services Company Officer . IFSTA, 5thEdition (2014) or 6thEdition (2019)
• Structural Fire Fighting: Initial Response Strategy and Tactics . IFSTA, 3rd Edition (2022)
• Firescope California: Fire Service Field Operations Guide, ICS 420-1. Incident Command System Publication (2022)
• Pocket Guide to the Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights Act . California Public Employee Relations, 5th Edition (2019)
• Truck Company Operations . Mittendorf, John. PennWell Publishing, 2ndEdition. (2011)
• Effective Supervisory Practices . ICMA, 6thEdition (2023).
• Department Standing Orders
• Department Operational Guidelines
• Department Standard Operating Procedures
• Department Vehicle Maintenance Manual

Candidates must pass the written examination with a minimum score of 70% to move to the technical simulation and oral board components.

Technical Simulation Exercise - Oral Board

Dates: April 29-30, 2026
Location: Bogner Room / Public Safety Training Room

The technical simulation exercises are designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to respond appropriately as a Fire Captain to simulated fire and emergency incidents.

Immediately following the simulation exercises, candidates will participate in a structured oral board interview. The oral board assesses leadership, decision-making, and supervisory competencies necessary to successfully perform as a Fire Captain. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass this component.

Candidates must receive a score of 70% or higher on each simulation exercise to pass this component.

Fire Department Selection Process

Hiring Selection Committee Interview

Dates: May 6 - May 7, 2026
Candidates placed on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in department selection interviews conducted by the Hiring Selection Committee. These interviews will focus on personal attributes, leadership skills, and other qualifications not previously assessed during the written, technical simulation, or oral board components.

Following the interviews, the Hiring Selection Committee will review candidate performance across all exam components and interview responses. Based on this review, the committee will establish a ranked order-of-promotion list and forward the rankings, along with comments and observations, to the Fire Chief.

Promotion Decision

The Fire Chief will promote candidates in the recommended ranked order while the eligibility list remains active, unless unusual circumstances exist, such as documented disciplinary actions or prior performance evaluations indicating “below standard” or “needs improvement.”

If deviations from the ranked order occur, the Fire Chief will consider the severity of the circumstances and make a determination at their discretion. Affected candidates will be notified of the specific reasons for non-promotion.

The Fire Chief is available to meet with candidates upon request to review the ranked order and provide general feedback regarding individual performance throughout the selection process.

Learn more about the Fire Captain on the job description here .

Candidates who successfully complete and pass all examination components will be certified to an eligibility list.

Additional Information

To learn more about the City’s hiring process, visit the City of Ventura Hiring Process page .

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team:
recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov

(805) 654-7802

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 654-7853, e-mail: recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!

• 

• City of Ventura

• 805-654-7853

Show more