This is firefighting and fire prevention work on a rotating shift supervising firefighters engaged in the control and extinguishing of fires, the rescue and evacuation of individuals from hazardous areas, and the performance of emergency treatment. An employee in this class has responsibility for all firefighting operations on the fireground until the arrival of a higher level fire officer and overall responsibility for the activities of a fire company. Work requires physical effort. Dangers inherent in the work can be only partially controlled through preventive measures. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level fire officer.

• Responds in appropriate response order to fire alarms; commands appropriate firefighting personnel in relationship to level of responsibility at fireground; evaluates fireground conditions to determine the appropriate firefighting operations, location, personnel, and tasks required to accomplish objectives; assesses fireground conditions to determine presence, source, and location of fire; determines initial tactics to combat fire emergencies; assigns firefighters to perform tasks; observes firefighting performance; assigns additional personnel and equipment when necessary; corrects improper techniques and unsafe practices; details methods and techniques for non-standard firefighting operations.
• Determines and specifies type of firefighting operations and activities required such as rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, and ladder operations; specifies methods to increase effectiveness of operation; considers alternative firefighting tactics.
• Determines and specifics the appropriate engine and/or ladder apparatus position, water supply sources and maneuvers, hoseline operations, master stream service, type and pattern of extinguishing agent, and manual and power operated tools and equipment required; determines need for and priority of rendering first-aid treatment.
• Identifies potential chemical hazards; determines the appropriate actions for the specific chemical hazards present; specifies tools, equipment and safety procedures to combat chemical hazards; participates in evacuating people from area if necessary.
• Determines extent of overhaul and salvage activities; inspects overhauled areas to determine potential for fire extension or rekindling; examines fire scene and interviews others to ascertain cause and initial location of fire.
• Instructs firefighters in firefighting principles, practices, and procedures; conducts station exercises and field practice sessions; instructs firefighters in the use and operation of apparatus and equipment, in duties and responsibilities of the various fireground assignments, and to qualify for acting lieutenant assignments; determines readiness of firefighter to perform various assignments; continually evaluates performance of assigned firefighting personnel.
• Directs company's station house activities; performs administrative duties; prepares reports and records; inspects apparatus, equipment, and station house; requisitions supplies and processes equipment repairs.
• Directs company's fire prevention activities; supervises the inspection of multi-occupancy dwellings, commercial and industrial establishments, and health care and educational facilities for firefighting operational information; inspects these facilities for violations of fire code.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• principles, practices and techniques for controlling and extinguishing the various types and classes of fires.
• principles, practices and techniques of engine and ladder apparatus and related equipment operations.
• rescue and evacuation principles, procedures and techniques.
• ventilation principles, practices, and techniques.
• first-aide principles, practices and techniques.
• ladder principles, practices, and techniques.
• principles, practices, and techniques of water supply and hoseline operations.
• principles and practices of overhaul and salvage operation.
• methods for gaining entry into structures.
• basic building construction as it pertains to firefighting operations.
• capabilities and applications of specialized firefighting tools and equipment.
• physical properties, firefighting characteristics and applications of extinguishing agents.
• departmental operational procedures, directives, and safety practices.
• physical properties, characteristics, and firefighting problems of common chemical hazards.
• methods used to determine cause and origin of fires.
• principles and practices of master stream operations.
• supervisory methods and techniques as it pertains to firefighting operations and personnel.
• station exercise and field session training techniques and practices.

• assimilate, identify, and analyze fireground conditions to determine type of firefighting problems present and courses of action to initiate.
• make judgmental decisions when several alternative courses of action are present.
• recognize potential fire hazards and firefighting problems.
• follow written and oral instructions.
• communicate information and instructions clearly and effectively.
• elicit information from fireground personnel and the general public.
• work and deal effectively with fire personnel and the general public.
• learn the typical structural layouts, street and hydrant characteristics, and construction features in assigned local and box alarm districts.
• learn the capabilities of specialized firefighting equipment and apparatus when assigned.
• learn Airport firefighting procedures and practices when assigned.
• learn the practices and techniques used to demonstrate fire prevention principles when assigned to the Fire Prevention Division.
• learn the principles and techniques of fire investigation and arson detection when assigned to the Fire Marshal's Office.

• Two years of experience as a Fire Lieutenant.

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Fire Captain if required by work assignment.

PAY RANGE: 307
Class Established: 1/1953
Latest Spec. Revision: 8/1990

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