Fire Captain (S)

THIS IS A PROMOTIONAL RECRUITMENT AND ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEES.

The City of Riverside is accepting applications from current Fire Department employees for the position of Fire Captain to establish an eligibility list.

Under general supervision, to perform management, supervisory and technical work in fire suppression, emergency rescue, fire inspection and fire personnel training activities; and will do related work as required.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan and execute work assignments of fire personnel in an assigned company.
• Respond to fire alarms as commanding officer, and as such is responsible for the fire supervision and the performance and safety of assigned firefighting personnel.
• Direct firefighting and rescue operations until relieved by a superior officer.
• Operate radio-telephone equipment.
• Supervise and participate in salvage and overhaul operations.
• Supervise and assist in rendering first aid at an emergency incident.
• Direct the cleaning of quarters, equipment and apparatus at a fire station.
• Investigative false alarms.
• Inspect personnel and maintain discipline.
• Preserve evidence at a fire scene.
• Instruct and drill fire department personnel in firefighting methods, techniques, and related subjects.
• Supervise and participate in the inspection of buildings and installations for fire hazards and fire safety systems as required by state laws and City ordinances.
• Inspect new construction plans and specifications for adherence to Uniform Fire Code requirements.
• Assist in planning and conducting the City-wide fire prevention program and education program.
• Represent the City in the community and at professional meetings as required.
• Prepare reports and maintain records.
• Supervise, train and evaluate subordinates.
• Serve as Acting Fire Battalion Chief as assigned.

When assigned to Arson Investigation

• Investigate fires of suspicious origin; interview and interrogate witnesses and suspects; prepare appropriate records and reports.
• Photograph, obtain and otherwise preserve evidence at a fire scene.
• As necessary, apprehend suspects and appear in court to testify as to the origin of suspicious fires.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience: Five years of municipal fire suppression and prevention experience with the City of Riverside Fire Department.

Necessary Special Requirement

• Possession of an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Must currently be a Fire Engineer or be active on the Fire Engineer's eligibility list.

Career Advancement Opportunities

From: Fire Captain

To: Fire Battalion Chief

ASSESSMENT DATES

Written Examination....................................................Monday, March 9, 2026

Virtual Orientation (Not Mandatory)........................Monday, March 16, 2026

Assessment Exams.................................................... March 18th and/or 19th, 2026

Chief Oral Exam.......................................................... Week of March 23, 2026

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS

If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process. You will be notified via email of your status. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

References for this examination include

• FIRESCOPE Field Operations Guide ICS 420-1 (2022 Ed.)
• IFSTA Fire and Emergency Services Company Officer, 6th Ed.
• CalFire Wildland Urban Interface Operating Principles, 1st Ed.
• City of Riverside Fire Department Standard Operating Procedures
• City of Riverside Fire Department Practical Applications

Selection Process

The selection process will begin with an employment application package with those meeting the qualifications being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process will include a combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

SCORING PARAMETERS

Written Examination - Pass or Fail - Passing score of 75% or greater

Assessment Examination - Weight 80%

• Failure in any two of the sections within the assessment and/or an overall score of less than 75% results in elimination from the final list.

Chief's Interview - Weight 20% - Passing score of 75% or greater

NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.