City and County of San Francisco

Under general direction from the Fire Marshal (H051), the H032 Captain is responsible for the activities of a bureau or major organizational section within the Division of Fire Prevention and Investigation. Incumbents supervise the staff of a bureau or major section; make assignments of work; review and make recommendations regarding reports of inspectors, officers, and investigators; supervise the training of new personnel; prepare annual budgets; draft unit policy; and perform other related duties as required.

The H032 Captain is the upper-management level in the Division of Fire Prevention and Investigation class series. It reports to the H051 Fire Marshal. It is distinguished from the H051 Fire Marshal in that it is responsible for a bureau or major organizational section of the Division, whereas the H051 is responsible for the entire Division.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. (BFP only) In directing and monitoring (i.e., supervising) subordinates: reviews unit’s work load (or work orders) to determine the amount and priority of work that must be completed by the unit; ensures that assignments given to subordinates match their skill levels; interviews candidates for positions within the Bureau in order to determine the candidates’ qualifications; trains H022 Lieutenants and H004 Inspectors to ensure that they are interpreting relevant codes properly; assigns activities to subordinates based on strengths of the subordinate and the requirements of the activity; etc.
   
2. (BFP only) In performing fire suppression duties: performs greater alarm inspections to determine if the building is in compliance with relevant codes; responds to greater alarm fire to provide support to the Incident Commander and evaluate the functioning of fire protection systems required by code; responds to fire and other life-safety incidents to provide assistance to the Incident Commander and evaluate the functioning of fire protection systems; etc.
   
3. (BFP only) In counseling and evaluating subordinates: investigates and documents allegations against subordinate employees of his/her unit, as directed by a superior officer, by collecting and examining physical evidence and interviewing witnesses, complainants, and other inspectors; discusses performance and behavioral issues individually with subordinates in an attempt to resolve them in an informal manner; carries out specific steps in the employee disciplinary processes according to procedures set forth in the SFFD rules, regulations, and procedures (uniformed personnel) or the Civil Service Rules (civilian personnel); evaluates the work of subordinates based on the appropriate codes to ensure that codes are interpreted correctly; recommends disciplinary action for subordinates when necessary to correct work behavior; etc.
   
4. In performing activities related to training and professional development: determines the training needs of unit staff; arranges for the staff to get the necessary training (i.e., contacts the appropriate training agency); identifies areas in which staff need specialized training; prepares training classes for Department personnel; trains Department members with regard to fire prevention and/or investigation; (BFP only) trains newly appointed fire inspectors in the procedures of the Prevention Bureau and in the interpretation of the various codes; etc.
   
5. In performing record-keeping and document review activities: prepares policies and procedures to be followed by unit personnel; prepares general reports for the Fire Marshal; reviews and prioritizes contents of in-basket to ensure that all work is completed or filed by specified or reasonable deadlines; (BFP only) reviews permit applications and forwards them to Headquarters; (BFP only) reviews Notice of Violation forms from inspectors to ensure that they have been completed correctly; (BFP only) logs building/construction plans into the computer by contractor or tenant number; (BFP only) reviews hazardous materials handling and storage plans of airlines; reviews and evaluates letters prepared for Fire Marshal review; etc.
   
6. (BFP only) In performing activities related to report writing and correspondence: completes accident/injury forms to comply with City and state regulations governing employees who are injured on the job; completes Department personnel forms (e.g., payroll, reassignment, vacation) for employees within the unit; uses the computer to draft letters to persons who have complained about a fire safety problem, detailing results and outcomes of investigations or actions to be taken, for review by a superior officer; uses the computer to draft letters to Bureau of Building Inspection regarding code issues, for review by a superior officer; uses the computer to draft letters for superior officer’s signature in response to requests for code variance; completes EEO and counseling reports to document problem situations and actions taken; writes letters outlining where architectural plans fail to comply with Uniform Building Code requirements, as well as other applicable codes, asking architect to revise and resubmit; completes report on fees collected by the Department for the citation program; etc.
   
7. (BFP only) In performing activities related to community relations and interacting with the public: serves as liaison between the Department and the Port Authority of San Francisco; gives fire prevention talks to airport tenant groups; reviews and evaluates equivalency proposals for Department of Building Inspection Board of Examiners meetings; attends pre-application construction meetings to provide input regarding code requirements; researches code requirements for pre-application meetings to provide information regarding relevant codes; reviews plans to determine if they comply with relevant codes; attends Airport Commission meeting as required to provide input on applicable codes and regulations; serves as the Department’s official representative at meetings with business and government representatives; attends pre-construction and equivalency meetings to discuss code requirements; etc.
   
8. (BFP only) In aiding and conducting inspections: conducts inspections of all State Fire Marshal regulated occupancies (AEIR) for compliance with the Uniform Fire Codes and San Francisco Amendments regarding construction adequacy and life safety features; conducts inspections of buildings and/or establishments by special request of Chief, inspector, building owners, building managers, construction contractors, licensing or permit boards, or other City departments to ensure compliance with life safety code requirements or to expedite inspection processes; assists inspectors in conducting inspections when they have questions concerning codes, permits, or other fire prevention activities; keeps inspection appointments of absent subordinates; researches requirements of and applies Fire codes, San Francisco Building Code, NFPA guidelines, state codes, and/or housing codes in the process of conducting inspections or writing reports; conducts inspections or reviews proposals that modify approved plans to determine conformance with applicable fire and building codes; witnesses tests made by contractors of the life safety systems in higH0rise buildings in order to ensure that they are functioning properly; conducts visual inspection of the setup for shooting fireworks at a public event; performs Accelerated Code Enforcement (ACE) inspections; inspects airport buildings and facilities for compliance with applicable codes; inspects sites to be used by VIPs to ensure compliance with applicable codes; inspects the sites of special events to ensure compliance with site plan; etc.
   
9. (BFP only) In performing activities related to code development and enforcement: monitors and/or supervises the placement of explosives stored on Port property; evaluates equivalency proposals to determine if they comply with relevant codes and regulations; maintains consistency in the interpretation of applicable codes; makes recommendations regarding equivalencies based upon applicable codes or regulations; reviews equivalency proposals and makes recommendations regarding whether they should be approved; etc.
   
10. (BFP only) In performing activities related to the development and management of special projects and special events: develops budget related to projected costs, equipment, and training needs for implementation of special projects (e.g., liens, yearly fire inspections project, and fee schedules citation program); confers with City Attorneys to obtain information about possible legal implications of implementing a special project; determines who or what entities will participate in or become subject to a new or special project; assigns staff or outside agencies to work on a special project or policy as needed in order to ensure that it is implemented properly; writes procedures manuals when new programs are being developed for use by staff or outside agencies working on a special project; prepares plans for large events (e.g., opening day at Candlestick Park) by determining how many inspectors should be assigned and what their specific duties should be (e.g., looking for potential fire hazards); coordinates firefighting duties with the US Secret Service; etc.
    
11. (BFP only) In handling management and labor issues: recommends changes to policies to ensure compliance with labor agreements; responds to employee requests that are inconsistent with labor contract to inform the employee why the request cannot be granted; prepares reports regarding possible EEO violations to document incidents and provide a basis for appropriate action; prepares reports regarding possible serious rule violations to document incidents and provide a basis for appropriate action; counsels subordinates regarding Department rules and regulations to ensure compliance; refers members to Employee Assistance Programs to assist them with personal problems; etc.
    
12. In preparing budgets and managing revenues: identifies the equipment that will be needed by the unit; projects the cost for the training that is needed by members of the unit; presents the budget document to the Fire Marshal for review and adjustments; discusses justification of the budget with the Fire Marshal; evaluates services and cost of providing specific services; evaluates personnel assignments and costs; evaluates monthly inspection reports to determine whether fee schedule is appropriate; forwards fees collected and monthly report to Accounting Division; etc.
    
13. In working with others: joins with subordinates to do his or her share of the work at a fire or emergency incident; participates as a member of a team at a fire or emergency incident; actively (enthusiastically) attempts to carry out his or her work assignments; attempts to carry out his or her work assignments completely (not half-heartedly); does all that is possible to complete a work assignment (not the minimum possible); attempts to overcome obstacles or problems that may occur while carrying out an assignment; attempts to judge superiors, subordinates, and peers on the basis of their performance, not perceptions (e.g., rumor or prejudgments); communicates (gives information) effectively with superiors, subordinates, and peers from different cultures and backgrounds; effectively communicates his or her understanding of information provided orally by superiors, subordinates, peers, and citizens; attempts to contribute to a pleasant atmosphere within the work unit; takes the initiative to get tasks done at an emergency incident or during training; interacts with persons from different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles without letting it upset him or her; asks subordinates questions during training to ensure that they understand; attempts to improve himself or herself to perform the job better; removes persons to the periphery of a scene without upsetting them unnecessarily; etc.
    
14. (BFI only) In performing activities related to managing/supervising fire investigations (at fire scenes) and follow-up investigations to determine the origin and cause of fire: responds to fire scenes or incidents as mandated by Department policy (fires involving third or greater alarms, fire scenes involving serious injury to Fire Department personnel, or incidents involving terrorist acts) to monitor or supervise the investigation; determines whether there are enough investigators and other resources at the fire scene to handle the investigation; calls for additional investigators to report to incidents when warranted by the investigation; discusses with Incident Commander at a scene what happened to obtain preliminary information; tells the Incident Commander what the Bureau of Fire Investigation personnel will need to do at the scene; tells the Incident Commander what assistance the investigators will need from fire personnel at the scene; etc.
    
15. (BFI only) In conducting, monitoring, or supervising follow-up investigations: ensures that the necessary procedures regarding the follow-up investigation are initiated in a timely manner (e.g., contacting contractor, security guard, private investigators, etc.); ensures that there is a follow-up on all investigative leads; provides verbal updates of the investigation to the Fire Marshal; ensures that the necessary reports are completed before the investigators are released to go home; etc.
    
16. (BFI only) In maintaining custody of records: answers questions from subordinates regarding how to handle subpoenas; evaluates the subject matter of subpoenas to determine proper disposition; ensures that subpoenas are served properly and in a timely manner; etc.
    
17. (BFI only) In directing the SFFD Vehicle Program: develops Department policy regarding tracking of vehicle arson fires; meets with outside agencies (e.g., insurance agencies and the Police Department) to evaluate the effectiveness of policies developed in conjunction with the Department’s Vehicle Program; receives briefings from investigators regarding resources (e.g., equipment) they need to accomplish their work; sets up procedures for getting access to data regarding vehicle arsons from agencies outside the Department (e.g., National Insurance Code Bureau); etc.
    
18. (BFI only) In developing and participating in the Child and Juvenile Fire Setting Program (CJFSP): develops Department policy regarding Incident Commander’s responsibilities at the scene of a fire set by a child; attends meetings with personnel from other agencies (e.g., Child Crisis Center, Child Welfare, Unified School District, District Attorney’s Office, Police Department, Probation Office, Mental Health Department) to provide Fire Department’s input regarding the CJFSP; at CJFSP meetings, explains the needs and responsibilities of the Fire Department; determines whether a child involved in arson should be arrested and turned over to the Child Crisis Center as 5150 (i.e., a danger to self and others); meets with parents of children who have set a fire to discuss the steps that must be taken (e.g., participation in the CJFSP); obtains feedback from social service agencies on whether a child is participating in the CJFSP; reviews documentation of the arrests of children accused of setting fires to ensure that it is complete; etc.
    
19. (BFI only) In meeting with persons or groups in the community regarding crimes of arson: provides explanations to community members regarding actions the Fire Department is taking to address specific arson crimes; and assigns subordinates to meet with persons in the community regarding issues related to arson.
    
20. (BFI only) In acting as liaison between the Bureau of Fire Investigation and outside agencies: provides assistance to outside agencies with regard to arson investigations; determines whether requests from other agencies for assistance in arson cases are legitimate; and assigns subordinates to Fire Investigation tasks (e.g., interviewing a witness) to assist other agencies with a case.
    
21. (BFI only) In maintaining adequate daily staffing: reassigns personnel from the field unit to work on specific cases as necessary; ensures that the field unit is properly staffed; evaluates the strength and weaknesses of investigators and assigns them accordingly (e.g., tries not to assign two inexperienced investigators to work together); etc.
    
22. (BFI only) In performing activities related to testifying in court: testifies in court in matters related to fire investigation; determines his or her level of knowledge about the case through discussions with the district attorney; in civil cases, reviews documents relevant to the case to determine why testimony from a member of the Department is being requested; etc.
    
23. (BFI only) In conducting interviews and interrogations: determines whether an individual should be interviewed immediately upon arrest or at a later time; attempts to establish rapport with the person being interviewed to obtain the relevant information; asks questions designed to establish the facts in a case; ensures that the interview is properly documented; etc.
    

Knowledge of: the streets, and traffic laws and patterns in the City; the Department’s rules, regulations, policies, procedures, bulletins, and training bulletins; relevant Civil Service rules and regulations; Department manuals related to fire investigation, fire prevention, fire suppression, and firefighting; codes, standards, and ordinances related to fire prevention and fire investigation, including Penal Code 832, Concepts III; the Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigation (NFPA 921); Parker’s Evidence Code of California; safe firearm practices; agencies who can be called in to assist with an investigation; fire science and fire behavior; computer software programs; Bureau computer tracking systems; and the uses, capabilities, and limitations of fire investigation, fire prevention, fire suppression, and firefighting equipment.

Ability or Skill to:

• BFP positions: develop and enforce code; direct and monitor subordinates; write logical and accurate reports and correspondence, including creating documents on the computer; work effectively with others; conduct and aid in the conduct of inspections; maintain accurate records and efficiently review documents; foster and maintain effective public and community relations; develop and manage special projects and events; train and develop self and others; counsel and evaluate subordinates; prepare budgets and manage revenues; perform fire suppression duties and interact with the Bureau of Fire Investigation; and handle management and labor issues.
• BFI positions: manage and supervise fire investigations (at fire scenes) and follow-up investigations to determine the origin and cause of fire; work effectively with others; ensure proper training and development for unit personnel; conduct, monitor, or supervise follow-up investigations; prepare the annual budget; maintain secure custody of records; direct the SFFD Vehicle Program; develop and participate in the Child and Juvenile Fire Setting Program (CJFSP); maintain adequate daily staffing; meet with persons or groups in the community regarding crimes of arson; act as liaison between the Bureau of Fire Investigation and outside agencies; testify in court; conduct interviews and interrogations; efficiently review and/or prepare reports. Skill in: accurate use of firearms, and use of self-defense and arrest techniques.
  

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Experience:
Permanent status and successful completion of probationary period in class H022 or H024 Lieutenant.

BFI also requires:

Four years’ experience as a firefighter.
Response to 100 fires (structure, vehicle, trash, grass, or wildland).
Successful completion of State Fire Marshal Courses Investigation 1A and 1B
Successful completion of Department of Justice Fingerprint Search.
Successful completion of background felony check.
Successful completion of psychological examination.
Successful completion of polygraph examination.

License and Certification:
BFI only: Valid PC832 Certification (classroom and range) or P.O.S.T Certification

Substitution: