JOB
The Engine Boss serves on an on-call and as-needed basis, at the discretion of the Fire Chief, to supplement or augment department staffing levels. This position may be activated for single resource deployments, task force or strike team assignments, or other operational needs as determined by the Fire Chief.Assignment and utilization are not guaranteed and are based solely on the operational needs of the department and the discretion of the Fire Chief. Hourly Rate: $44.17Under general supervision, the Engine Boss responds on an on-call and as-needed basis to local, regional, and state fire and emergency incidents as a single resource or part of a task force or strike team. The Engine Boss is responsible for the supervision and tactical deployment of engine company personnel and resources. This role ensures personnel accountability, crew safety, and coordination with overhead personnel. The Engine Boss operates under the direction of the Incident Commander or their designee and performs other related duties as assigned.This position is utilized to supplement or augment department staffing levels for out-of-area deployments or local incident response. Use of this classification is not guaranteed and is determined based on department needs, resource availability, and incident requests.Examples of Duties: Duties include, but are not limited to: • Responds to fire, rescue, and all-risk incidents as an Engine Boss, providing direct supervision of engine company personnel during incident operations. • Ensures proper implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS) within the assigned engine company. • Provides situational reports and resource status updates to strike team leaders or incident command as required. • Leads crew briefings, tailgate safety sessions, and debriefs during assignments. • Conducts initial and ongoing size-ups and makes tactical decisions consistent with safety priorities, agency policy, and current conditions. • Operates department apparatus and equipment as needed within scope of qualifications and policy. • Ensures the safety, accountability, and welfare of assigned personnel and equipment throughout deployments. • Completes required ICS documentation, crew time reports, and other incident forms as needed. • Coordinates logistical needs including fueling, maintenance, and lodging for the engine and personnel. • Participates in department training, equipment checks, and readiness drills.Typical Qualifications: Minimum Age: Must be a minimum of 21 years old at time of
appointment.Education and/or Experience: • High school diploma or GED equivalent is required. • Minimum two (2) years of wildland or all-risk engine company experience with at least one (1) year in a supervisory or lead firefighter role.License or Certification Requirements: • Valid California Driver License, Class C with Firefighter Endorsement or Commercial Class B with appropriate endorsements (air brake & tank). • NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) certification required. • Completion of NWCG courses: – S-130, S-190, L-180 – ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, ICS-800 – S-230, S-231 – S-290 • American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate or equivalent. • Title 22 Public Safety First Aid certification (or equivalent).Desirable Certifications: • S-219 (Firing Operations) • CSFM Driver/Operator 1A & 1B • Fire Officer certification (CSFM or equivalent)Knowledge of: • Wildland and all-risk fire suppression tactics and strategies. • ICS/NIMS principles and strike team/task force operations. • Safety protocols and firefighter rehabilitation procedures. • Resource typing, Fireline operations, and operational period planning. • Equipment operation including Type 1 and Type 3 engines. • Operational readiness and crew accountability systems.Skills and Abilities to: • Effectively lead and supervise an engine crew in dynamic, hazardous environments. • Apply sound decision-making under pressure. • Operate fire apparatus and firefighting equipment. • Communicate effectively via radio and in writing. • Maintain clear and accurate records and reports. • Ensure personnel safety, manage fatigue, and enforce operational discipline. • Work cooperatively with allied agencies and within multi-agency incident
structures.No Tobacco Use Policy: ABLFD maintains a strict No Tobacco Use Policy for all personnel—career, volunteer, or on-call. Use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices, is prohibited at all times, on or off duty.Probationary Period: All new Engine Bosses shall serve a minimum one (1) year probationary period from the date of appointment. A formal performance appraisal will occur at the one-year mark to evaluate performance and continued suitability. Those who do not successfully complete probation may have their term extended or be released from the position.Annual Evaluation: Each Engine Boss will undergo an annual performance and skills evaluation, including readiness training and documentation review to ensure operational currency and competency.