Fire Captain

Salary Range: $68,738 - $106,544

Hiring Range: $68,738 - $87,641

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should attach the following to their applications:

• Cover Letter and Resume
• Proof of Fire, EMS Certifications, and other related certifications
• Applicants with military service must have an honorable discharge and provide proof of military service (DD-214). If currently in the military, the applicant must provide a letter from the military indicating the ETS date. "General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions" will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The application period for the Matthews Fire Department – Fire Captain Hiring Process will be open from Monday, March 16, 2026 and close on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 8 am. This is a competitive process.

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a multi-phase Assessment Center, which will be held during the week of May 4, 2026. Candidates will only need to participate in one morning or afternoon session on the assigned date. Assessment Center phases will include assessments of administrative, operational, and personnel management capabilities.

The assessment center will be held on-site at a Matthews location or within the local area. The assessment center schedule will be formulated once applications have been received. Further details about the assessment center and a schedule of events will be emailed to applicants once confirmed.

AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFIERS

• Discharge from military service with less than “General under Honorable Conditions.”
• Admission and/or conviction of a felony offense.
• Admission and/or conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
• Any domestic violence offenses (including, but not limited to, assault, battery, telephone misuse, false imprisonment, stalking, etc.).
• DUI/DWI conviction within the last five (5) years.
• Court decisions such as Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) will be counted as convictions.
• Use of marijuana/THC (smoke, inhale, ingest, etc.) within 6 months before or any time after the date of employment application.
• Use of any other illicit or illegal drugs within 3 years before, or any time after, the date of employment application.
• Pattern of theft.
• Eight (8) or more points for moving violations on the driving record during the past three (3) years; the three-year period is to be calculated from the date of conviction for each violation.
• Being involuntarily terminated from a previous fire-related position with the Town of Matthews or another public sector agency.
• Candidates will be expected to comply with the Professional Appearance Policy. Please click here for the Professional Appearance Policy.

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs complex professional and administrative work directing the activities of the Firefighters/EMTs and volunteer officers, including public safety, fire prevention, rescue, emergency medical response, and supervisory responsibilities in the fire station on an assigned shift. Much of the work is performed under emergency conditions and frequently involves considerable personal hazards. Supervision is exercised over company-level personnel. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Fire Battalion Chief.

An employee in this class supervises and participates in operations at the fire station on an assigned shift and may supervise staff at both stations on an assigned shift. The employee leads the shift in protecting life and property and providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response/mitigation, technical rescue, and related activities. Other duties include supervising and participating in the maintenance of station apparatus, equipment, and facilities; preparation of fire reports; and various projects for the department requiring coordination of paid and volunteer staff. Work is performed under the general direction and guidance of the Fire Battalion Chief.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.)

• Supervising the personnel on shift providing emergency medical services, fire suppression, and fire prevention of the Town; Coordinating work with the Fire Battalion Chiefs; maintaining records and files; preparing reports.
• Recommends policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and programs related to fire.
• Directs daily work assignments; assigns paid Firefighters/EMTs.
• Assists in equipment and apparatus purchases, equipment maintenance, training, fire inspections with written reports, fire preplanning, and other Fire/EMS-related issues.
• Prepares and reviews operational and administrative reports.
• Supervises maintenance of records and materials associated with fire prevention or suppression activities.
• Makes periodic public addresses.
• Attends meetings and serves on committees, boards, and agency-related activities to promote fire prevention and improve the delivery of the Fire/EMS services.
• Provides stand-by coverage when volunteers are unavailable; responds to emergency medical calls; assesses patients and provides life support treatment for persons, if required; extricates victims trapped in motor vehicles or entangled in machinery; lowers patients from high places or raises them from confined spaces or ravines; transports the sick and elderly.
• Trains career and paid volunteers in skills necessary to perform Firefighter/EMT duties; keep records of all training taken by volunteers and paid staff.
• Prepares daily activity reports and patient reports; assists with office management, establishing and maintaining records and files for all personnel; performs other administrative tasks including accounts payable, maintaining inventory of supplies and uniforms, compiling statistics; tracks inventory in computer and manually; copies and disseminates memoranda, organization charts, rosters, etc.
• Reviews incident reports for proper methodologies and procedures; reports problems to supervisor.
• Ensures routine maintenance and servicing of equipment including washing and waxing trucks, and checking batteries, fuel, and oil levels.
• Oversees repairs to equipment including fabrication of metal, wood, and electrical necessary to repair or update vehicles; wires or rewires vehicles for radios, lights, and sirens; maintains and repairs small engine equipment, both gas and electric; repairs and maintains heavy hydraulic rescue equipment; schedules repairs and maintenance with Public Works or other vendors for maintenance and repairs of vehicles and equipment.
• Performs and/or coordinates cleaning and maintenance of facilities.
• Attends training, studies manuals, and participates in exercises to maintain developed skills.
• Orders supplies, equipment, uniforms, and other needs; prepares requisitions.
• Ensures proper certification of career Firefighters/EMTs; ensures protocols are available and followed; assists with monitoring both paid and volunteer performance.
• Oversees physical training program.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

(The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Thorough knowledge of current methods, principles, techniques, and practices applied to firefighting, fire behavior, hydraulics, fire inspection, natural or man-made disasters, operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, and working knowledge of fire extinguishing systems, fire prevention methods and fire safety and related fields.
• Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of emergency service treatment, service techniques, and equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and department regulations, ordinances and regulations related to the provision and management of fire and EMS services, personnel management, apparatus and equipment operation, and fire codes.
• Thorough knowledge of hazards of chemical properties of a variety of materials and ability to recognize environmental and workplace hazards, and implement safeguards to prevent accident or injury to employees or damage to Department facilities and/or equipment.
• Working knowledge of computers and applicable computer software applications, including specific knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Effectively handle difficult or sensitive issues, using professionalism and an understanding of organizational culture.
• Interact with others using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Use interpersonal and problem-solving skills, including anticipating, analyzing, diagnosing, and resolving problems.
• Ability to stay abreast of state-of-the-art fire, hazardous materials, and rescue procedures, techniques, and equipment, and requires the employee to incorporate the necessary changes into in-service training.
• Ability to plan, layout, and review the activities of Fire/EMS personnel and maintain discipline.
• Ability to think critically and solve complex problems during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions under pressure is required, particularly in directing staff in incident response.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply documents such as operating instructions, applicable policies, procedures, fire codes, adopted ordinances, and safety rules.
• Communicate in English clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to learn and possess working knowledge of geography and street locations of department response areas.
• Ability to maintain and establish effective and cooperative working relationships with department employees, other public safety agency personnel, the public, and public officials, and to work effectively in a team environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job (includes functions as described in NFPA 1582). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, an employee is regularly required to talk and hear; use hands or fingers to handle and feel; use of the telephone and computer; requires manual dexterity and visual acuity to operate firefighting equipment frequently and a computer or other standard office equipment occasionally. Employees may sit occasionally but will also need mobility and the ability to stand and walk continuously for long periods of time.

In unforeseen circumstances, the Fire Captain may have to participate in treating patients, performing as a standby Firefighter, or performing other emergency actions. This would include performing extremely strenuous physical work while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), under some of the following conditions:

• Selects and deploys various hose lines and nozzles up to 5 inches in diameter to be used to direct water or chemicals onto fire.
• Carries, positions, climbs, and works from ladders and other high areas under adverse conditions.
• Removes injured or incapacitated victims from danger and administers first aid as required.
• Uses power tools and other mechanical equipment to breech doors, walls roofs, or floors, for various reasons.
• Communicates clearly and concisely using electronic devices and equipment.

This includes the ability to do so while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and SCBA under adverse conditions such as high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hose lines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers).

This position will require the employee to be able to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time, while performing some or all of the following:

• Wear a respirator (SCBA);
• Climb six (6) or more flights of stairs while wearing fire protective ensemble weighing at least 50 lbs or more while carrying equipment/tools, typically weighing an additional 20 lbs. to 40 lbs.
• Perform expected duties while wearing fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulated and will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration which can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2°F (39°C).
• Search, locate, rescue-drag, and carry victims ranging from newborns to adults weighing over 200 lbs. to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility;

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work area will encompass a wide variety of settings including but not limited to administrative duties in an office setting. Must be conscious of safety methods to avoid injury to others and themselves; mitigation of emergencies may involve performing hazardous tasks requiring strenuous physical exertion for extended periods of time in cramped surroundings, hot, smoky environments with limited visibility, and at considerable heights; work in dark, confined, disorienting spaces; work in overheated environments; work under adverse and stressful conditions; employees may find themselves in hostile or psychologically demanding environments, involving emotional or psychological stress work in unpredictable emergency situations for prolonged periods of physical exertion without the benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration.

This position is subject to all State and Federal OSHA regulations, including, but not limited to the following: bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication/GHS, personal protective equipment, slips, trips, and falls, etc. Subject to hazards in public safety work including working in both inside and outside environments, heights, below-grade, and in and/or around water, regular exposure to outside weather conditions (hot and cold weather), risk of electrical shock, wet or humid conditions, and exposure to various hazards to include but not limited, heavy traffic, loud noises, vibration, moving parts, and hazardous spills with fumes, oils, gases, and flammable liquids, toxic or caustic chemicals, hazardous traffic areas and under unfavorable or unsanitary conditions which may include burning debris, falling structures, biohazards, air and blood-borne pathogens, confined spaces; commercial and residential structures, etc.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma, GED, or high school equivalency from an accredited educational institution.

EXPERIENCE

• Internal Applicants
• • At least four (4) years full-time as a career firefighter with a municipal career or combination fire department with demonstrated leadership capabilities.

• External Applicants
  • At least four (4) years full-time as a career firefighter with a municipal career or combination fire department.
  • At least two (2) years of full-time career service as a first-line supervisor/company officer or equivalent experience at a company officer level that demonstrates comparable supervisory responsibilities with a municipal career or combination department.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina Driver's License within 60 days of employment with a safe driving record. (If you possess a South Carolina Driver’s License and maintain residence in South Carolina, you are not required to obtain a North Carolina Driver’s License.)
• Current North Carolina / IFSAC Firefighter II Certification or Pro Board Certification; Out-of-state transfers must be able to successfully complete the reciprocity process and requirements for North Carolina.
• Current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification; Out-of-state transfers must be able to successfully complete the reciprocity process and requirements for North Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications – Internal and External Applicants

• AAS in Fire Protection Technology or related field
• North Carolina Rescue Technician, TR Ropes, and TR Vehicle & Machinery
• North Carolina Driver/Operator, Pumps & Aerials
• NC Fire Officer 2

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• The Town of Matthews requires background checks to be conducted on the final candidate(s) applying for any position with the Town of Matthews. For this position, final candidates must pass a background process, including but not limited, to work history verification, professional/personal reference checks, financial review, polygraph, pre-employment drug screening, NFPA 1582 physical, psychological evaluations, criminal background, driving record checks, etc. with final approval by the Fire Chief. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test and/or participate in other assessments.
• All internal and external hires will serve a six (6) month evaluation period. All safety-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing.
• The employee must be insurable under the Department’s existing vehicle and umbrella liability insurance carrier.
• The employee must meet the medical and physical requirements as specified in NFPA 1582, respirator use certification requirements, successfully complete polygraph and psychological fit-for-duty evaluations.
• Must be able to meet and maintain all minimum training, education, and compliance requirements for the position as established by the Town and the State of North Carolina.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The Town is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town of Matthews provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws in all terms and conditions of employment.

The Town of Matthews is an at-will employer.