FIRE CAPTAIN

Nationally Recognized, Locally Dedicated:
Join Cathedral City's Accredited Fire Service

Cathedral City Fire and EMS stands among the elite fire service agencies with our newly earned CPSE accreditation. This distinction reflects our department's dedication to continuous improvement, data‑driven decision making, and exceptional service delivery. Join our team and build your career with a department recognized for excellence!

02/19/2026 – 03/19/2026 at noon
Human Resources reserves the right to modify the recruitment timeline, including extending the application period, accelerating the selection process, or adjusting any deadlines.

Plans, coordinates, assigns, and supervises the emergency and non‑emergency activities of a fire station during an assigned shift to protect life and property. This class is the first level supervisor, supervising and participating in fire suppression and emergency medical response, fire prevention and related departmental functions. Incumbents supervise station staff directly and typically serve as a station administrator. This class is distinguished from Fire Battalion Chief which has overall supervisory authority for all activities related to assigned division(s).

• Training and Experience – Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities in qualifying.
• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent supplemented by courses in Fire Science or a related field and Five (5) years of paid municipal, county, tribal or special district fire experience in fire suppression and prevention.
• Must possess successful completion of California State Fire Training Apparatus Driver/Operator IA and IB.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California Class B driver license, or a California Class C driver license with firefighter endorsement; must maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Certification as a Firefighter I and Firefighter II is required.
• Possession of a current/valid CPR certificate.
• Possession of a valid State of California Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic certification/licensure with eligibility to work under the Riverside County.
• Completion of Intermediate (ICS‑300 and ICS‑400) training is required by the end of the probationary period.
• Must possess a California State Fire Marshal Fire Officer I Certificate or have completed all required coursework, with final certification to be submitted by the end of the probation period.
• Must complete the assigned Task‑book by the end of probation.
• Advanced management leadership training from a recognized industry is desirable.
• AA or BA degree with major coursework in fire science, or a closely related field is desirable.

Must possess strength and stamina sufficient to lift and carry equipment and patients exceeding 150 pounds and be able to wear self‑contained breathing apparatus.

Must live within 150 miles of the city limits by the end of their probationary period. The calculation of the 150 miles shall be made using Google Maps driving directions.

Apply today and share with anyone who may be interested!

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must attach all required certifications listed in the Education, Training and Experience section. Based upon the information presented on the applications, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

• Application period – February 19, 2026 – March 19, 2026
• Written Exam – Tuesday, March 24, 2026
• Practical Exam & Panel Interview – Wednesday, March 25, 2026
• Fire Chief Interview – TBD

Candidates passing the written examination will be invited to participate in a practical exam and oral interview. The written exam is pass/fail.

The Fire Captain written exam is divided into the following content areas:

• 1. FIRE GROUND OPERATIONS – 30 questions
• 2. FIRE INSPECTION – 20 questions
• 3. INCIDENT COMMAND – 20 questions
• 4. SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT – 20 questions
• 5. WRITTEN…