Lateral Fire Captain

Job Title: Lateral Captain

District: Middleton Rural Fire District / Star Fire Protection District

Reports to: Battalion Chief

Date Last Revised: June 2, 2026

The Shift Captain directs, manages, supervises, plans for, and coordinates the activities and operations of a station within the Fire District. The Shift Captain responds to emergencies and has primary responsibility for incident supervision of on‑scene personnel as well as command, control, and operational decision‑making during the incident until the incident is upgraded with appropriate support staff. This position reports directly to the Shift Battalion Chief, but the individual must take initiative and exercise independent judgment.

This position is included in the collective bargaining agreement.

• Participate in activities that promote Middleton and Star Fire Districts in a positive image;
• Provides effective leadership, mentorship, and supervision to subordinate field personnel, including interpretations and direction of fire district policies, SOG's/EOG's, and rules to ensure compliance and consistency;
• Conducts regular inspections of personnel, facilities, apparatus, equipment, and records to maintain operational readiness;
• Conducts annual and periodic performance evaluations and develops individualized career development plans for assigned personnel;
• Works collaboratively with the Battalion Chief to implement District goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards;
• Participates in and facilitates company‑level training consistent with District training objectives;
• Promotes firefighter safety and risk management by identifying hazards and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies during emergency response activities;
• Maintains a professional, respectful, and positive work environment, addressing employee concerns and resolving interpersonal conflicts as needed;
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with District administration, partner agencies, community organizations, and the public;
• Upholds and models the District's Vision, Core Values, and Communication/Behavior Agreement, responding to public and internal inquiries in a professional and timely manner;
• Completes all necessary reports, correspondence, and documentation as required in the performance of assigned duties in accordance with District Policy and Procedures;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Plans, organizes, directs and reviews daily activities at the fire station on an assigned shift; confers with Battalion Chief to make necessary changes that ensure operational effectiveness;
• Responds to all emergency and non‑emergency calls, develops strategies and commands tactical operations, and provides safety oversight at the scene as required until appropriate support staff arrive;
• Ensures all emergency response operations are conducted safely and in compliance with District policies and procedures and state/federal regulations.

Required

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalency;
• Idaho Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification;
• ICS 100, 200, 300, 700, 800;
• Fire Incident Commander meeting NFPA 1026 (Blue Card Incident Command);
• Fire Officer I certification meeting NFPA 1021;
• Fire Service Instructor I certification meeting NFPA 1041;
• Incident Safety Officer certification meeting NFPA 1521;
• NWCG S-215 Fire Operations in the WUI;
• NWCG S-231 Engine Boss;
• Possession of a National Registry EMT (or greater) certification; or the ability to obtain a State of Idaho certification within 90 days.

Lateral Candidates or Internal candidates who meet the lateral requirements

• Must meet all of the above general requirements, paired with one of the following experience pathways:
  • Pathway A: Five (5) years of experience, including at least one (1) year serving as a Captain in a similar‑size organization.
  • Pathway B: Seven (7) years of experience, including at least two (2) years serving as an Engineer, alongside the experience, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Possession of a National Registry EMT (or greater) certification; or the ability…