04-07-26 City Council Meeting Packet

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Fire Captain Updated: April 2026 55042) Or such alternatives to the above qualifications as the City may find appropriate and acceptable. COMPETENCIES COMMON TO ALL CITY POSITIONS • Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of and compliance with all departmental and applicable city policies and procedures. • Demonstrate by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff. • Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff to perform job responsibilities confidently and quickly. • Confer regularly with and keep your immediate supervisor informed of all critical matters about the applicable job functions and responsibilities. • Represent the City of Lake Elmo professionally to the public, outside contacts, and constituencies. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. However, during emergency operations, the position becomes significantly more grueling, requiring the ability to meet the medical standards outlined in NFPA 1582 and the qualifications of NFPA 1001. The Captain must be capable of making rapid transitions from a state of rest to near-maximal physical exertion without a warm-up period. This includes performing firefighting tasks while wearing personal protective equipment weighing approximately 65 pounds and operating positive pressure breathing equipment (SCBA). The role demands sustained physical activity over long periods, requiring the use of both manual and power tools in environments characterized by poor visibility and limited mobility. MENTAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS Beyond physical stamina, the position requires intense concentration and the ability to perform complex tasks during life-threatening emergencies. The Captain must make critical, life-or-death decisions for both employees and civilians under high-stress conditions with limited information. This requires a high degree of emotional resilience, as the employee will be exposed to grotesque sights and smells associated with major trauma and burn victims. Throughout the duration of an operation, the Captain must rely on the senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch to determine the nature of emergencies, maintain personal safety, and lead others through confused and chaotic environments. NOTE OF SCOPE The duties listed above 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 rank of Captain. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. WORKING CONDITIONS The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The Captain is responsible for diverse matters involving fire, hazardous materials, and other emergencies, many of which involve stressful deadlines and require significant attention to detail. Frequently, work is performed under high pressure where precision is paramount. The Captain regularly operates in outdoor weather conditions, navigating wet, icy, or muddy areas and uneven terrain. The nature of the role requires working on slippery or hazardous surfaces—such as rooftops or ladders—and within high, precarious places or confined spaces. While on duty, the employee is frequently exposed to multiple disagreeable and dangerous elements, including smoke, vibrations, and noise levels exceeding 80 decibels. Potential hazards include exposure to carcinogenic dusts, toxic substances (such as hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide), corrosives, and organic solvents. Furthermore, the Captain may encounter infectious biological agents, including Hepatitis B, HIV, and COVID, as