Fire Captain - Promotion

Fire Captain - Promotion

Salary

$117,266.24 Annually

Location

City of Reno, NV

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

730726P

Department

Fire

Opening Date

08/28/2026

Closing Date

9/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Promotional Opportunity

This is an internal recruitment available to currently qualified City of Reno Fire Department Firefighters only.

Position Summary:

Reno Fire Department Captains have command of a firefighting company, its equipment, and station. They may be assigned administrative, training, or professional duties; participate in fire prevention and suppression activities; and perform related work as required.

The City of Reno is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone. This commitment is an integral part of our efforts to ensure that we have a diverse and representative workforce that serves the community of Reno.

Examples of Essential Functions

• Respond to all alarms in an assigned district and other districts as directed.
• Supervise and participate in the laying of hose, placing of ladders, controlling the pressure and direction of water streams, rescue and salvage operations.
• Direct the routing and placement of apparatus at emergency scenes.
• Supervise maintenance of station and equipment.
• Prepare budget information at the company/station level.
• Enforce policy and procedure at the company level.
• Draft changes to policy and procedure.
• Maintain records and submit detailed reports to superiors.

Minimum Qualifications

The following minimum qualifications must be met by the date of examination (October 21, 2026).

Applicants must meet either Option 1 or Option 2 below

OPTION 1

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• Seven years of full-time suppression line experience as a Firefighter with the City of Reno Fire Department or the Reno-Tahoe International Airport or a combination of both agencies; and
• Successful completion of a promotional examination (ranking on an eligible list) for Fire Equipment Operator on one of the last two most recent Operator examinations, which includes the 2025 and 2026 examination processes.

OR

• Seven years of combined full-time suppression line experience as both a Firefighter and Fire Equipment Operator, with the City of Reno Fire Department, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, or a combination of both agencies.

License & Certification:

• Possession of a valid Non-Commercial Class B Drivers License with an "F" endorsement.
• Possession of a valid Nevada or National Registry EMT certification or higher.

OPTION 2

Education:

Associate degree in fire science or a closely related field.

Work Experience and Training:

• Seven years of full-time suppression line experience with the City of Reno Fire Department, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, or a combination of both agencies.
• Successful completion of the City of Reno Aerial and Engine Academies.
• Successful completion of the City of Reno Acting Captain Academy.

License & Certifications:

• Possession of a valid Non-Commercial Class B Drivers License with an "F" endorsement.
• Possession of a valid Nevada or National Registry EMT certification or higher.
• Possession of a valid S-231 (Engine Boss) course completion certificate (task book completion is not required).
• Possession of a valid ICS-300 (Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents) certificate.
• Possession of a valid Incident Safety Officer (ISO) course completion certificate (task book completion is not required).

All candidates must be a current Firefighter, Airport Firefighter, Fire Equipment Operator, or Airport Fire Equipment Operator employed by the City of Reno at the time of application through appointment to be eligible for promotion.

Supplemental Information

To Apply

Submit your completed application and all additional information/documentation requested through our job board at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/reno by September 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. If a computer or mobile device is not available to you, suggested locations to complete an online application submittal include: the City of Reno City Hall 2nd floor computer kiosk or Civil Service Office, any Nevada Job Connect location, local libraries, or educational facilities.

If you are having difficulty logging into your governmentjobs.com profile, please call the applicant support line at 855-524-5627.

Application Preparation:

A complete application is required, including detailed work experience and education. Résumés may be submitted as supplemental information but will not be reviewed when determining minimum qualifications.

Examination Process:

Examination dates are for planning purposes and may change at the discretion of Civil Service or Reno Fire Department. This promotional testing process will require candidates to appear in person to participate.

Written Examination:

• Date: October 21, 2026
• Weight = 30% of final grade

Note: The 12 highest-scoring candidates who pass the written examination will advance to the assessment center exercises. If more than one candidate is tied for the 12th-ranking position, those candidates will be re-ranked based on department seniority.

Assessment Center:

• Assessment Center exercises are tentatively scheduled for the week of November 16, 2026.
• Weight = 70% of final grade

The scores from all assessment center exercises will be averaged to determine each candidate's final assessment center score. Candidates must achieve a final average score of 70% or higher to pass the assessment center. A passing assessment center score is required to receive a passing final grade for the overall examination process.

Notification:

Qualified applicants will be notified by email of the exact date, time, and location of the examination. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will also be notified within two weeks of the job posting closing.

We highly recommend opting in to receive text message notifications. Follow-up text messages may include updates about your application, next steps, and interviews. If you haven't opted in before, the option will appear before you submit your application. If you've previously opted in or out, you can update your choice anytime in account settings in your governmentjobs.com profile.

Testing Accommodation:

We strive to ensure equal access for all individuals. If you require an accommodation due to a disability, you must inform the Chief Examiner by completing the Accommodation Request Form by the closing date of this announcement. All requests will be handled with confidentiality and respect.

Contact Information:

Reports (Rule XV, Section 2)

Applicants are responsible for keeping the Reno Civil Service Commission informed of their current contact information including phone number, email, and mailing address

Employee/Veteran Preference (In the Event of Tie Scores):

Promotional Examinations (Rule VIII, Section 7):

If two or more employees earn the same final score (including seniority points), veterans' preference will be applied if any of the tied employees have submitted proof of an honorable military discharge. This preference is only used to break ties. If a tie still remains, it will be broken based on seniority in the current classification. Proof of honorable discharge must be submitted with the application.

Seniority Points:

Seniority Credit (Rule VIII, Section 9b):

Reno Fire Department uniformed employees with the Fire Emergency Operations and Fire Community Risk Reduction programs shall receive seniority credit computed by adding to a passing score as follows:

For each full year of continuous service completed after current minimum qualifications eligibility, up to a maximum of fifteen (15) years...0.2 points per year.

Seniority points for this recruitment:

• Do not begin at the date of hire
• Begin only after you have met all required minimum qualifications for the position
• Are awarded only for full years of service and not awarded for partial or fractional years

Appointment and Certification:

Appointments to positions in the Citys Civil Service system are made on the basis of examination. Scores resulting from a competitive examination are used in determining a persons rank on an eligible register. The current certification rule in effect at the time a request is received by the Civil Service Commission will be used to refer names. The department may hire any of the persons referred. The names of those persons not hired may be considered when the next vacancy occurs, for as long as that register is viable.

Certification from a Fire Department promotional list is as follows: if the list contains fifteen (15) names or less, the ten (10) highest scoring eligibles; if the list contains more than fifteen (15) names, the eleven (11) highest scoring available eligibles; if the list contains fewer than ten (10) eligibles, all eligible names shall be submitted. If there is more than one vacancy, one (1) additional name shall be submitted for each vacancy.

Probationary Period:

Certification of Eligibles, Appointments, and Probation (Rule VII, Section 12)

Classified employees who are newly hired, promoted, reclassified, transferred, or who voluntarily demote to a lower position are subject to a probation period.

The only exception is if an employee chooses to voluntarily demote back to the exact job they previously held within 24 months of being promoted.

Questions and Updates:

Questions about the information on this announcement and updates to application information should be directed to Civil Service at (775) 334-2223 or civilservice@reno.gov.

Study Materials for the Fire Captain Examination - 2026

1. Building Construction for the Fire Service, 6th Edition, by Francis L. Brannigan (Chapters - 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14)

2. Firefighters Handbook of Wildland Firefighting; Strategy and Tactics, 4th Edition, by William C. T (Chapters: 8, 9, 10)

3. Truck Company Operations, 2nd Edition, by John Mittendorf (Chapters: 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 17)

4. Firefighting Operations in Highrise and Standpipe Equipped Buildings by David M McGrail (Chapters 4, 5, 15)

5. Reno Fire Department Strategies and Tactics Manual (Chapter 1 Single Family Residence Operations - 2026 EDITION)

6. General Orders:

• 102.08.05 Substance Abuse Policy

• 102.08.05A Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy and Procedures

7. RFD Policies and Procedures:

• 100.01 Uniforms

• 100.02 Appearance

• 101.01 General Rules of Conduct

• 101.08 Sick Leave Usage Management

• 101.09 Sexual Harassment

• 101.10 Employee Performance Management

• 101.11 Performance Appraisals

• 101.15 Workplace Violence

• 101.16 Critical Incident Stress Management

• 101.17 On Duty Injury, Illness or Exposure Reporting

• 102.02 Fire Investigator Call Out Policy

• 102.03 Youth Fire Setter

• 103.03 High-Visibility Vests

• 103.24 Vehicle Maneuvering in Limited View Situations

• 103.28 Operating Guidelines for the Train Trench

• 103.31 Request for Outside Agency Incidents

• 103.33 Emergency Vehicle Response

• 103.39 Surface Water Rescue

• 103.40 Swift Water Rescue

• 103.41 Ice Rescue

• 103.42 Elevator Rescue

• 103.46 Mobile Data Computer (MDC) Usage

8. RFD Standard Operating Guidelines:

• 200.01 SOG Structure Fire

• 200.02 SOG High Rise Fire

• 200.03 SOG Motor Vehicle Accident

• 201.02 SOG May-Day Operations

• 201.03 SOG Lost or Trapped Firefighter, Basic Self Survival

• 201.04 SOG Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)

• 201.06 SOG Residential Attic and Void Space Fires

• 201.07 SOG Attached Residential Garage Fires

9. Regional Standard Operating Guidelines

• Incident Command Regional SOG

• Operational Terminology Regional SOG

• Personnel Accountability Regional SOG

The City of Reno is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, retention, and disciplinary decisions will be made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, political affiliation, membership in an employee association, or any other protected class status applicable under federal or state law or City Charter.

Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link to learn more about the City of Renos great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.

01

Minimum Qualification Review

The following questions are a required part of your application for this position. Your answers will be used to assist us in evaluating your related work experience and education to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as outlined on the job posting.

Things to consider before you proceed:

• Resumes are not reviewed or considered in the evaluation process.
• All of your relevant experience must be clearly listed in the work experience section of your application.
• Unlike a resume which summarizes duties, your application should include detailed descriptions of your job responsibilities, tasks performed, and scope of work.
• Complete information assists us to accurately evaluate your qualifications, training, and experience.
• List multiple positions with a single employer separately within the work experience section.
• Failure to attach copies of required certifications, licenses, and/or proof of education beyond high school may result in disqualification during the minimum qualifications review. Proof of high school diploma does not need to be submitted.
• Information provided in your application may be verified.

By checking below, you confirm your application contains accurate, complete and truthful information. Any evidence of falsification or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from the recruitment process in accordance with Civil Service Rules.

• I confirm

02

Which of the following best describes your highest level of qualifying education?

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate degree in fire science
• Associate degree in a closely related field
• None of the above

03

Only answer this question if your coursework is in another field related to this position.

How has your coursework prepared you to perform the work of this position?

04

Education Documentation Requirements:

In order for education beyond high school to be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications and/or credited as part of the assessment process, you must attach supporting documentation to your application.

Important Guidance:

• Transcripts (official or unofficial) are highly recommended and preferred as they provide detailed information about coursework and area of study.
• A diploma may be accepted; however, diplomas alone may not provide sufficient detail to determine if your education is directly related to the minimum qualifications (such as not having a major listed, or being in a non-related field).

Applications submitted without documentation will be evaluated without consideration of education. If minimum qualifications cannot be met through work experience alone, the application may be rejected.

Have you attached transcripts or other verifiable education documentation?

• I have attached transcripts and/or diploma(s)
• I have not attached documentation. I understand that my education beyond high school will not be considered and my application may be rejected if minimum qualifications are not met through work experience alone
• I have not attached documentation. I understand that my education will not be evaluated or used in determining whether I meet the minimum qualifications

05

Which of the following best describes your qualifying paid work experience?

• I will have seven years or more of combined full-time suppression line experience as a Firefighter and Fire Equipment Operator with the City of Reno Fire Department, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, or a combination of both agencies by October 21, 2026.
• I will have seven years or more of full-time suppression line experience as a Firefighter with the City of Reno Fire Department, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, or a combination of both agencies by October 21, 2026, and I successfully completed the promotional examination for Fire Equipment Operator in 2025 and ranked on an eligible list.
• I will have seven years or more of full-time suppression line experience as a Firefighter with the City of Reno Fire Department, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, or a combination of both agencies by October 21, 2026, and I successfully completed the promotional examination for Fire Equipment Operator in 2026 and ranked on an eligible list.
• I will have seven years or more of full-time suppression line experience with the City of Reno Fire Department, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, or a combination of both agencies by October 21, 2026, and I have successfully completed the City of Reno Aerial and Engine Academies and the City of Reno Acting Captain Academy.
• None of the above

06

Do you possess a valid Non-Commercial Class B Drivers License with an "F" endorsement?

You must attach a copy of your drivers license showing the required endorsement in order to receive credit.

• Yes
• No

07

Do you possess a valid Nevada or National Registry EMT certification or higher?

You must attach a copy of your certification in order to receive credit.

• Yes
• No

08

Do you possess a valid S-231 (Engine Boss) course completion certificate?

You must attach a copy of your certification in order to receive credit.

• Yes
• No

09

Do you possess a valid ICS-300 (Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents) certificate?

You must attach a copy of your certification in order to receive credit.

• Yes
• No

10

Do you possess a valid Incident Safety Officer (ISO) course completion certificate?

You must attach a copy of your certification in order to receive credit.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Reno

Address PO Box 1900

Reno, Nevada, 89505

Phone (775) 334-2223

Website https://www.reno.gov/government/jobs-recruitment.php