Fire Engineer

Fire Engineer

Salary

$98,259.30 - $115,209.90 Annually

Location

Compton, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

25-26:60

Department

Fire

Opening Date

06/04/2026

Closing Date

7/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, to drive a fire apparatus, operate pumping, and other related equipment at the scene of an emergency; to service, maintain and make minor repairs to fire apparatus and firefighting equipment; to fight fires, and to do fire prevention work; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Works under the administrative direction of the Fire Captain; serves as Acting Fire Captain in his/her absence.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• The Fire Engineer safely operates apparatus during emergency and non-emergency driving situations.
• Cleans and maintains emergency vehicles and equipment at their assigned station or any other areas assigned to them.
• Properly operates a water pump and water flow through fire hose and appliances.
• Instructs Firefighters in the duties of an Engineer.
• Completes daily apparatus check out logs.
• Completes repair requests forms as needed.
• Completes any other reports as needed.
• Inspects equipment and makes adjustments and repairs.
• Tests water pumps and hoses as needed; administers first aid.
• Operates two-way radio.
• Cleans quarters and equipment.
• Participates in fire drills and exercises.
• Makes inspections of public buildings and prepares reports.
• Obeys, and as required, transmits orders; occasionally acts as relief Captain.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Departmental certification as a Relief Engineer for the City of Compton or completion of California State Fire Marshal Apparatus Operator 1A & 1B is required; College level courses in fire hydraulics and fire apparatus is desirable; AND three (3) years of experience as a firefighter in a municipal fire department.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid California Class B restricted driver's license with Air Brake and Tanker endorsements or Class C with Firefighter endorsement.
• Must maintain a current DL51A Medical Card.
• Possession of a current National Registry Emergency Medical Technician certification approved by the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency at the time of application and maintain valid certification in good standing throughout employment in this classification.

Required Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• City Code, City Ordinances, Standard Operating Manual, personnel policies and procedures, and applicable Memoranda of Understanding.
• Principles and techniques of fire department organization and administration.
• Methods of fire fighting, fire inspection and fire prevention.
• Geography, types of building construction, major fire hazards, water supply, fire and building laws and zoning regulations of the City.
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
• Laws and regulations related to hazardous materials.
• Organizational and management practices applicable to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

Required Skill in:

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, City departments, elected officials, regulatory agencies, contractors, community groups, local businesses, and the general public.
• Developing and administering budgets and monitoring expenditures.
• Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Responding effectively to emergency situations.
• Operating a fire apparatus safely and skillfully in accordance with traffic laws and ordinances.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and the public.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Some work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Work may be performed outdoors with time spent in moderate to high temperatures (above 90 degrees) with exposure to environmental hazards associated with emergencies.
• Work requires lifting, carrying, stooping, lying, driving and on occasion climbing.
• Moderate finger dexterity and near vision is required.
• Work may involve exposure to wet surfaces, smoke, fire, occasional loud noise and dust.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.

Important Notice: The first fifty (50) applicants who meet the qualifications and needs of the Fire Department will be invited to advance to the written examination phase. Additional candidates may be considered for subsequent examination rounds based on departmental needs.

EXAMINATION

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.

The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list which may be used to fill position(s) of Fire Engineer in the classified service. A written test, weighted 30%, will be administered to evaluate all or portions of the above-stated knowledge and abilities. A practical exam weighted 40% will be administered to test technical skills and knowledge of the applicants. An oral appraisal (interview), weighted 30%, will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate candidates personal qualifications, background and suitability. Candidates are required to attain an overall score of 75.00 to be placed on the promotional eligible list.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS

The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTS

Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

PLEASE NOTE:

All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department managers recommendation for employment is subject to the City Managers approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDURE

A candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDS

All examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERANS PREFERENCE

In all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

FRINGE BENEFITS

The Citys comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.

Why Work for the City of Compton?

We are proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and career growth, including:

• CalPERS Retirement- Secure pension through the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Lifetime Medical Coverage for Retirees- Fully funded by the City after 5 years of service with CalPers
• CalPERS Health Benefits Program- Choice of 10 health plans, with City-paid premiums for employees and eligible dependents (up to the annual Kaiser family rate)
• Employer-Paid Vision and Dental Insurance- For both employees and eligible dependents
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance- Offered through UNUM
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)- For healthcare and dependent care expenses through American Fidelity
• Employee-Sponsored Supplemental Benefits- Optional coverage such as life, disability, and accident insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off- Vacation, sick leave, and 16* paid holidays per year
• 4/10 Flexible Work Schedule- Most Administrative roles based at City Hall enjoy a 4-day workweek, with Fridays off*
• Educational Reimbursement- Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for tuition and books
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Confidential services for personal and professional support
• Professional Development Opportunities- Ongoing training and career growth resources
• Total number of holidays are subject to change based on the fiscal year.
• City Hall is closed on Fridays. Please contact HR to confirm if the position youre interested in follows a 4/10 schedule.

01

How many years of experience do you possess as a Fire Fighter in a municipal fire department?

• 0 to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

02

Do you possess a departmental certification as a Relief Engineer for the City of Compton? If yes, please ensure proof of certification is attached to your application.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a current California State Fire Marshal Apparatus Operators 1A and 1B certification? If yes, please ensure proof of certification is attached to your application.

• Yes
• No

04

Do you maintain a current DL51A Medical Card? If yes, please ensure proof of certification is attached to your application.

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a valid California Class B restricted drivers license with Air Brake and Tanker endorsements or Class C with a Firefighter endorsement? If yes, please ensure proof is attached to your application.

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess a current National Registry Emergency Medical Technician certification approved by the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency? If yes, please ensure proof of certification is attached to your application.

• Yes
• No

07

This brings you to the end of your application. Before submitting your application, please make sure you have done the following: 1. Read the entire job description and understand the position you are applying for. 2. Read the Minimum Qualifications and clearly state your relevant experience and education on your application; including any licenses and/or certificates if applicable. (Note: resumes will not be reviewed in lieu of a completed application.) 3. Attach any proof of education, licenses and/or certificates if applicable. 4. Completed all sections of the application and answered all questions thoroughly.

• I certify that I have read this notice and understand the instructions provided.

Required Question

Employer City of Compton

Address 205 South Willowbrook Ave

Compton, California, 90220

Phone 310-605-5535

Website https://www.comptoncity.org