AIR GUARD FIRE CAPTAIN
As an unclassified state title, Air Guard Fire Captain is filled by appointment, and its published pay band is more of a guide than a fixed grade.
Candidates need a high school diploma and 3 years of relevant experience. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $63,663 to $92,953, and state payroll currently lists 6 people in the title, most of them at Military Affairs.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Why this title is unclassified
This specification cites N.J.S.A. 11A: 3-4i, state unclassified service.
(i) Employees in the military or naval service of the State;
A title in the State unclassified service sits outside Title 11A unless a provision says otherwise. In practice that means no competitive examination to get the job, and none of the career service protections that come with it: no permanent status after a working test period, and no right of appeal to the Civil Service Commission from a removal. Appointment and removal rest with the appointing authority.
The rule that allocates a title to this service is N.J.A.C. 4A:3-1.3.
Who employs this title
Air Guard Fire Captain appears on the State payroll at one department, Military Affairs.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Military Affairs | 6 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 6 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $94,575. The agencies employing the most are:
- Military Affairs (6)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the direction of an Air Guard Battalion Chief, or other superior officer in the Department of Military Affairs, has charge of a fire department company intended to assist in the extinguishing of fires; supervises airbase/airport fire and rescue operations, activities, and personnel; oversees the maintenance of airbase facilities and grounds, firefighting vehicles, equipment, and apparatus; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Directly supervises subordinate Air Guard Firefighters and others involved in the day-to-day work of the unit; provides guidance and instruction in firefighting, rescue and emergency techniques, and safe operation of fire rescue equipment. Supervises and serves as a structural and airport firefighter, and HAZMAT responder on a scheduled rotation. Supervises and participates in fire and emergency services to include, but not limited to, fire suppression, aircraft firefighting rescue, emergency medical services, public assistance, fire prevention, pre-fire planning, fire training, public education, and routine maintenance and repair of apparatus, equipment and facilities. Takes the lead in fighting fires and exercises considerable independent judgment in deciding the best way to extinguish a fire. Takes command in emergency situations until the arrival of superior officers; may function as Incident Commander in the absence of a superior officer. Preserves order and discipline among subordinates. Gives assignments, instruction and provides staff with needed advice and assistance when difficult and unusual problems arise. Checks the work of subordinates to see that proper procedures are followed, that reasonable standards of workmanship, conduct, and output are maintained, and that desired objectives are achieved. Coordinates the scheduling of firefighters, training, and work activities. Makes daily inspections of the airbase and its equipment. Maintains and makes minor repairs to firefighting vehicles, equipment, and apparatus. Drives, operates and maneuvers firefighting vehicles, apparatus and equipment. Conducts and/or attends training on firefighting and rescue techniques, fire prevention, first aid, etc. Supervises and renders first aid in medical emergency situations. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with surrounding community paid and volunteer fire fighting companies. Prepares reports concerning fire runs, training, maintenance, inspections, and other situations. Supervises the maintenance of essential records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from high school, vocational high school, or possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.
Experience
Three (3) years of experience involved in the extinguishing of fires and/or in performing fire prevention work, or as an airport firefighter at another airport/installation. CITIZENSHIP: Must be a citizen of the United States. LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Applicants must possess the following IFSAC and/or PRO BOARD certifications: Airport Firefighter Firefighter II Hazardous Material Operations Driver/Operator ARFF, Driver/Operator Pumper, Driver/Operator MWS Fire Officer II Fire Inspector I Fire Instructor I Haz Mat Incident Commander, ICS 100,200,700,800, and Incident Safety Officer
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of airport firefighting principles, procedures, and techniques. Knowledge of rescue operations and basic emergency medical procedures. Knowledge of fire prevention principles and practices. Knowledge of the design and construction of aircraft. Knowledge of Incident Management System (IMS) for emergency operations. Knowledge of extrication and the use of extrication tools. Ability to direct Air Guard firefighters during firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical operations. Ability to counsel, lead, discipline, and train subordinate firefighters. Ability to establish operational goals and objectives. Ability to drive and operate firefighting vehicles and equipment. Ability to oversee maintenance activities and do minor repairs on firefighting vehicles, apparatus and equipment. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to comprehend training and technical manuals. Ability to organize the work of an assigned company so as to make the best available use of personnel, funds, and equipment. Ability to give assignments and instruction to firefighters and supervise their work performance. Ability to perform strenuous physical activity such as lifting heavy firefighting equipment, climbing ladders, lifting, and carrying people and equipment for rescue and salvage. Ability to work under conditions of heavy physical exertion in extreme heat and dust, in high and confined areas and smoke-filled spaces, and in all kinds of weather, and to maintain physical activity for prolonged periods of time. Ability to understand and apply principles of emergency medical and first aid treatment. Ability to administer first aid, CPR and other emergency medical care. Ability to prioritize emergency medical treatment needs. Ability to remain calm in emergency situations. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Appointees must maintain all required certifications; failure to do so may result in disciplinary action or termination. Appointees must possess current CPR and Emergency Medical Responder certification or higher. Appointees will be required to possess a valid US driver's license. MEDICAL EXAMINATION: All appointees must take and pass a NFPA 1582 firefighter physical.