**Promotional Opportunity**
**This is an internal recruitment only for current qualified classified City of Reno Fire Department employeesto grow their careers in the Fire Prevention field**
Reno Fire Department Prevention Captains supervise and participate in the investigative, inspectional, training and educational duties of the Fire Prevention Bureau. They enforce fire prevention and protection codes and regulations.This recruitment will establish a list for future vacancies, which will be filled as they occur.
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.- Directs and coordinates the activities of assigned personnel in the Fire Prevention Bureau; plans, schedules and assigns work; reviews and evaluates the performance of subordinate personnel; and recommends personnel actions.
- Recommends changes/additions to and assists in implementing bureau policies and procedures.
- Assists and advises in the formulation of bureau, in-house and public training programs, and implements, directs and periodically reviews and assesses the operation of on-going training programs.
- Conducts inspections and supervises other fire personnel in the inspection of industrial, commercial, institutional and residential establishments.
- Issues citations to compel legal compliance.
- Oversees investigations into the causes of fires to insure that procedures are thorough and complete; investigates suspected cases of arson.
- May make or assist in making arrests and takes charge of evidence; assists in the prosecution of arson cases.
- May investigate more difficult complaints regarding fire hazards.
- Inspects, evaluates and makes recommendations on condemnation proceedings.
- Enforces federal, state, and local code provisions concerning hazardous substances, transportation and storage; insures compliance with codes with regard to abandons structures; and reviews building plans and guarantees conformance of plans and specifications with fire codes and regulations.
- Delivers technical lectures, demonstrations and talks on fire safety, prevention and protection; administers fire drills in schools, hospitals and other public buildings.
- Maintains records and prepares reports.
The following minimum qualifications are required to be met at the time of application.
Work Experience:
Five years of progressively responsible experience at the Fire Inspector level.
Education:College level course work totaling 24 semester credits or 40 quarter credits in building construction and fire prevention, fire loss estimation, hazardous materials, fire protection equipment and systems, related codes and ordinances, blueprint reading, and/or principles of personnel management.
*An additional year of Fire Prevention experience (six or more years total)may be substituted for the educational requirement.Licenses and Certificates:- Valid Nevada driver's license
- Fire Inspector I & II Certification
- Fire Plans Examiner Certification
- Satisfactory completion, with current certification, in a recognized first aid course as prescribed by the City of Reno Fire Department policy.
Conditions of Employment:To maintain his/her position the Fire Captain must acquire the Certified Fire Investigator I & II from Nevada State Fire Marshal's Office within two (2) years of appointment or the Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator through the National Association of Fire Investigators within three (3) years of appointment or the Certified Fire Investigator through the International Association of Arson Investigators within six (6) years of appointment.
To Apply:
Please submit your completed application and all additional information/documentation requested online at www.reno.gov/jobs by April 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) 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.
Examination Process:
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire. The examination will consist of a Written Test and a Training and Experience evaluation (T&E) weighted as follows:
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.
Tentative written examination date:
Written Test:
The written test is scheduled for April 22, 2026.
Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) Details:
The T&E examination consists of a Supplemental Questionnaire. The questions may be viewed online under the tab marked "QUESTIONS"on the job announcement page. The T&E must be submitted online at the time of application.
- Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details. Answersare subject to verification.
- Failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question.
- In order to receive credit for education or training, you must attach copies of your transcripts, diploma, or relevant certificates to your online application.
- Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments to the application will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
- "See Resume" or "See above," etc., are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.
- Changes or corrections to your responses cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.
- TIP: It may be more efficient to develop your responses in a word processing document and then paste them into the online questionnaire to be submitted.
Notification:
Applicants are notified by email of their examination results. 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.
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 9):
Reno Fire Department uniformed employees shall receive seniority credit computed by adding to a passing score as follows:
For each full year of continuous (cumulative if separation was for layoff) service completed after current minimum qualifications eligibility, up to a maximum of fifteen years ............0.2 points per year.
Note: Fire Captain - Prevention seniority point calculation begins at the sixth year when eligibility for meeting the five year minimum qualification has been achieved. (Seniority points are not calculated from the year of hire and are only calculated for an entire year of employment, not portions or fractions of a year.)
Appointment and Certification:
Appointments to positions in the City's Civil Service system are made on the basis of examination. Scores resulting from a competitive examination are used in determining a person's rank on an eligible register. 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.
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 FIRE CAPTAIN - PREVENTION 2026 TESTING PROCESS
External Sources:
- 2024 International Fire Code*
- 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code*
- 2024 International Fire Code Local Amendments*
- 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code Local Amendments*
- “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
RFD General Orders:
- 102.08.05 Substance Abuse Policy
- 102.08.05A Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy and Procedures
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
- 101.17 On Duty Injury, Illness or Exposure Reporting
- 102.02 Fire Investigator Call Out Policy
- 102.03 Youth Fire Setter
- 103.03 High-Visibility Vests
- 103.33 Emergency Vehicle Response
RFD Standard Operating Guidelines:
- 200.03 SOG Motor Vehicle Accident
- 200.04 SOG Incident Management System Implementation and Use
- 201.01 SOG Personal Accountability on Emergency Scenes
*Copies of the Fire Code Books and Local Amendments will be available to candidates for reference during the written exam.
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.
