Pilot of Fire Boats - Fire Department (H120)

Company Description

• 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
• Full-time
• Exam Type: Class Based Test
• Eligible List Type: Entrance
• Certification Rule: Rule of Ten
• Fill Type: Permanent Civil Service
• Work Hours: 24-hour Watches
• Job Code and Title: H120-Pilot of Fire Boats

Company Description

Application Opening – October 17, 2025
Application Deadline Extended – December 01, 2025

Compensation Range: $201,578.00 Yearly
Recruitment ID: C00359

Established in 1866, the San Francisco Fire Department is rich in tradition and history. From the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906 to the Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989, the Department has grown to meet the many challenges along the way. Today, the San Francisco Fire Department serves an estimated 1.5 million people, providing fire suppression, fire prevention and emergency medical services to the residents, visitors and workers within San Francisco's 49 square miles.

Job Description

Under general supervision is responsible for the safe piloting and navigation of a fire boat in response to fire alarms, emergency incidents, public service activities, training, and other activities requiring the support or services of the vessel; maintains the vessel’s equipment in top operational condition; keeps up-to-date logs and other records in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations; ensures that personnel aboard the fire boat adhere to safety standards; and performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

An H120 Pilot of Fire Boats is distinguished from H110 Marine Engineer in that the H120 is responsible for piloting and navigating the fire boat, and the H110 is responsible for the mechanical and electrical systems, and engine room of the fire boat.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises boat crew.

Major, Important, and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Operates the vessel’s pilot house and bridge equipment while responding to an emergency or service, or in preparation to get underway.
2. Takes the helm, gives engine orders, and operates propulsion controls, radar, compass, radio, and other communications and navigation equipment.
3. Navigates the fire boat in all weather conditions and at all hours of the day in response to all calls requiring fire boat support and services.
4. Participates in fire suppression duties as necessary and practicable.
5. Maneuvers fire boats in position to enable crew members’ maximum effectiveness to fight fires and protect life and property.
6. Takes effective damage control measures to save personnel and equipment in case of casualty or emergency caused by collision, grounding, foundering, explosion, or fire.
7. Inspect fire boats and equipment and performs or arranges for required maintenance of a variety of deck and navigation equipment.
8. Participates in cleaning, scaling and painting duties, performs minor repairs and alterations to topside areas, holds, and deck equipment.
9. Maintains up-to-date log books and other records in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
10. Ensures all personnel aboard the fire boat adhere to safety standards.
11. Participates in inspections of occupied and unoccupied buildings and other structures in the area of the San Francisco Bay for fire suppression planning purposes.

Qualifications

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

This selection process is open to individuals meeting all of the minimum qualifications listed below at the time of application filing. 

1. Possession of a current valid license of 200 gross tons issued by the United States Coast Guard in any of the following categories: A Master’s License valid for ocean, near coastal, or inland; Master Freight and Tow; Master [Operator], Un-inspected Towing Vessels; AND

2. Possession of radar endorsement on the license by date of appointment.

Desirable Qualifications:

The stated desirable qualifications may be used to identify job finalists at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.

1. Recent experience maintaining and operating vessels on the San Francisco Bay and in its tributaries.

2. Recent experience operating tugboats and/or fi