Fire Battalion Chief

Fire Battalion Chief

Under administrative direction, plan, manage, and coordinate the activities and operations of a fire suppression shift; coordinate fire operations, programs, and activities with other Fire divisions, fire and emergency services agencies, and the general public; serve as chief field officer on assigned shift; provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief; and performs related duties as assigned.

Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for an assigned shift; identify resource needs; implement policies and procedures; direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for assigned area of responsibility; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities and projects; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; coordinate the organization, staffing, and operational activities of assigned area of responsibility, including an assigned fire suppression shift; select, train, motivate, and evaluate personnel assigned to platoon; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline, and provide assistance and recommendation to the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief in personnel matters involving potential employee termination; identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; review with appropriate management staff; implement improvements; participate in the development and administration of assigned budget; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary; coordinate assigned activities of paramedic and fire resources with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations; develop and coordinate emergency preparedness plans; prepare platoon reports, schedules, staff reports, and related recommendations; provide staff assistance to the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief; serve as incident commander during emergency operations; direct and coordinate emergency resources; implement the incident command system; establish emergency fire suppression ground organization and safety control; coordinate the staffing and relief of fire suppression personnel; participate in the Department's public education programs; provide information during emergency activities; supervise personnel in establishing effective community relations; oversee fire prevention responsibilities including inspections; assist officers in arson investigations; participate in fire prevention activities during hazardous periods; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire science and emergency medical services; respond to sensitive inquiries and complaints involving emergency operations; and oversee citizen commendation program.

Fire Battalion Chief reports directly to the Assistant Fire Chief.

Knowledge of : All aspects of the activities associated with a municipal fire department; fire safety laws, code and regulations; modern and complex principles and practices of fire suppression and prevention; principles of fire behavior, tactics, control, and emergency response procedures; fire and rescue apparatus, methods, techniques, and equipment used in modern fire fighting; principles of municipal budget preparation and control, including equipment procurement and maintenance methods; principles and procedures of emergency management, medical services, and incident command systems; principles and practices of supervision, scheduling, training, and performance evaluations; public speaking; and, all elements of hazardous material mitigation, and disaster preparedness.

Skills / Abilities to : Research and prepare operations and staffing reports; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective relationships with the community, City Council, and other public officials; plan, direct, and coordinate, emergency medical services, hazardous materials / waste, fire suppression and prevention programs, and assist in managing the Fire Department; select, train, supervise, and evaluate employees; represent the City in a variety of meetings; make decisions regarding operational and personnel functions; operate programs within allocated budget; assume command leadership during emergencies; understand, interpret and explain Fire Department and division policies, procedures, and technical materials related to fire fighting, prevention, and departmental regulations; operate computer hardware and use information systems and related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software programs; operate a calculator; operate fire apparatus or motor vehicle; perform as a Strike Team Leader in the local and state Mutual Aid System.

Education : Graduation from a college or university with an Associates of Arts / Science degree (60 semester units or 90 quarter units) with a major in Fire Science, Fire Administration, or Public Administration, or a closely related field. A state certification as a Chief Fire Officer must be obtained within 12 months of appointment.

Experience : Ten years of progressively responsible public sector work experience in fire suppression, prevention, and emergency services including supervisory and administrative responsibility; at least two years of this service must be performed as a full-time Fire Captain with a public sector agency.

Licenses : Possession of a valid Class A, B, or C (firefighter endorsement) California driver license and proof of insurability required; Emergency Medical Technician 1 or Paramedic certification required, and possession of a valid CPR certification.

Physical Demands : In the performance of daily activities, this position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for up to two hours at a time. Must be able to reach, grasp, twist, turn, and bend. The ability to climb, stoop, knee, squat, run, and jump. Must be able to lift, drag, and pull heavy objects up to 150 pounds. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions including cold, wet, and hot with extreme sun exposure.