Operations Battalion Chief - INTERNAL

THE CITY OF ATASCADERO

IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF

OPERATIONS BATTALION CHIEF - INTERNAL ONLY

This recruitment is for INTERNAL applicants only. 

The Operations Battalion Chief position is a management level 56-hour, non-exempt employee in a leadership, second-in-command role who supports and implements the vision of the Fire Chief. This position provides highly responsible managerial and technical support to the Fire Chief, including acting as department liaison with other City departments and outside agencies and serving as a member of the Atascadero Department of Fire and Emergency Services Management Team. This position is designated sworn; however, serves as an integral member of the Department’s management team, providing technical expertise and program support in areas of assignment. This position will exercise independent judgment by implementing the City’s policies and procedures as they relate to the Atascadero Department of Fire and Emergency Services.  The Operations Battalion Chief is assigned to one of three rotating shifts, working 48-hours on, 96-hours off.

Under general direction of the Fire Chief, the Operations Battalion Chief position is a managerial level position which is responsible for the direction of major programs/services provided by the Atascadero Department of Fire and Emergency Services. This position is responsible for the supervision of fire services in the City of Atascadero. In addition to their supervisory responsibility, this position participates in the management of services and administers certain programs necessary to the operation of the department as a whole. This classification is distinguished from Fire Captain by including additional administrative work, incident command responsibilities and support to the Fire Chief at the managerial level.  This position is expected to participate in County and State-wide fire organizations as well participate in the state mutual aid system while keeping duties in Atascadero a priority.

The duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• May serve as the Acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief.
• May participate in Fire Prevention activities including fire and weed abatement inspections, wildfire preparedness and public outreach.
• May act as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the department; may work in close coordination with the City’s PIO; may prepare written press releases and speak to the media.

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education and Experience:

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of firefighting principles and techniques; fire prevention principles and techniques; emergency medical service and rescue methods; Atascadero Department of Fire and Emergency Services administration as may be relevant to work of a manager; local, state, and national fire safety codes and laws; building materials and construction; principles of combustion; considerable knowledge of fire/arson investigation and case processing; supervisory practices; laws and court decisions regarding the rights of employees.
• Skill in the use of tools and equipment listed.
• Ability to use sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
• Ability and desire to be a team player and consensus builder with the ability to make presentations and work effectively with community groups and City staff.
• Understanding of principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation and the training of staff in work procedures; laws and court decisions regarding the rights of employees.
• Ability to build trust and confidence with the department, community, City Council, City Manager and fellow City employees through performance
• Ability to supervise and prioritize the work of others; direct others in emergency situations; identify and evaluate target hazards; evaluate and adjust water flow; train others in fire prevention and suppression techniques; meet physical requirements established by the City, including ability to utilize special equipment, lift and operate heavy equipment; establish and maintain effective relationships; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; communicate and understand written and verbal directions; maintain records and prepare reports.
• Skilled in facilitating individuals and groups for working in team environments.
• Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with peers, other city employees, subordinates and the public.
• Ability to work effectively with businesses, property owners, permit applicants, residents and other City departments to assure timely and effective customer service.
• Ability to work with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, including dealing with individuals in stressful or confrontational situations.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within legal, policy and procedural guidelines.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Emergency medical equipment, extrication and rescue equipment, fire apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, ladders, heavy equipment, radio, pager, and other standard firefighting equipment; personal computer, including word processing and applicable software; motor vehicle.

Working together to Serve, Build Community, and Enhance Quality of Life