DFPC Firefighter V: Battalion Chief - San Juan River Region

This position is open only to current Colorado state residents. 

An eligible list established with this recruitment may be used to fill other similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.

This position will be assigned to Southwest District 4 in the San Juan River Region (Montezuma, La Plata, San Juan, and Archuleta counties). Please refer to DFPC Fire Management Regions and Staff Link for more information regarding district boundaries Fire Management Regions and Staff.

Our Mission - Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities.

Our Vision - Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado.

Our Core Values - Unity, Honor, Service

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is dedicated to non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities. 

At CDPS, our culture is driven by our commitment to creating a safer Colorado and guided by a public service focus. We strive to provide effective solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans. We model a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth for our employees. We maintain a professional and inclusive workplace. 

Careers with a purpose:

If you are passionate about public safety and public service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, consider joining CDPS. Our team at CDPS consists of exceptional individuals and is an environment where you can challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career. 

We are committed to providing public safety services to our communities including safety on our roads, preparing for and mitigating environmental disasters such as floods and wildland fires, disaster recovery, combating crime, promoting school safety, and victim services.

Classification and Salary:
FIREFIGHTER V
Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,149 - $8,580/month; $85,788 - $102,960/year
Full Salary Range: $7,149 - $10,009/month; $85,788 - $120,108/year

Benefits:

We provide a wide range of benefits to our employees.

• Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.

• Eligible employees receive Basic Life and AD&D insurance equal to their annual earnings subject to a minimum benefit of $50,000 and a maximum of $250,000. Basic Life and AD&D are provided by the State of Colorado at no cost to employees. 

• The State of Colorado's Wellness Program, State of Health, is a no-cost, year-long program that supports an employee’s health and wellness goals. This program offers personalized health coaching, skill groups and more. Participants can earn a $20 per month health insurance premium discount.

• Through BenefitHub, State of Colorado employees have access to discounts, promotions and special programs from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, travel and entertainment venues throughout Colorado and across the country.

• State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.

• Eligible employees have access to medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI). 

• Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.

• We offer excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA for details.

• We provide generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.

• The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well-being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short-term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.

• Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.

• We offer Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits.

The mission of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property, resources, environment, and quality of life in Colorado. DFPC’s vision is to be the Nation's premier state fire organization by acting with foresight, providing bold leadership, enhancing our partnerships, and exemplifying the highest level of professionalism in fire prevention and protection, while building a safe and supportive work environment for our employees. 

The Division achieves this mission and vision through its four (4) Sections:  Center of Excellence, Fire and Life Safety, Professional Qualifications and Training, and Wildland Fire Management. Each of the four sections serve Colorado’s fire community in a different capacity- from training firefighters to technological advancements in public safety, responding to and managing wildfires to building code enforcement, DFPC is dedicated to serving and safeguarding the people of Colorado while protecting property, resources, environment and quality of life.

One of the Wildland Fire Management Section’s (WFMS) primary roles is to assist and support local agencies with a range of wildland fire management programs including administrative, technical, preparedness, planning, response, and prescribed fire and fuels functions. Wildland fire management in Colorado is a cooperative, interagency partnership between local, county, state, tribal, and federal entities. Wildland fire protection responsibilities on non-federal lands in Colorado follow a hierarchy of: local jurisdiction > county sheriff > and finally to the State of Colorado (DFPC). WFMS plays a crucial role in coordinating with external partners and representing Colorado at both regional (multi-state) and national levels.

• Hybrid Position with a minimum of two days per week onsite.

• This position may be assigned to an on-call rotation on a written schedule. If applicable, this will be in accordance with current CDPS and DFPC guidelines pertaining to on-call for exempt employees. 

• During emerging incidents in assigned region, this position will be expected to be available outside of standard work hours to coordinate DFPC response, and provide technical assistance to local agencies during the mutual aid and/or initial attack periods. 

Under the general guidance of the Director of the DFPC, the Battalion Chief directs wildland fire management programs and related program assistance to state, county and local fire agencies within their respective region. This position is a public safety officer as defined bv 42 U.S.C. § 3796b Sec. 1204 (9), reporting directly to the District Chief, and ultimately the Chief of the Wildland Fire Management Section (WFMS). The Battalion Chief is a critical link in the provision of fire management in the State of Colorado by providing programmatic oversight and delivery, providing subject matter expertise (including but not limited to fireline operations, fire funding, training and qualifications, etc.), and managing assigned and temporary state fire resources within their assigned geographic area. The Battalion Chief position is responsible for ensuring that fire programs and response are coordinated and implemented within their assigned region of the state. The Battalion Chief provides supervision and direction to their assigned employees during day to day operations and can be assigned additional fire resources to supervise during emergency and incident response. This position does not have formal supervision responsibility for DFPC resources and personnel, but will frequently serve as a work lead or detail as a supervisor when other DFPC resources are assigned to their region, which includes  Firefighter IV (Captain Positions, typically assigned to Module, Engine, or Squad, but could be Helicopter or other resources) and would provide secondary oversight to Firefighter Trainees, I’s II’s, and III’s assigned to engines, helicopters, fire modules, and squads.

The Battalion Chief can commit State resources, including financial assistance, to the local government agencies. The Battalion Chief acts as both facilitator and liaison between federal government agencies, other state government agencies, and local jurisdictions on wildland fire and all hazard fire incidents. Primary focus areas include: representing the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS), Division of Fire Prevention & Control (DFPC) in their assigned region, serving as subject matter experts to counties and local fire agencies; influence and implementation of state fire management policy, agreements, process, guidelines, and programs in assigned region; and coordinating with state and federal agencies in wildland fire and all-hazard fire incident response. Program areas of emphasis include: wildland fire management including prevention, preparedness, hazard mitigation, prescribed fire, suppression, interagency fire agreements, federal cooperative fire protection programs, grants, and local cooperator agreements.   

• Directs the State’s wildland fire programs within their assigned region; 
• Acts as State’s subject matter expert for wildland fire response, incident business management practices including State cooperator reimbursement process; 
• Interprets existing policies, rules and legislation related to wildland fire and incident response and implements/communicates to external agencies and internal personnel;  identifies issues and areas for improvement in policy, guidelines, and operating plans, and provides and recommends changes as needed to maintain and improve effectiveness of programs. 
• Determines need for specific resources, staffing, and equipment based on preparedness levels, develops a plan for utilization of needed and assigned resources;  
• Represents DFPC in local and regional multi-agency operating plan(s) and mutual aid agreements; compiles input from local jurisdictions and federal agencies; reviews, updates and applies changes to the cooperative plans annually, facilitates signatures from all agency representatives, provides technical direction in the execution of plans, including implementation of the plans during fire incidents which dictate actions and use of available funding sources Secures and assigns adequate resources to meet region and district staffing needs and response configurations to support operations on a continual basis;
• Provides personally, or directs resources to provide operational and technical wildland fire assistance and coordination to federal, state, local agencies and DFPC staff in support of emerging incidents;
• Performs incident complexity analysis to determine needed resources and management levels; 
• Provides DFPC leadership with recommendations for use of Enhanced State Assistance (ESA) resources and funding, Emergency Fire Fund (EFF) and/or State Responsibility Fire (SRF) declarations, and implementation of FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) on fire incidents;
• Maintains and communicates situational awareness of fire conditions and potential, as well as local and large-scale emergency incidents in the State and Nation; 
• Evaluates fire-based conflicts between federal, state, and local government agencies. Provides mediation where appropriate; 
• Represents the DFPC, other state agencies, counties, and local fire agencies on interagency regional groups, committees, meetings etc;
• Is the first primary point of contact representing DFPC and its authorities for  local agencies in the regions, maintains relationships with Interagency partners in assigned regions, including Federal, State, county and local fire representatives and agencies.

• Directs action and provides oversight to fire preparedness and prevention programs within their assigned region.  
• Oversees overall readiness of response in region, including equipment, PPE, etc. Assists with repair/replacement of items as needed.
• Coordinates interagency, cooperative fire programs within the assigned region. 
• Evaluates weather conditions, fire indices, and resource availability to determine local fire danger levels and needed number and location of response resources. 
• Directs use of Incident Qualification System (IQS) and Incident Resource Ordering Capability (IROC) by external partner agencies, or their successor system utilization within the region, facilitates audits, provides technical assistance and communicates changes to regional cooperators as required.
• Oversees, plans, and implements mitigation (prescribed fire and fuels treatment) programs within the assigned region. Coordinates and plans within DFPC and with external agencies, assigns resources, and determines prioritization for project implementation.   
• Develops, implements, and directs operations, training and professional development programs  based on regional and agency needs.  Implements annual operational preparedness training following the WFMS Resource Operations and Standards Guide. 
• Coordinates with other agencies to determine training needs, coordinates with other DFPC sections and assists in the development and implementing effective fire training. 
• Identifies and communicates regional and Statewide wildland fire protection issues.  

• Position coordinates, facilitates and assists with other State Departments, DFPC & WFMS programs activities in the region, maintains awareness of other sections, programs and operations within the region, and may be assigned other duties and special projects to support the mission of DFPC.  
• May serve as or represent the WFMS District Chief in the district during their absence.
• May serve as a work lead or supervisor of note for  assigned DFPC or cooperator resources in the assigned region during prepositioning, and incident response, or in the absence of another Battalion Chief.
• DFPC personnel may be relieved of regular duties and assigned to wildfire and/or all-hazard incidents in a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), Incident Command System (ICS), or support position to perform incident management, firefighting, or emergency incident support activities. When assigned to an emergency incident, the position will be: working outside of regular job duties; working under the operational control of the incident; and compensated per the current DFPC emergency and incident guidelines and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

This must be specifically documented in your application submission. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. Please note, your application will not be considered if documentation to support this qualification is not provided.

• Currently or previously qualified to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards as a Single Resource Boss qualification or higher in the Operations Section. 

  • Please upload a copy of your IQS or IQCS Master record or incident qualification card showing your NWCG qualification to Single Resource Boss qualification or higher in the Operations Section.

• Eight (8) years of documented experience in professional wildland or structural firefighting, or a combination of related education and/or relevant experience can be substituted:

  • Bachelor's Degree AND Four (4) years of documented experience in professional wildland or structural firefighting.

  • Associates Degree AND Six (6) year of documented experience in professional wildland or structural firefighting 

Required Competencies

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including speaking to groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten (10) or more years documented experience in professional firefighting, with increasing program management, supervisory responsibility, and documented leadership skills and abilities. 

  • Five (5) or more of those years supervising multiple personnel and sub-units. 

• Currently or previously qualified to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards as:

  • Task Force Leader (TFLD) or higher in the Operations Section;

  • Incident Commander, Type 3 (ICT3) or higher;

  • NWCG Unit Chief or higher in one of the other Incident Command System (ICS) Sections;

  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Type 3 (RXB3) or higher.

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Forestry, natural resource management, rangeland management or related field.

• Experience with interagency, cooperative fire management programs including, but not limited to operating plans, agreements, cost sharing, management of multi-jurisdiction fires, etc. 

  • Experience with Colorado interagency, cooperative wildfire management programs is preferred, including documented experience and relationships working with local fire departments and counties.

• Experience in writing operating plans, governmental agreements, and technical papers.

• Demonstrated commitment to public service and community involvement.

Complete Applications Must Include the Following Documents

• A complete CDPS Application for announced vacancy (please submit online using the link in this announcement).

• A complete supplemental questionnaire (must submit online as a part of the application).

• A copy of your NWCG qualification (IQS or IQCS master record and/or incident qualification card).

• Detailed, chronological resume of experience. 
  
  

Conditions of Employment

• Upon initial employment, individuals will be required to provide a complete training file to DFPC that contains all necessary qualification documentation (course certificates, position task books, personnel evaluations, and incident experience history) to demonstrate that NWCG and other requirements have been met.
• Position may be required to attain additional training and/or certifications within a specified period of time, per current DFPC qualifications and professional development Standard Operating Guidelines and Policies. 
• Current valid driver's license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado-issued driver's license within 6 months of hire. Ability to operate motor vehicles and to travel extensively throughout the state in a variety of weather conditions.
• This position is a public safety officer as defined by 42 U.S.C. § 3796b Sec. 1204 (9).
• Must be willing to travel to wildfire incidents, severity assignments, and pre-position assignments throughout Colorado, and across the nation at times. Assignments may last for two weeks or longer.
• Firefighters need to be familiar with and frequently use flammable liquids and solids in the performance of various prescribed fire and tactical firing tasks. This includes the preparation, implementation and storage of drip torch fuel, Aluma Gel, Phosphorus, and gunpowder. 
• Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checking, driving history, drug screen and a medical physical exam.  
  • Pre-employment physical exam and maintenance of a physical fitness rating will be commensurate with employee's current wildland fire qualifications and agency needs.
• Position must maintain the NWCG required fitness levels for the employee’s NWCG wildland fire qualifications throughout the employment period. Required fitness levels will vary based on qualifications. Actual qualifications and currency, including fitness levels, will vary based on supervisor input, employee’s professional development plan, and current agency needs. 

• Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received.

• Closing Date: All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process. 

• Supplemental Question: Effective responses to Supplemental Questions will directly relate to your professional experience, career accomplishments, and views about organizational values and approaches, and how they relate specifically to this position and requirements as you understand them. Answers generated by AI-tools will typically be unresponsive.  

• Transcripts: An unofficial copy of transcripts must be submitted at the time of application should education be used as qualification. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process. 

• Military Veterans: If you are a military veteran you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Member 4 Copy, and VA disability letter if available/applicable at the time of application so we can determine if you are eligible for veteran's preference points. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Colorado may be eligible for this position by submitting the completed DD-2058 "State of Legal Residence" form. 

• Application Tips: For an overview of State of Colorado application process and application tips, please view this video.  

• Resumes, Cover Letters, or other documents submitted will not be reviewed, assessed, or used in the initial stages of the comparative analysis (transcripts submitted to verify that the applicant meets either the education requirement or minimum qualification substitution are exempt from this).

• Notifications: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be sent via email to the email address listed on your application.  Include your current working email address on your application and check the email provided on your application frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "[email protected]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.

• e-Verify: CDPS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

• Comparative Analysis Steps may include (dates are tentative and subject to change): 

  • Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will advance to the comparative analysis process. However, if fewer than six candidates meet the minimum qualifications, all applicants will be referred directly to interview, and a numerical comparative analysis will not be conducted.

  • Panel Interview - Tentative timeframe is end of September

• Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.