Fire Battalion Chief (Internal Only)

*** This is an internal recruitment only available to current City of Loma Linda employees ***

DEFINITION
 
Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, to plan, coordinate and supervise the assigned Fire Department operations, services and activities including fire suppression, fire prevention, training, emergency medical services, maintenance of equipment and facilities, communications or personnel; to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public; establish goals, objectives, policies and procedures in accordance with the department and City’s mission statement and goals; to conduct and implement special assignments and projects; to provide professional, administrative and technical support to the Fire Chief.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
 
Exercise direct and functional supervision over assigned professional, technical, clerical and/or volunteer staff.1. Manage the organization, staffing and operational activities of an assigned shift and areas of responsibility including fire suppression, fire prevention, training, emergency medical services, maintenance of equipment and facilities, communications and personnel; conduct and implement special assignments and projects. 

2. Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned area of responsibility; identify resource needs; recommend and implement policies and procedures. 

3. Participate in the selection, training, motivation, and evaluation of assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies. 

4. Direct, coordinate and review the work plan for the assigned fire stations; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities and projects; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work services, methods, and procedures. 

5. Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; review with appropriate management staff; implement improvements. 

6. Participate in the development and administration of the assigned budget; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; assist in the monitoring and approval of expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary.

7. Coordinate assigned services and activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations. 

8. Provide staff assistance to the Fire Chief; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. 

9. Prepare, maintain, and review a variety of forms, reports, schedules, recommendations and other administrative records related to fire suppression, prevention, and inspection and training or other special programs as assigned. 

10. Maintain department records, safety rules and regulations as they apply to the Fire Department, OSHA, NFPA, and Department of Health. 

11. Evaluate existing fire safety conditions and Federal, State and local codes applicable to fire safety and assigned divisions and programs; recommend policies, procedures and ordinance revisions as necessary. 

12. Manage the resources of the assigned divisions, programs, and activities to assure the emergency response capability of the Department is properly trained and equipped for the assigned duties and responsibilities; inspect facilities and equipment for repair, readiness, level of maintenance, and supplies necessary to support demand of programs. 

13. As assigned, coordinate and manage daily activities of suppression including the direction and management of forces at fires, rescues, hazardous material incidents, disasters, and other emergency incidents; review all incident reports for accuracy and to ensure necessary information is included. 

14. Ascertain the need for and type of additional equipment necessary to handle emergencies; make technical decisions as to the best methods of extinguishing fires after observing the fire and receiving reports from company officers. 

15. Coordinate, supervise, and participate in apparatus and equipment inspection and testing; direct and coordinate routine equipment maintenance and repair. 

16. Coordinate the Department's suppression training including ensuring mandated training is provided; schedule monthly activities; coordinate with other fire programs for joint training; ensure adequate training for individuals to maintain necessary skills; provide specialty training for department trainers. 

17. Respond to and resolve difficult inquiries and complaints; investigate complaints of violations and determine cause of fire. 

18. Represent the City and Fire Department at civic and other public functions. 

19. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire suppression and prevention. 

20. May serve as Fire Chief upon the request or absence of the Fire Chief. 

21. Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge of:
 
Principles, practices and methods of modern fire suppression, prevention, investigation, communications, training, emergency medical services, labor relations, and hazardous materials; fire and emergency medical vehicles, apparatus, tools, equipment, devices, facilities and their proper utilization and maintenance requirements; principles and practices of budget administration; methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations; operational characteristics of standard office equipment; occupational hazards and standard safety practices; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for basic report preparation and writing; methods and techniques for record keeping; proper English, spelling and grammar.
 

 Ability to:
 
Make sound decisions and direct operations at the scene of all incidents. Plan, organize and direct the work of subordinate staff; select and supervise subordinate staff; manage and oversee the operations and activities of an assigned shift. Supervise and direct the operations and activities of an assigned shift; courteously respond to community issues, concerns and needs; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response; prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports; prepare and administer a municipal budget; analyze and evaluate new and existing methods and standard operating procedures; make adjustments to standard operating procedures as is appropriate; apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; work independently; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; understand and follow instructions; type at a speed necessary for successful job performance; establish and maintain effective working relationships.Education:
 
An Associate degree from an accredited college with major course work in fire science, fire administration, public administration or related field and State of California Certified Fire Officer is required. 
 
Experience:
 
Six years full time experience at the rank of Fire Captain or above with a full time all risk Fire Department. 
 
Desirable:
 
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in fire science, public administration and possession of a California State Fire Marshal Executive Chief Fire Officer Certification is highly desirable.
 
License/Certificate:
 
Possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record and possession of valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Certifications.WORKING CONDITIONS:
 
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities; the position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer key board. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and counter service. Fire suppression duties require sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. Fire suppression duties also require both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 25 pounds or more is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in outdoor fire suppression works in all weather conditions including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may work around or in contact with hazardous materials, blood products and other potentially toxic substances. Incumbents may be subject to physical threats, verbal abuse, or other stressful situations. During fire suppression activities, incumbents wear self-contained breathing apparatus and enter smoke filled buildings.