Battalion Chief

*QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING NEXT STEPS ONCE THE RECRUITMENT CLOSES*

DEFINITION

To assist the Fire Chief in managing and directing the Fire Department; to plan, organize and direct technical, management and administrative work involved in commanding and coordinating fire emergency activities, fire prevention and education, apparatus maintenance, fire inspection, and investigation activities; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Fire Chief.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Fire Chief.  Exercises direct supervision over assigned sworn and non-sworn personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reliable and dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Assist the Fire Chief in managing and directing the Fire Department.
• Assist in developing department goals and objectives; assist in the development of and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize and direct fire related activities including fire suppression, fire investigations, training, fire inspections, and basic life support operations.
• Develop and implement division work plans; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Plan, organize and oversee the various Divisions of the department; i.e. Administration, Training and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), etc.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and control expenditures.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as directed; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
• Maintain emergency equipment, apparatus, and facilities.
• Oversee and participate in fire suppression, basic life support and first aid, fire and fire investigations, and fire inspection activities.
• Plan, organize and implement department training for fire suppression, heavy rescue operations, driver operator and other fire related topics.
• Conduct commercial occupancy inspections on new and existing occupancies; plan check new commercial construction as it relates to fire related systems.
• Serve in the absence of the Fire Chief, including leading and overseeing the volunteer fire services program. 
• Represent the department to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Research, prepare, and present technical, administrative, and City Council Agenda reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Serve as an Incident Commander or other command or support role on an incident.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods and techniques of modern fire suppression and life safety activities.  
• Operation, maintenance and uses of firefighting apparatus and equipment.  
• Modern fire prevention and investigation techniques.
• Modern hazardous material containment practices.
• Principles and practices of policy development and implementation.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Principles and practices of business correspondence and report writing.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations and laws.
• Principles and practices of budget development, implementation, and monitoring.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• Organize, direct and implement comprehensive fire suppression, life safety and fire investigation and inspection programs.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve department related issues; remember various rules and procedures; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time;  intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight 100 pounds of or less.
• Effectively operate all fire suppression equipment with Department.
• Develop and implement programs to meet the needs of the City and residents.
• Prepare and administer a budget.
• Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.
• Remain calm and focused during emergency operations.
• Interpret and explain Department policies and procedures.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties as well as those of a firefighter.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be age eighteen (18) by date of application.
• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
• Associates degree from an accredited college or university in fire suppression or related field
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver license with Firefighter endorsement or Commercial Class A or B with endorsements.
• Possession of a current State of California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) card is required at time of application. A course completion certificate is NOT adequate.
• Possession of a valid California Firefighter I Certificate.
• Possession of a valid California Fire Officer Certificate
• Possession of a valid California Chief Officer Certificate, or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months following hire date.
• Possession of a valid HAZMAT Operations and Awareness Certificate.
• Possession of a HAZMAT Incident Commander Certificate within 6 months.
• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible command and supervisory experience in an organized career fire department, and two (2) years of experience at the rank of Fire Captain.