Battalion Chief (F17)

City of Annapolis•Annapolis, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Annapolis is seeking an experienced fire and rescue command officer to serve as Fire Battalion Chief. Under the general direction of the Deputy Fire Chief, this executive-level operational position directs and coordinates emergency medical services, fire suppression, rescue operations, tactical planning, and specialized emergency incident responses across the battalion. The Battalion Chief manages multiple City fire and rescue stations during an assigned shift or serves in rotational leadership assignments directing specialized teams or administrative divisions. The role includes command of major incidents, strategic planning, station and equipment readiness, personnel coaching, fire investigations, and serving as Acting Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Chief when assigned. It also provides management and operational oversight to the EMS Division and specialized operational teams, supports departmental policies and budgets, and may serve as the department’s Public Information Officer during incidents or special events. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to pre-employment and mandatory random drug and alcohol screenings. The work involves heavy physical demands and exposure to dangerous emergency conditions, including smoke, toxic fumes, extreme temperatures, collapse hazards, hazardous materials, and catastrophic emergencies.

Requirements

Associate degree, or at least 60 college credits, from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in Fire Science, Emergency Health Services, Public Administration, Business Management/Administration, or a closely related field.
At least five years of uninterrupted, progressive, and responsible service with the Annapolis Fire Department, including at least one full year at the rank of Fire Captain in the Annapolis Fire Department.
Active Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) certification or higher.
Pro Board or IFSAC certification as a Fire Officer III (FO III).
Pro Board or IFSAC certification as a Fire Instructor II.
Documented completion of ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400, IS 700, and IS 800.
Valid driver’s license.
Comprehensive knowledge of modern firefighting, rescue, and EMS principles, and the ability to establish command, maintain discipline, make rapid decisions, and remain calm under operational stress.
Knowledge of modern fire apparatus, specialized rescue tools, marine vessels, and hazardous materials containment equipment, including their operation and maintenance requirements.
Knowledge of the geography, street networks, water distribution infrastructure, and building construction of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
Knowledge of administrative, supervisory, and managerial practices, including performance evaluations, progressive counseling, conflict resolution, and budget administration.
Knowledge of fire origin and cause investigation techniques, evidence preservation, and municipal fire prevention codes.
Ability to communicate clearly and tactfully orally and in writing, and to author investigative reports, executive memos, and operational guidelines.
Ability to meet heavy-work physical demands, including exerting up to 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly to maneuver objects, equipment, and victims.
Sufficient equilibrium and agility to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding; balance on narrow, slippery, or moving surfaces; crawl through confined spaces; and stoop, kneel, reach, pull, and lift heavy equipment.
Acute vision for operating emergency vehicles by day and night, navigating smoke-filled environments, evaluating emergency scenes, inspecting premises, and reading reports and technical schematics.
Clear hearing to discern voice communications over sirens and radios, and speaking ability to convey urgent command orders clearly and concisely.
Subject to pre-employment and mandatory random drug and alcohol screenings under applicable Federal, State, and City guidelines.

Responsibilities

Respond to alarms and assume operational command of complex fire suppression, rescue, and multi-casualty incidents within the Incident Command System.
Direct on-scene tactical operations, establish incident safety parameters, and oversee emergency medical care and technical rescue extractions.
Assume the responsibilities of the Deputy Fire Chief and/or Fire Chief during their absence.
Direct and coordinate daily operational activities across City fire and rescue stations during an assigned shift.
Conduct station visits and inspect personnel, facilities, apparatus, and equipment for readiness and compliance.
Prepare daily and monthly operational reports; input and review shift payroll, leave requests, apparatus inventory logs, and departmental personnel records.
Manage and provide operational oversight to the EMS Division, developing strategic operational plans and departmental directives.
Direct specialized teams, including Technical Rescue, Marine Incident Response, Fire and Explosives Unit, Hazardous Materials Team, ASET Medics, and Bike Medics.
Coordinate and deliver training evolutions for specialized team members and ensure their operational readiness.
Investigate fire incidents to determine origin, cause, and source, and estimate property and contents loss.
Coordinate fire prevention and investigation activities across the assigned shift and conduct life-safety building inspections for fire hazards.
Directly supervise shift officers and firefighters, evaluate performance, and provide fair and constructive counseling.
Foster a positive, professional, team-oriented working environment; resolve personnel conflicts and conduct performance standard evolutions.
Coach and mentor company officers and firefighters to enhance operational capability.
Assist senior leadership in drafting departmental policies, standard operating guidelines, and division budgets.
Serve as the department’s Public Information Officer during incidents or special events as needed.