Battalion Chief

Aspen Fire Protection District•Aspen, CO

About The Position

A Battalion Chief under the organizational direction of the Deputy Chief of Operations performs professional and administrative work, provides supervision and directs activities of shift personnel to accomplish Fire District goals. The Battalion Chief serves as both the Shift Commander of a specified Shift and as a Program Manager to their assigned program. As the shift commander under the direction of a Deputy Chief, does related work as required, is a member of the Officer corps and fosters healthy communication with other career and volunteer firefighters. As a member of a shift, provides fire suppression, hazardous material response, rescue operations, and emergency medical services. As program manager the Battalion Chief strategizes, implements, evaluates, and revises all activities related to their specific program on a recurring basis whenever the need is apparent. All work performed shall be in accordance with all District, County, and State protocols, administrative procedures, rules, and regulations. The Fire Chief believes that leaders at Aspen Fire exist to serve and empower their employees. Each leader is different, and styles will vary, but placing the community and employees first is a keystone expectation of Aspen Fire leaders.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old
High school diploma or GED
Minimum of (8) years of firefighting and or EMS service with increasing responsibility in fire suppression, emergency medical response and/or fire prevention
Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment
Ability to successfully pass a background check commensurate with the position of public trust associated with firefighters and the fire service
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Officer I certification
Ability to obtain Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Officer II within 12 months of hire
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Instructor I certification
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Hazardous Materials Operations certification
Valid Colorado Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or National Registry EMT certification and ability to obtain Colorado licensure within (2) months of hire
Valid BLS for Healthcare Provider card or equivalent
ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300 and NIMS 700 & 800 certifications
Ability to complete Aspen Fire Officers Task Book within 12 months of hire
NWCG FF2 certification
Can demonstrate strong leadership skills and be a mentor and an example for subordinate personnel
Knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a fire suppression and prevention program
Knowledge of modern and complex principles and practices of firefighting and emergency response activities
Knowledge of and ability to work with volunteer responders and officers in a productive manner
Knowledge of methods and techniques of basic life support and rescue
Knowledge of Hazardous materials and chemical spill response techniques
Knowledge of geography and street layout of the Fire District and surrounding area
Knowledge of operations, maintenance, and repair of various fire apparatus and equipment
Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and Local laws, codes and regulations
Ability to oversee and participate in firefighting and emergency response activities
Ability to supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of assigned personnel
Ability to interpret and explain fire suppression policies and procedures
Ability to render emergency medical care as necessary
Ability to analyze emergency situations and develop appropriate courses of action
Ability to inspect, maintain, and repair fire apparatus, equipment, station building, and grounds
Ability to respond to requests and inquiries from the general public
Ability to prepare and present public information and educational programs
Ability to work varied shifts, on weekends, or during holidays
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Skilled in report writing, driving, and use of computer, telephone, cell phone, two-way radios and copy machines
Possesses leadership and communication skills to effectively work with other employees, management and the public
Skilled in firefighting, EMT, fire inspection, fire scene command, and public relations
Must be able to operate vehicles in the normal course of duties
Reads, interprets, and analyzes technical documents, codes and regulations, and professional journals; writes reports, business correspondence, procedures, and proposals; presents information and responds to questions individually and in small or large groups
Performs mathematical calculations utilizing basic mathematical calculations and formulas
Applies the principles of logic, scientific and medical thinking, and fire science judgment to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems using multiple, complex abstract and concrete variables in order to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Sits for several hours at a time; may walk, stand, bend, stoop, reach, climb, carry and lift for short to long periods of time
May lift/carry and push/pull up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 180 pounds
Must be able to read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to differentiate colors and shades of color, use peripheral vision and depth perception; must be able to see at night and/or in dark spaces. Must be able to hear sufficiently to converse with others and participate in meetings with large and small groups
May be exposed to heat, cold, noise, smoke, water, odors, fumes, traffic, vibrations, grease/oil, and dust/dirt

Nice To Haves

Associates degree or higher from accredited educational institution, preferably within Fire Science, Public Administration, Business or Emergency Services
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Officer II certification (or higher)
Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Driver Operator certifications
NWCG Single Resource Boss or higher
ICS 400
Any suitable combination of experience, training, education, etc. that is deemed to be equivalent to the above and that is deemed to have prepared a candidate for this position may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

Implements department goals and objectives, establishes work priorities, schedules, and coordinate work to be accomplished per shift.
Responsible for reviewing, preparing, and approving daily log, emergency call reports, injury reports, and related personnel reports
Supervises and directs the activities of assigned personnel; makes recommendations regarding discipline, termination or advancement of employees; ensures that personnel follow District rules and regulations
Manages district resources to ensure fire district coverage and preparedness for all-risk response.
Guides, trains, and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth; writes and conducts evaluations while ensuring employee success.
Creates and delivers a variety of training evolutions and practical work exercises for colleagues; coordinates all training activities with appropriate Division Chief
Plan, coordinate, assign, direct, and participate in fire suppression, emergency medical service, hazardous materials response, rescue, fire prevention, and inspection activities; ensures that all assigned activities are carried out effectively efficiently and according to department guidelines and policies; and to perform a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility
Conducts demonstrations, tours and public education on fire safety, fire prevention, CPR, fire extinguishers, first aid, and other subjects to the public
Responds to general complaints, requests for information, and guidance, cooperates with surrounding communities and agencies in firefighting and rescue efforts
Directs and participates in fire station buildings and grounds maintenance, directs the cleaning of quarters, equipment, and apparatus
Oversee the maintenance and repair of fire suppression equipment and facilities including trucks and support equipment
Ensures assigned members have the resources needed to complete their jobs safely, and makes recommendations to the Deputy Chief for improvements
Responsible for ongoing employee performance and completing evaluations for members in lower ranks
Conducts formal and informal coaching or counseling sessions with subordinates in order to correct work deficiencies, improve performance, and foster career development including effective shift training program
Ensure all members are trained in proper procedures, policy and protocol to use during incidents
At the incident scene, work with crew and officers to effectively accomplish assignments safely and effectively
Mediates or reconciles differences between or among crew members, other members of the Fire District and/or the general public
Manages, supervises, coordinates and participates in special projects for the Fire District as assigned
Manages assigned programs directly and indirectly through delegation of duties, tasks and recurring and consistent program development.
Provides system status management at all times and especially during times of high call volume including mutual-aid and automatic-aid resources
Attend meetings, including monthly officer meetings and as required
Performs other duties as assigned
Create and embody a culture of fitness, wellness, and team cohesion by leading team-building exercises, training sessions, and physical fitness activities, and actively participating with operational crews whenever possible.