Battalion Chief 56

Polk County Board of County Commissioners•FL, FL

2d•$91,502 - $138,183•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for the administrative, managerial, and technical oversight of emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials, and related operations across an assigned shift (40 or 56 hours) within a designated battalion or county facility.

Requirements

Deep understanding of emergency response operations, including fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials, and pre-hospital medical care.
Familiarity with Polk County’s geography, street systems, policies, clinical care guidelines, and disaster response protocols.
Proficient in the use, maintenance, and deployment of fire rescue apparatus, medical equipment, and emergency vehicles.
Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and codes related to fire prevention, EMS, and safety compliance.
Ability to lead and motivate personnel, foster team development, and provide effective coaching and performance oversight.
Skilled in operational command, incident assessment, and rapid decision-making in high pressure environments.
Capable of delivering public education programs and representing the division in community outreach initiatives.
Adept at preparing detailed reports, maintaining compliance documentation, and managing records with accuracy.
Confident communicator, able to convey information clearly across ranks and in public settings.
Committed to safety, wellness, and continuous learning, with the ability to model professionalism and sound judgment.
A minimum of ten (10) years of paid full-time firefighting experience in an organized career fire department, with at least eight (8) years of field experience at or above the rank of company officer and have considerable, progressive experience in emergency medical services, firefighting, hazardous materials, rescue, management, and emergency management.
Must have and maintain a valid State of Florida Paramedic License (for internal candidates if hired after 2015).
Must attain certification to function as a paramedic under the license of the Polk County Fire Rescue Office of Medical Direction Medial Director within 60 days of appointment. Ongoing certification and functioning as a paramedic are a condition of employment.
Graduate of an accredited college/university with a minimum of a two (2) year associate degree in public safety, Fire Administration, Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services or other associated field of study.
Must meet the requirements in Florida Statute 401.28, as this position may be required to drive an advanced life support vehicle in the event of an emergency.
Must have a valid Certificate of Compliance as outlined in the FLORIDA Division of State Fire Marshal Uniform Fire Safety Rules and Standards Chapter 4A-37, or a verification letter indicating that the individual meets the above requirements and will be issued a Certificate of Compliance from the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Office.
Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment, and meet the following driving history requirements: Have not accrued 12 points within 24 months or 18 points within 36 months. Have not been convicted on alcohol/drug related offenses within 36 mounts. Have not been convicted of two (2) alcohol/drug related offenses within 10 years. Have not had a suspension, revocation, or restriction due to moving violations or alcohol/ drug related problem, including failure to take a breath test within the 36 months prior.
Must provide proof of insurance when required to use their personal vehicle as part of their daily job duties.
Must possess and maintain a valid American Heart Association CPR "BLS for Health Care Providers" card or the American Red Cross Professional CPR card.
Possess a valid American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) card and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) card or HandTevy certificate (if hired after 2015).
Must possess a valid Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Certification card or a recognized 16-hour course that is equivalent.
Must possess the following most up to date National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications: IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, IS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents, IS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents, IS-400: Advanced Incident Command System, IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction, IS-800: National Response Framework, an Introduction.
Must be certified in Blue Card Incident Command
Must possess a valid State of Florida Pump Operator Certification
Must possess a valid State of Florida FSFC 703 Aerial Operations Certification
Must possess a valid State of Florida State certified Fire Officer I and II Certificate
Must possess a valid State of Florida Incident Safety Officer Certification
Must obtain Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
External Candidates must successfully complete the following from the National Testing Network: Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and the exam date can be no more than one calendar year from the hire date, Complete the FireTEAM testing and a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) at the time of application.
Applicant/employee shall be fingerprinted and subject to personal background investigation procedures to ascertain an evaluation and determination of moral character according to Chapter 69A - 37 Firefighter's Standards and Training.
Must have a telephone while employed with the Fire Rescue Division, as employee is subject to call in emergencies.
Must keep certifications and licensure updated as required for employment.
This position will be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency.
During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Nice To Haves

Candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Fire Administration, Public Administration, Emergency Medical Services or Emergency Management from an accredited educational institution preferred.
Candidates who have met the requirements to serve in an acting battalion chief position within the Polk County Fire Rescue Division are preferred.
Candidates who possess valid State of Florida Paramedic License.

Responsibilities

Directs EMS, firefighting, rescue, and hazardous materials operations during emergency incidents.
Responds to scenes, exercises authority using the Incident Command System, and determines tactical strategies for fire suppression, rescue, and emergency stabilization.
Leads the selection, training, development, evaluation, and discipline of Fire Rescue personnel.
Assigns improvement teams, schedules leave, manages transfers, and posts forms for payroll and staffing.
Serves in higher-level roles when necessary and provides guidance on performance and disciplinary actions.
Represents the Fire Rescue Division at community, civic, educational, and professional events.
Provides education on injury and fire prevention, life safety, and emergency preparedness while gathering public input and fostering strong community relations.
Ensures the operational readiness and proper maintenance of emergency medical, firefighting, and rescue vehicles, equipment, and facilities.
Coordinates repairs, cleaning, and inventory control across battalion stations.
Maintains and reviews accurate records and operational reports.
Monitors EMS quality assurance, commercial inspections, hydrant testing, and monthly training activities to ensure compliance with departmental standards.
Collaborates with division leadership on planning and implementation of programs, including wellness and injury prevention, pre-incident planning, fire prevention, rescue operations, and emergency preparedness.
Assists with staff projects, promotional exam development, and training program design.
Participates in officer and staff meetings, conferences, and continuing education to stay current on best practices in emergency medical care, fire behavior, hazardous materials response, emergency management, and leadership techniques.