Fire Battalion Chief

City of Compton•Compton, CA

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, the Fire Battalion Chief immediately supervises fire companies on an assigned shift. The position directs firefighting activities and oversees training, equipment and apparatus maintenance, and fire station operations. The incumbent has immediate responsibility for training, maintenance, housekeeping, and personnel discipline, and commands firefighting activities during an assigned 24-hour shift, thereby relieving the Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief of some routine oversight and response responsibilities. The position responds to fire alarms, assesses incidents, selects routes and apparatus placement, directs firefighting and life- and property-protection efforts, and oversees salvage and cleanup. It also inspects stations, equipment, apparatus, and personnel; enforces department rules; reviews performance and discipline matters; directs training and drills; consults with the Fire Chief; prepares reports and correspondence; and conducts staff meetings to improve firefighting techniques. The role requires substantial municipal fire-protection experience, including service at the Fire Captain level, along with specified college education and Fire Officer certification or equivalent coursework. Candidates must possess a valid California Operator’s License and meet the classification’s physical and health requirements. Selection includes a green cell simulation and an oral examination, each requiring a passing score of at least 70%.

Requirements

Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in fire protective service in a municipal fire department, including at least three years at the Fire Captain level; and an Associate of Arts/Science degree, preferably in Fire Science. Alternatively, eight years of increasingly responsible municipal fire-protection experience, including at least three years at the Fire Captain level, and completion of at least 24 semester units from an accredited college.
Under the first qualification pathway, State Certification as a Fire Officer or its equivalent is desired. Under the alternative pathway, State Fire Officer certification or completion of all classes required for the Fire Officer Certification Program is required.
Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting principles and practices, and of firefighting equipment and apparatus.
Thorough knowledge of Compton Fire Department rules and regulations and applicable state and city fire laws and ordinances.
Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of department apparatus and equipment, and ability to direct their efficient use.
Thorough knowledge of training principles and ability to organize and direct a fire training program.
Thorough knowledge of Compton’s geography and major fire hazards.
Thorough knowledge of Incident Command System (ICS) principles and methods.
Understanding of personnel organization and management principles and ability to establish cooperative working relations with subordinates.
Ability to prepare reports and speak effectively in public.
Ability to meet the physical and health status requirements for the classification and work category described in the City’s medical standards.
Possession of a valid California Operator’s License issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Submit a complete application and all required documentation, including applicable licenses, certifications, and proof of education.

Nice To Haves

Associate of Arts/Science degree preferably in Fire Science.
State Certification as a Fire Officer or its equivalent under the seven-year experience qualification pathway.

Responsibilities

Respond to fire alarms; select the best route, investigate the situation, determine apparatus and equipment placement, and direct personnel in firefighting and precautions to protect life and property.
Direct salvage and cleanup operations and prepare reports of fires extinguished.
Conduct staff meetings to improve firefighting techniques.
Regularly inspect fire stations, apparatus, equipment, and personnel.
Ensure compliance with Fire Department rules and regulations and review performance reports.
Address personnel discipline matters.
Direct personnel training, order fire drills, observe personnel using apparatus and equipment, and provide assistance and suggestions during drills.
Consult with the Fire Chief regarding training program adequacy, discipline issues, and firefighting problems.
Submit regular and special reports to the Fire Chief and dictate correspondence.
Oversee training, maintenance, housekeeping, and discipline of personnel and command firefighting activities on the assigned shift.