Fire Battalion Chief

City of Selma•Selma, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under limited direction, the Fire Battalion Chief plans, organizes, and manages technical work involved in commanding and coordinating fire suppression, prevention, and emergency activities. The role also performs professional administrative and managerial duties related to Fire Department operations, assumes command of the department in the Fire Chief’s absence, and performs related duties as assigned. The Battalion Chief is a management-level sworn classification and serves as the highest-ranking officer on duty on a 24-hour basis. The position administers day-to-day Fire Department activities and operations within an assigned shift, which may include oversight of scheduling, safety and personnel, training, emergency medical services, logistics, and disaster preparedness. The role may serve as Incident Commander. Incumbents work under limited direction, exercise considerable independent judgment subject to departmental regulations and general administrative review, typically report to the Fire Chief, and directly supervise Fire Captains and non-sworn subordinate personnel. Candidates must submit a complete application with detailed information in the Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills sections. A resume and cover letter must also be attached and will not replace the complete application. Candidates with at least five years of continuous experience at the rank of Fire Battalion Chief or higher in a fire service position may advance directly to the Chief’s interview and may not be required to participate in the assessment portion; acting time does not count toward this requirement. If considered for appointment, candidates may be required to pass a medical examination, drug test, and background investigation. The background investigation may include a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, a polygraph test, a psychology exam, and a drug use history review. The employee works primarily in an office environment and may travel outside City boundaries for meetings. The position may involve field work and emergency response. Incumbents may be required to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and may encounter hazardous or difficult field conditions.

Requirements

Six years of full-time, progressively responsible firefighting experience, including at least two years at a level higher than or equal to the City of Selma Fire Captain classification.
Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate degree; additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-to-year basis.
Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver’s License with a Firefighter’s endorsement and a satisfactory driving record.
Possession of a valid Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
Ability to obtain a valid CCEMSA EMT Certification or Paramedic License within 30 days of appointment.
Possession of a Company Officer certificate from the California State Fire Marshal at appointment.
Ability to obtain a Chief Fire Officer certificate from the California State Fire Marshal within 24 months of appointment.
Knowledge of fire and life safety, fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical response, emergency planning, and related fire service activities.
Knowledge of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, and staff training.
Knowledge of Fire Department administration; modern firefighting, fire inspection, and prevention methods; applicable laws and codes; firefighting equipment and apparatus; and local geography, building construction, fire hazards, water supply, and fire and building regulations.
Ability to assist in planning, organizing, directing, and managing Fire Department work; prepare administrative and financial reports; develop and instruct in-service training; assist in developing and implementing department policies; support department morale and discipline; maintain effective relationships; operate modern firefighting and rescue apparatus and equipment; and help ensure department readiness for fire and medical emergencies.
Ability to meet the role’s physical demands, including regularly lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and maneuvering a 200-pound individual in need of assistance.

Nice To Haves

An Associate degree in Fire Science, Fire Technology, Fire Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.
Possession of Fire and Emergency Services Instructor (FESI) I Certification from the California State Fire Marshal is highly desirable.
Candidates with at least five years of continuous experience at the rank of Fire Battalion Chief or higher in a fire service position may advance directly to the Chief’s interview and may not be required to participate in the assessment portion; acting time does not count toward the five-year requirement.
Certifications from other associations may be deemed acceptable at the discretion of the Fire Chief.

Responsibilities

Respond to emergency incidents, deploy personnel and equipment, and assume command of an emergency in the Fire Chief’s absence when applicable.
Prepare written and oral reports and technical documents relating to emergency calls, fire protection services, department operations, and new procedures.
Assist the Fire Chief with planning and budgeting and propose recommendations for improvements.
Plan, coordinate, and implement training programs for Fire Department staff, including fire service operations, emergency medical services, and specialized rescue.
Administer the overall operations of fire suppression personnel, paramedic personnel, and fire stations on an assigned shift.
Monitor, supervise, and evaluate assigned personnel and provide mentoring, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
Ensure implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for fire management programs and systems.
Serve as Shift Commander, commanding and coordinating emergency and non-emergency calls.
Handle grievances from officers and firefighters and maintain departmental discipline and personnel conduct.
Represent the City at local and regional meetings, interact with other agencies, and coordinate interagency programs.
Perform related duties as assigned.