Fire Battalion Chief

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

*This vacancy is for fire training with a 40-hour work week schedule*

Deadline for applications will be October 29, 2026 4:00pm CST

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Fire Chief, is responsible to supervise an assigned shift in the provision of fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention inspection, shift training; acts as Incident Commander during assigned shift; plan, organize shift assignments; administer the performance evaluation system and will be assigned programmatic responsibilities.

Examples of Duties

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Battalion Chiefs are members of the Senior Staff and report directly to the Fire Chief. 
• Battalion Chiefs will be assigned program management responsibilities in one of several areas supporting fire department operations.
• Battalion Chiefs will be assigned as Shift Supervisors/Commanders (assigned to one of the three shifts) or a 40-hour workweek overseeing fire training. Appointments in areas of command will be determined by the Fire Chief and may be subject to change.
• Battalion Chiefs will be responsible for all activities as they relate to their assigned area of command/responsibility. This includes assigning duties and responsibilities for personnel under their command, ensuring appropriate staffing levels are met, fulfilling other duties as assigned.
• Enforces applicable municipal, state and federal codes, and NFPA and ICC codes and standards.
• Knowledge of local and national fire codes, knowledge of building construction and fire behavior.
• Performs various administrative functions and tasks to assist the Fire Chief in administering and managing the fire department.
• Notifies the Fire Chief of all emergency situations or major incidents and matters of importance to the department.
• Prepares written reports and verbal presentations.
• Maintains discipline and keeps personnel informed of changes in operating guidelines.
• Supervise Fire/Rescue/EMS crews during emergency and non-emergency operations.
• Shall work as a team leader and/or incident commander under stress caused by emergencies, danger, or criticism. Must be able to supervise emergency personnel during emergency and non-emergency situations and have the ability to motivate and manage people.
• Must respond to emergencies, within 30 minutes.
• Participates in hiring and promotional processes and makes recommendations to the Fire Chief regarding the hiring of new employees.
• Determines personnel allocations, oversees scheduling for the Department with consideration for adequately covering three shifts on a twenty-four-hour, seven day per week operation.
• Responsible for the effective and efficient management of several departmental programs
• Conducts annual employee performance evaluations and makes recommendations to the Fire Chief regarding pay increases.
• Provides oversight of the report and records system.
• Responds to citizen's questions, complaints, and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Required to work closely with other outside agencies to continue to build and support those relationships.
• Will perform other duties as assigned.
• Regular work attendance is required.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work safely and efficiently with little direct supervision
• Ability to direct activities of crew members and multiple crews at emergency scenes and non-emergency activities
• Ability to manage large projects and programs
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to effectively interact with others to resolve problems and conflicts
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities
• Independent problem-solving ability
• Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner
• Ability to recognize dangerous and potentially dangerous environments involving hostile patients or other individuals
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co­workers, subordinates and the general public.
• Thorough knowledge of fire/rescue techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of city geography.
• Thorough knowledge of building construction and hazards associated with fires in various building types.
• Proficiency with personal computer software and applications.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of math, physics and chemistry as it relates to firefighting.
• Thorough knowledge of tools and equipment including electronic equipment, heavy equipment,
• fire equipment, air monitoring equipment, emergency equipment and hand/power tools. 
• Knowledge of hazardous materials mitigation, fire prevention and public education methods and procedures.

Requirements:

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 7 years of fire service experience.
• Possess an AA/AS in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Service, Emergency Management, Public Administration as approved by the Fire Chief or a closely related field as approved by the Fire Chief OR have equivalent amount of college credits (at least 65 credits) and actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree with completion within 1 year of appointment.
• Minimum of 3 years of Paramedic-level experience.
• Must be a Lieutenant (1 year).

REQUIRED LICENCES:

• All licenses and certifications listed below must be valid and up to date.
• Fire Officer 1 required. Fire Officer II (preferred)
• Fire Instructor 1 required within 1- year of appointment 
• Fire Instructor II (preferred)
• Fire Inspector 1 required within 1- year of appointment
• Fire Investigator (preferred)
• Iowa Paramedic certification or equivalent to apply. Iowa Paramedic required at time of appointment.
• NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800