Fire Battalion Chief

Battalion Chiefs oversee one of three operations shifts and one or more specialty disciplines or programs. Battalion Chiefs are salaried, FLSA-exempt positions. Selected candidates will participate in a multi-phase Assessment Center, tentatively planned for the week of September 28, 2026, with specific dates to be determined, in Matthews, NC.

ABOUT MATTHEWS FIRE & EMS

Located just east of Charlotte, NC, the Town of Matthews Fire & EMS is a combination department serving a population of approximately 33,500 people and a 17-square- mile district. The department staffs three stations, 3 engines, a ladder, a heavy rescue, and an EMS squad. In 2025, the department responded to approximately 4,500 calls for service. Effective January 1, 2026, the department boasts a Class 1 ISO rating. Career members, including BCs, work a modified 24/48 schedule, which allows each shift to be off 4 days every third week, a 28-day FLSA work cycle, averaging 56 hours per workweek. Daily staffing comprises both career and part-time members.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for administrative and technical work in planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and supervising activities, including but not limited to personnel management, fire prevention and training activities, and responsive and effective management of fire suppression, emergency medical, rescue, hazardous materials, and other man-made and/or natural disasters that pose a threat to public safety. Work is performed under the general direction and guidance of the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief (Command Staff).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.) Directs, assigns, and supervises all firefighting and rescue forces on an assigned shift; responds to structural fire alarms and other major emergencies; ascertains the need for and type of additional equipment to counteract the emergency; makes technical and supervisory decisions as to the best methods of extinguishing fires. Participates in the selection, placement, promotion, training, safety, appraisal, and discipline of assigned personnel by observing staff performance; provides coaching and development opportunities where needed. Assures proper daily maintenance and operational readiness of apparatus, equipment, facilities, and maintains appropriate daily staffing levels for personnel. Organizes, implements, and manages assigned department programs or specialized activities in support of department goals and operations. Completes and assigns training to department staff as required to meet department, State, and federally recognized and accepted standards, which may include classroom instruction, creating lesson plans, practical and hands‑on instruction, evaluations of assigned individuals or groups, examinations, and certification in a variety of areas, and physical fitness training; remain current on fire service principles and practices. Delivers safe and compassionate medical care and treatment based on the individual needs of the patient suffering from non‑urgent to life‑threatening problems, frequently under unfavorable conditions and in accordance with Town policies and procedures. May drive vehicles under adverse and stressful conditions and ensures safe driving practices and policies are followed by employees. Responsible for following and promoting department policies and procedures and projecting a professional, positive public image. Coordinates and participates in public education and relations activities. Responsible for special programs or project assignments including but not limited to preparation of program guidelines, supervising subordinate personnel within the program, preparing operating guidelines and protocols, maintaining relationships with the appropriate state and federal agencies, attending meetings, and making presentations. Accurately completes and processes forms, incident reports, and other documents and ensures reporting performed by others on assigned shifts is accurately completed. Authorizes and controls daily purchases of materials and supplies. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

(The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all‑inclusive list.) Extensive knowledge of current methods, principles, techniques, and practices applied to firefighting, fire behavior, hydraulics, fire inspection, natural or man‑made disasters, operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment, and working knowledge of fire extinguishing systems, fire prevention methods, and fire safety and related fields. Extensive knowledge of principles and practices of first aid including EMT training. Extensive knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and department regulations, ordinances and regulations related to the provision and management of fire and EMS services, personnel management, apparatus and equipment operation, and fire codes. Extensive knowledge of hazards of chemical properties of a variety of materials and ability to recognize environmental and workplace hazards, and implement safeguards to prevent accident or injury to employees or damage to Department facilities and/or equipment. Business letter writing, basic report preparation, and principles and procedures of record keeping. Working knowledge of computers and applicable computer software applications, including specific knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Skill in: Effectively handling difficult or sensitive issues, using professionalism and an understanding of organizational culture. Interacting with others using tact, patience, and courtesy. Coaching and encouraging employees to constantly seek improvement and provide mentoring. Using interpersonal and problem‐solving skills, including anticipating, analyzing, diagnosing, and resolving problems. Using initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Delivering effective instructor‑led training, both formal and informal, to various audiences and the ability to effectively present information to various‑sized groups. Ability to: Understand, interpret, and apply documents such as operating instructions, applicable policies, procedures, fire codes, adopted ordinances, and safety rules. Perform EMS skills and procedures in accordance with local protocols in effect in Mecklenburg County. Maintain confidentiality. Learn and possess working knowledge of geography and street locations of department response areas. Operate with considerable latitude for independent decision‑making. Perform under considerable stress while confronted with emergency situations related to the job of a Battalion Chief. Effectively apply technical knowledge to complex problem assessment and solving to rescue persons or property, under diverse, and often stressful, circumstances. Plan, assign, supervise, and review the work of assigned shifts and companies. Maintain and establish effective and cooperative working relationships with department employees, other public safety agency personnel, the public and public officials, and work effectively in a team environment. Adapt to changes in the work environment and to shifts in organizational philosophy and expectations. Conduct themselves in a professional manner as defined by Department policy. Carry out special and general assignments requiring organization and development of procedures without direct supervision. Effectively present information to moderate‑size groups. Complete comprehensive work assignments and meet deadlines. Communicate in English clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Compute the friction loss and fire flows required for producing proper water flows during pumping operations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job (includes functions as described in NFPA 1582). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, an employee is regularly required to talk and hear; use hands or fingers to handle and feel; use of the telephone and computer; requires manual dexterity and visual acuity to operate firefighting equipment frequently and a computer or other standard office equipment occasionally. Employee may sit occasionally but will also need mobility and the ability to stand and walk continuously for long periods of time. In unforeseen circumstances, the Battalion Chief may have to participate in treating patients, performing as a standby Firefighter, or performing other emergency actions. This would include performing extremely strenuous physical work while wearing self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), under some of the following conditions: Selects and deploys various hose lines and nozzles up to 5 inches in diameter to be used to direct water or chemicals onto fire. Carries, positions, climbs, and works from ladders and other high areas under adverse conditions. Removes injured or incapacitated victims from danger and administers first aid as required. Uses power tools and other mechanical equipment to breech doors, walls roofs, or floors, for various reasons. Communicates clearly and concisely using electronic devices and equipment. This includes the ability to do so while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and SCBA under adverse conditions such as high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hose lines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers). This position will require the employee to be able to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time, while performing some or all of the following: Wear a respirator (SCBA); Climb six (6) or more flights of stairs while wearing fire protective ensemble weighing at least 50 lbs or more while carrying equipment/tools, typically weighing an additional 20 lbs. to 40 lbs. Perform expected duties while wearing fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulated and will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration which can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2°F (39°C). Search, locate, rescue‑drag, and carry victims ranging from newborn to adult weighing over 200 lbs. to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility;

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work area will encompass a wide variety of settings including but not limited to administrative duties in an office setting. Must be conscious of safety methods to avoid injury to others and themselves; mitigation of emergencies may involve performing hazardous tasks requiring strenuous physical exertion for extended periods of time in cramped surroundings, hot, smoky environments with limited visibility, and at considerable heights; work in dark, confined, disorienting spaces; work in overheated environments; work under adverse and stressful conditions; employees may find themselves in hostile or psychologically demanding environments, involving emotional or psychological stress work in unpredictable emergency situations for prolonged periods of physical exertion without the benefit of warm‑up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration. This position is subject to all State and Federal OSHA regulations, including, but not limited to the following: bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication/GHS, personal protective equipment, slips, trips, and falls, etc. Subject to hazards in public safety work including working in both inside and outside environments, heights, below‑grade, and in and/or around water, regular exposure to outside weather conditions (hot and cold weather), risk of electrical shock, wet or humid conditions, and exposure to various hazards to include but not limited, heavy traffic, loud noises, and hazardous spills with fumes, oils, gases, and flammable liquids, toxic or caustic chemicals, hazardous traffic areas and under unfavorable or unsanitary conditions which may include burning debris, falling structures, biohazards, air and blood‑borne pathogens, confined spaces; commercial and residential structures, etc.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Associate’s Degree in Fire Protection, Emergency Management, or a closely related field; Bachelor’s Degree preferred. At least five (5) years of experience as a company or command staff officer in a municipal fire and EMS agency; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

Must possess or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina Driver's License within 60 days of employment with a safe driving record. Must possess both a North Carolina Firefighter I/II and North Carolina EMT certification; or equivalent certification with an IFSAC or ProBoard seal (Out‑of‑state candidates with equivalent certifications must be able to successfully complete the reciprocity process and requirements through the North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission). Must be able to obtain Technical Rescue certifications. Must be able to obtain the Fire Officer III certification within two (2) years of hire. Must be able to meet and maintain the minimum training, experience, and compliance requirements for the position as established by the Town and the State of North Carolina.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The Town of Matthews requires background checks to be conducted on the final candidate(s) applying for any position with the Town of Matthews. For this position, final candidates must pass a background process to include but are not limited to work history verification, professional/personal reference checks, financial review, polygraph, pre‑employment drug screening and physical, criminal background, driving record checks, etc. with final approval by the Fire Chief. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test and/or participate in other assessments. Candidates must be insurable under the Department’s existing vehicle and umbrella liability insurance carrier. Candidates must meet the medical and physical requirements as specified in NFPA 1582, respirator use certification requirements, successfully complete polygraph and psychologic fit‑for‑duty evaluations.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. The Town is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town of Matthews provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws in all terms and conditions of employment. The Town of Matthews is an at‑will employer. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Town-of-Matthews-1