Battalion Chief

Duty Chief

Step into a pivotal operational leadership role as one of three Duty Chiefs overseeing fire and emergency response on a 48-hour shift schedule

1 Vacancy

Open to Internal & External Candidates

Under general direction, performs responsible management, technical and administrative work in commanding and coordinating fire emergency operations, training, fire prevention, public education, emergency planning, facility/equipment maintenance, and other related programs and services; provides responsible and technical staff assistance; implements program goals and objectives; assists with preparation and administration of budget; oversees and supervises assigned staff.

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as the acting Fire Chief in his/her absence.
• Serves as Duty Chief; responds to emergency incidents as required by departmental policy and assumes command of incident unless relieved of command by a superior officer.
• Assumes management responsibility for assigned programs, activities and operations of assigned shift including operations, training, fire marshal, emergency management, facility/equipment maintenance, public education and related programs and services.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for departmental programs and services; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Reviews and analyzes a variety of reports, records, and documents; produces a variety of specialized reports, may develop report formats and utilize varied databases.
• Prepares and directs the preparation of a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances, and other written materials.
• Prepares designs, specifications, and cost estimates for assignments and projects.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned shift; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Participates in the selection and evaluation of assigned personnel; prepares performance evaluations of Company Captains and reviews evaluations for shift personnel as assigned.
• Manages personnel issues including disciplinary actions.
• Participates in the development and administration of the Department's annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Oversees implementation of the Department's training programs for fire fighting, technical rescue, hazardous materials and other emergency response services and programs; implements training programs and schedules; identifies the training needs of company personnel; provides or coordinates shift training and drills in firefighting methods, techniques, and related subjects; coordinates training programs with other shifts, divisions, departments and outside agencies; maintains shift personnel training records.
• Assists in the purchasing, maintenance, and inventory of all fire related equipment, vehicles, and property including communication equipment, vehicles and related equipment, and safety equipment.
• Trains fire personnel in the use of a variety of fire equipment, station equipment and communication equipment as necessary.
• Participates in facilities planning for the Fire Authority; coordinates maintenance and repairs to existing facilities as necessary.
• Prepares a variety of public information materials; conducts or has subordinates conduct public information/education classes related to fire prevention, hazardous materials, disaster preparedness and other department activities.
• Provides staff assistance to the Fire Chief.
• Serves as the liaison for assigned shift to other shifts, divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention, suppression, training, and management; attends training classes.
• Coordinates special events as required.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of:

• Modern safety practices within the fire serviceModern organizational management practices
• Current, widely accepted emergency response practices in the area of medical, fire, hazardous materials, and technical rescue
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, fire safety codes, and regulations
• Operational characteristics of fire suppression and emergency medical apparatus and equipment
• Principles and practices of public agency budget development, administration, and accountability
• Principles of supervision, personnel development, and training
• Personnel management, procedures, and guidelines
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public, to member community staff, and outside agencies
• Modern office methods and procedures, office equipment, computers, and related software applications

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Lead, direct, and motivate others
• Work independently
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Analyze problems and apply sound judgment in developing alternatives
• Appreciate participatory/political concerns of the three communities
• Interpret, explain, and apply policies and procedures in managing a variety of diverse and complex situations
• Handle confidential operation and employee information
• Manage a variety of diverse and complex functions
• Lead operations staff in delivering emergency services
• Conduct surveys and studies to determine training needs
• Critique emergency calls
• Coordinate training records; set up system and review updating of individual and company training records
• Coordinate interviews, references, physicals, and other personnel selection methods for new staff
• Serves as liaison with the San Luis Obispo County Training and/or Fire Prevention Officer's Association
• Evaluate assigned staff
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the public
• Operate office equipment including computers and related software applications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be seven years of increasingly responsible experience as a fulltime firefighter or higher rank, four of those years must be at a Captain level or above if an external candidate, minimum of 2 years full time and 2 years of Acting/Interim Captain for internal candidates, and one of the following:

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in a related field
• Equivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college or university
• Possession of a Chief Fire Officer certification issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, International Fire Services Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or Pro Board; or
• Completion of all Chief Fire Officer curriculum requirements at time of application.

Licenses or Certificates Requires the possession of the following:

• Company Officer certification issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (IFSAC or PRO-Board)
• Advanced Incident Command System (ICS-400)
• Valid California issued Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic License
• Current California Driver's License
• Fire Operations in the Urban Interface (S-205/S-215) or Company Officer 2E
• Ignition Operations (CA-219 / S-219)
• Basic Air Operations (S-270)
• Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)

Possession of the following certificates is highly desirable:

• Chief Fire Officer certification
• Executive Chief Fire Officer certification
• FEMA All-Hazards Operations Section Chief L- 958
• FEMA All Hazards Safety Officer L-0954
• FEMA O-305 All Hazards Type 3 Incident Management
• CSFM Incident Management of High-Rise Fires
• CSFM Command and Control of the RIC Deployment
• CSFM All Risk Division Group Supervisor S-339
• Qualification under the California Incident Command Certification System (CICCS) in one or more supervisory / overhead positions
• Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certification within two years of appointment