Battalion Chief

Salary : $116,916.00 - $142,140.00 Annually
Location : Fire Department Station 1 350 W. Grangeville Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25/26-38
Department: Fire
Division: Administration/Suppression
Opening Date: 05/04/2026
Closing Date: 6/1/2026 4:00 PM Pacific


Description


To plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of the suppression division, for an assigned battalion within the Fire department including training, public education, and emergency response; to coordinate division activities with other divisions and City departments; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Fire Chief.


SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED


Receives administrative direction from the Fire Chief.


Exercises direct supervision over assigned supervisory and technical staff.

Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Work closely with the Fire Chief to develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.


Plan, organize and direct suppression activities including emergency response, training, and public education programs.


Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the suppression division work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.


Work closely with the Fire Chief to prepare the division budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies to support daily operations; administer the approved budget.


Recommend the appointment of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; fact-finding and recommendations for discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the division.


Develop and implement new programs to enhance the Fire Department's organizational objectives; facilitate public education programs; create public service announcements.


Direct multiple fire companies during emergency operations.


Develop, organize, and present training curriculum and activities; create testing and evaluation tools.


Provide administrative assistance to the Fire Chief in the form of special projects, analytical studies, and policy input and development.


Inspect fire stations and personnel for operational readiness.


Represent the division and department to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.


Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.


Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.


Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.


Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.


Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications


Knowledge of:


Modern fire suppression methods, technology, and equipment.


Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.

Incident Command System emergency response management skills.


Principles, methods, and techniques of emergency medical services (EMS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillators (AED), and hazardous materials incident management.


Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations, and laws.


Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.


Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.


Budgeting procedures and techniques.


Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.


Ability to:


Organize and direct the operations of the fire suppression division.


On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations, and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve division related issues; remember various rules and procedures; and explain and interpret policy.


Intermittently, sit while driving to emergency scenes or performing office work; stand and walk while performing suppression activities; exert strenuous physical effort; bend, squat, twist, crawl or climb; climb ladders, or climb up onto apparatus to begin operations; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; use telephone, write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of up to 100 pounds.


Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.


Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.


Interpret and apply City, department, and division policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.


Supervise, train, and evaluate staff.


Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.


Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.


Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.


Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.


Communicate effectively orally and in writing.


Relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy.


Establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and collaborative working relationships with others.


Work beyond normal business hours; shift schedule to correspond with battalion assignment, attend meetings, perform weekend and holiday work, and travel.


Experience and Education

Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:


Experience:


Five years of increasingly responsible experience in fire suppression and/or training in a recognized fire department, including three years of supervisory experience at the level of fire captain or above.


Education:


Bachelor's degree or equivalent (120 semester units) from an accredited college with major course work in fire science, education, public administration, or a related field.


License and Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.


Possession of, or ability to obtain, valid CPR and EMT-1 certificates.


Possession of a Fire Officer or Company Officer certificate from the State Board of Fire Services.


Possession of a Chief Fire Officer certificate from the State Board of Fire Services.


Possession of, or ability to obtain an Instructor III certification from the State Board of Fire Services within twelve months of appointment if assigned to the position of Training Officer.


Highly desirable:

Possession of California Incident Command Certification System (CICCS) qualifications as Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN), Safety Officer (SOFR), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), Planning, Logistics, or any other combination of NDCG applicable qualifications.

Possession of California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) qualifications as: HazMat Technician HazMat Specialist, HazMat Incident Commander, or HazMat
Safety Officer.

Possession of qualifications as a primary instructor in any California State Fire Marshal: Discipline Fire Service Training and Education Program (FSTEP) or California Fire Service Training & Education System (CFSTES).

Additional Information
The application screening will include a competitive review of relevant education, training, and work experience, followed by a written exam and/or an interview before an Oral Board to identify the most qualified candidates. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview, and the screening committee's decision is final. Candidates considered eligible for appointment will be placed on the City's Certified Eligibility List. Applicants will receive written notification about the results of all phases of the recruitment process leading up to the creation of the Eligibility List, if applicable.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS :

• Public Employees' Retirement System: The City provides the PERS retirement program, 3% @ 55 for Classic Members and 2.7% @ 57 for New Members.
• 48/96 work schedule is the standard work period.
• Paid Holiday-in-lieu time: Employees shall receive one-hundred fifty-four (154) hours pay at straight time in lieu of any holiday time off.
• Vacation: Starts at 144 hours per year and up to 240 hours per year based on time of service.
• Sick Leave: 168 hours per year with unlimited accumulation. At retirement, Classic Members may apply unused sick leave toward retirement benefits.
• Health Insurance: Three (3) medical/Rx plans to meet your family or financial needs, as well as dental and vision. The City shall pay towards the health care plans selected by the employee equal to sixty percent (60%) of the total premium for the City PPO plan (employee, employee +1, or family).
• Hanford Employee Care Connection (City-sponsored clinic) is free and available to all insured full-time employees and covered dependents. Medical care offering same-day appointments, little to no co-pays, and comprehensive health care.
• Tuition Reimbursement: A tuition reimbursement plan is available for work-related study up to $1,000 per fiscal year.
• Bilingual Pay: 5% for eligible employees.
• Uniform Allowance: $1,200.00 a year.
• Longevity Pay: provided to employees upon completion of ten, fifteen, and twenty continuous years of active service with the City of Hanford as follows:
  Years of Service
  Percentage of Base Rate of Pay
  After the completion of 10 years
  5%
  After the completion of 15 years
  An additional 2.5% for a total of 7.5%
  After the completion of 20 years
  An additional 2.5% for a total of 10%
• Deferred Compensation: Matched employer contributions for deferred compensation up to $75 per pay period.
• Employee engagement and appreciation events.
• There is no residency requirement.

01


Describe your experience supervising fire suppression personnel and managing emergency incidents.
02


What is your approach to developing and implementing training programs within a fire department?
03


Explain your experience with budgeting, resource allocation, or administrative responsibilities in a fire service settingExplain your experience with budgeting, resource allocation, or administrative responsibilities in a fire service setting
04


Describe a time you had to make a critical decision during an emergency incident while serving in a supervisory or command role.
05


Applicants must upload all required certifications (e.g., Fire Officer/Company Officer, Chief Fire Officer, CPR/EMT, and any other required credentials) at the time of application. Applications submitted without the required documentation may be considered incomplete and not eligible for further review.Did you upload all required certifications and supporting documents with your application?

• Yes
• No

Required Question