Battalion Chief

Shift Battalion ChiefStep into a pivotal operational leadership role as one of three Duty Chiefs overseeing fire and emergency response on a 48-hour shift schedule1 VacancyOpen to Internal & External CandidatesUnder 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.Receives general direction from the Fire Chief. Exercises supervision over assigned staff.Under general direction of the Fire Chief, the Shift Battalion Chief functions with primary responsibility to ensure that assigned personnel, apparatus, equipment, and facilities are maintained in appropriate readiness to respond to a variety of emergency calls for service. Under general direction, leads, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of assigned shift within the Fire Department including operations, training, facility/equipment maintenance, fire prevention, emergency planning, public education and related programs; serves as Duty Chief for assigned shift and responds to emergency incidents; coordinates assigned activities with other shifts, divisions, departments, and outside agencies, providing work direction and assistance to department staff, participating in department management at the policy level, analyzing community needs, and designing strategies to prioritize programs and services to meet them; provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief, and may act as Fire Chief in their absence.Essential Function StatementsEssential 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.QualificationsKnowledge of:Modern safety practices within the fire serviceModern organizational management practicesCurrent, widely accepted emergency response practices in the area of medical, fire, hazardous materials, and technical rescuePertinent Federal, State, and local laws, fire safety codes, and regulationsOperational characteristics of fire suppression and emergency medical apparatus and equipmentPrinciples and practices of public agency budget development, administration, and accountabilityPrinciples of supervision, personnel development, and trainingPersonnel management, procedures, and guidelinesTechniques for providing a high level of customer service to public, to member community staff, and outside agenciesModern office methods and procedures, office equipment, computers, and related software applicationsAbility to:Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writingLead, direct, and motivate othersWork independentlyEstablish and maintain effective working relationshipsAnalyze problems and apply sound judgment in developing alternativesAppreciate participatory/political concerns of the three communitiesInterpret, explain, and apply policies and procedures in managing a variety of diverse and complex situationsHandle confidential operation and employee informationManage a variety of diverse and complex functionsLead operations staff in delivering emergency servicesConduct surveys and studies to determine training needsCritique emergency callsCoordinate training records; set up system and review updating of individual and company training recordsCoordinate interviews, references, physicals, and other personnel selection methods for new staffServes as liaison with the San Luis Obispo County Training and/or Fire Prevention Officer's AssociationEvaluate assigned staffRespond to requests and inquiries from the publicOperate office equipment including computers and related software applicationsExperience and Training GuidelinesAny 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 fieldEquivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college or universityPossession of a Chief Fire Officer certification issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, International Fire Services Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), or Pro Board; orCompletion 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