FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
(This is a sworn, safety management, at-will position)

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

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

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Shift Battalion Chief functions as a Shift Commander, with primary responsibility to assure 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, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of assigned shift within the Fire Department including operations, training, facility/equipment maintenance, fire prevention, disaster preparedness, 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; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief.

The 40-Hour Battalion Chief may function as the Training Officer, Fire Marshal or Disaster Preparedness program administrator. Under general direction, assumes management responsibility for assigned programs, activities and operations of assigned shift; responds to emergency incidents as required; plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; coordinates assigned activities with other shifts, divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

SHIFT BATTALION CHIEF

• Serves as Duty Chief for assigned shift; 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, facility/equipment maintenance, disaster preparedness, 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.
• 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; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• 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 fire fighting 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 Department; 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.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs related duties as required.

40-HOUR BATTALION CHIEF

• Assumes management responsibility for assigned programs, activities and operations of assigned shift including training, emergency management, fire marshal, and disaster preparedness services.
• Responds to emergency incidents as required by departmental policy and assumes command of incident unless relieved of command by a superior officer.
• 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.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; trains fire personnel as needed, reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Participate in the selection and evaluation of assigned personnel; prepares performance evaluations and reviews evaluations for shift personnel as assigned; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Provides staff assistance to the Fire Chief.
• 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 emergency management.
• Serves as the liaison for assigned Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs related duties as required.

Emergency Management Duties

• Develops and coordinates the City’s Emergency Plan, outlining the roles and responsibilities of various governmental departments, agencies, and supporting groups in a variety of emergency contingencies.
• Develops and maintains an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) facility and coordinates EOC staffing and internal procedures to enable all essential City emergency managers to conduct coordinated operations during emergencies.
• Provides knowledge and advice to all departments regarding special conditions and operating requirements that might result from any disaster.
• Conducts tests, exercises and drills to train emergency management personnel in directing coordinated operations under simulated emergency conditions and Assists all City departments with emergency services training and provides disaster preparedness training to employees.
• Prepares applications for emergency services funds for submission to state and federal government agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA) Program and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Ensures incorporation of the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) into the City's emergency services program.
• Coordinates and participates in disaster preparedness training programs for the public and establishes systems to notify the public in emergencies.
• Coordinates with welfare offices, the American Red Cross, other agencies and volunteer groups to develop systems to provide care, shelter and other services to the public in emergency and disaster conditions.
• Develops and maintains liaison with school districts and private business and industry to develop emergency plans and disaster preparedness in correlation and support of the City's Emergency Plan. Serves as support staff for a Community Disaster Council.
• Coordinates with area hospitals and public and private sector medical personnel and agencies to develop emergency medical plans and capabilities for incorporation into the City's Emergency Plan, in cooperation with the San Diego County medical plan.
• Coordinates the City’s Homeland Security response and preparedness activities, including training and equipment related to threats imposed by the potential use of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).
• Determines all disaster hazards and analyzes the magnitude of risk in a logical and consistent manner; conducts capability assessment to determine the adequacy of existing resources with respect to disaster hazards, and develops a multi-year action plan to develop existing resources to the required capacity.
• Establishes and coordinates a Citizens’ Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program for the community.

Training Duties

• Oversees the development and implementation of the Department’s training programs for fire fighting, emergency medical services and other emergency response services and programs; develops and implements training programs and schedules; identifies the fire training needs of company personnel; provides or coordinates staff training and drills in fire fighting methods, techniques, and related subjects; coordinates training programs with other divisions, departments and outside agencies.
• Establishment of a professional development program to include; Fire and EMT academies probationary training, quizzes and map testing, second and third year training requirements, training manual development and posting of professional certification classes.
• Development of promotional exams; working with human resources to schedule promotional exams and develop standing promotional lists.
• Maintains records reflecting; training completed by all personnel, UASI and other grant required training, technical certifications, firefighter I and firefighter II certification and tuition reimbursements
• Acting as the departments safety officer work with the city’s risk management division to develop department safety programs, investigate accidents, document injuries and re-engineer safety programs to avoid future accidents and injury.
• Working with the Fire Explorer coordinator provides management oversight of the Explorer program.

Fire Prevention Duties

• Coordinates Fire Prevention Bureau activities with other programs of the Fire Department and with other divisions/departments within the City.
• Reviews development and construction activities that affect the City’s loss management program, including plan checks of building construction, fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler and other fire protection systems.
• Inspects or has subordinates inspect all places where fire hazards may exist including difficult and complicated occupancies; enforces state and local laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the prevention and control of fire, the protection of life and property from fire, explosion or panic.
• Oversees and participates in management of fire scene cause and origin investigations.
• Oversees the Department’s Weed Abatement Program.
• Provides recommendations to the Fire Chief regarding the City’s Loss Management Program and provides other technical assistance as needed.
• Instructs, supervises and assists in the work of fire inspection and the enforcement of all ordinances, laws and codes pertaining to the Department’s Loss Management Program and the transportation, storage and handling of explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases, acids and other combustible and/or hazardous materials that create fire or health hazards.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned prevention staff; 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 prevention personnel; prepares performance evaluations of prevention personnel and reviews evaluations for prevention personnel as assigned; implements discipline and termination procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Fire ground tactics and strategy; emergency incident management, specifically the Incident Command System (ICS); principles of incident safety; automatic and mutual aid agreements; hazardous materials incident management; and confined space and technical rescue techniques.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of training program development and implementation.
• Fire science theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of emergency service operations including fire suppression, fire prevention, and fire investigation. Operational characteristics of fire apparatus and equipment including Code 3 driving techniques. Modern fire loss and fire prevention principles, methods and practices.
• Principles and practices of Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Management and Homeland Security program development and administration.
• Geography and street layout of the City and surrounding area.
• Laws and regulations pertaining to fire and emergency medical services operations.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Departmental Policy and Procedures, Manual of Operations.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Algebraic and arithmetic computations.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of customer service.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of fire suppression, prevention, emergency medical services, training and disaster preparedness program services and activities.
• Perform competently in dynamic, highly stressful situations; command fire department staff and operate vehicles and radios.
• Work extended hours and days to meet operational needs.
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Effectively work with contractors and manage contract agreements.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Participate in the development and administration of department goals, objectives and procedures.
• Prepare and administer large program budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public in all types of situations.
• Collect, analyze and evaluate data and be able to prepare and deliver clear and concise written and oral management reports.
• React quickly and calmly in all types of emergency situations.
• Speak effectively before public gatherings.
• Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Operate modern office equipment and computers.
• Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science, Business Administration, Management, Public Administration or other related course of study applicable to the position is preferred until July 1, 2010, at which time it becomes a mandatory requirement. The Degree must be completed at an educational institution that is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or equivalent, or approved by the Council for Private Post Secondary Education.

Prior to July 1, 2010, applicants who do not possess a Bachelor’s Degree must have an Associates Degree in Fire Science, Business Administration, Management, Public Administration or other related course of study applicable to the position, and must submit a Bachelor’s degree educational plan approved by the Fire Chief. The educational plan must outline in detail the degree major, list of all completed course work toward said degree, and timeline illustrating the remaining courses to be completed for successful achievement of the Bachelor’s degree.

Experience: Seven years of full-time fire service experience in an agency providing a full range of urban fire protection services including three years administrative and supervisory responsibility at the level of Captain.

Licenses and Certificates - Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license. Possession of CPR Certificate. Possession of Hazardous Materials First Responder Incident Command Certificate. Possession of Strike Team Leader Certificate. Possession of Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Fire Officer and Chief Officer certifications issued by the State of California. (Note: Incumbents without a Chief Officer’s certificate will be required to obtain same by January 1, 2009).

Note: Effective January 1, 2006, candidates must be an Escondido Fire Department Certified Acting Duty Chief. The 40-Hour Battalion Chief may be required to obtain a Certificate in Emergency Management, or its equivalent, issued by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) or a comparably recognized management association.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting with some travel to various locations to attend meetings or respond to emergency scenes, disasters, or critical incidents; occasional exposure to excessive noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, airborne particles, noxious odors, gases, explosives and blood-borne pathogens; and all types of weather and temperature conditions; occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in areas of limited and restricted entry and exit, and in high precarious places; exposure to vibration from equipment and vehicles; operation of foot controls or repetitive foot motion; extensive public contact; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, the noise level may be very loud when responding to emergency calls and when working at a fire or other emergency incident; wear appropriate personal protective equipment including goggles, face protector, turn-outs, safety shoes and self-contained breathing apparatus; may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings. Work schedule for Shift Battalion Chiefs is one of the three 56-hour fire suppression shifts. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is usually performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms but may also occur in hostile and hazardous environments.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment and to respond to emergency alarms. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; side-to-side turning of neck; reaching below the shoulders; fine finger dexterity; simple grasping and repetitive use of hands. FREQUENT walking and walking on uneven ground; twisting at waist; lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. OCCASIONAL standing, running, crawling, kneeling, climbing, balancing and squatting; bending at the waist; reaching at and above should height; pushing and pulling; power grasping to pick up equipment; lifting and carrying objects weighing 11-100 pounds; may lift and carry objects weighing more than 100 pounds with or without assistance; operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; operate fire suppression and medical response, equipment, apparatus, and tools; verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: must see in order to perform essential job tasks; respond to incidents, provide care; operate emergency vehicles and apparatus; keep records, operate a computer, and perform office work; maintain station and equipment. HEARING of instructions, radio messages, and emergency tones, alarms and other warning devices; sufficient to perform essential job tasks. Vision and hearing must be sufficient to meet NFPA Medical Evaluation criteria.

Date: May 2009
Revised by JV/JP/Department

Date: May 2007
Revised by MH/Department

Date: January 2005
New Classification - MH/Department