Fire Battalion Chief

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

This position serves as a shift commander; manages, assigns and organizes the activities of all companies on an assigned shift, and assumes command for emergency events. This position is also assigned to assist in the management of administrative functions within the Fire Department, as assigned by the Fire Chief.

SUPERVISION:

This position is under direct supervision, general guidance and direction of the Assistant Fire Chief. The position supervises all officers, engineers, paramedics, and firefighter positions that are assigned to his/her respective shift, either directly or through other subordinate officers.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

1. Manages, directs and organizes field operations and activities of the company officers and members assigned to fire stations. Monitors work flow, and reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures. Transmits orders and assumes command in emergency situations.
2. Responds to alarms and special calls as established by Fire Department policy. Assumes command, deploys apparatus and personnel in the most advantageous manner for the control and extinguishment of fire and preservation of life and property and shall apprise the officer relieving him of command of the situation as it exists at the time.

1. Responds to fire and rescue situations and serves in the capacity of Incident Commander. May also serve as Branch/Division Officer, Operations Chief, or Plans Chief.

1. Initiates, develops and manages a fully integrated Incident Management System at the scene of any emergency.

1. Interprets and applies departmental policies and procedures; ensures compliance with department orders, rules, regulations, practices and procedures.

1. Ensures completion of records and reports relative to personnel attendance, payroll, fire reports/NFIRS, capital projects, vehicles/maintenance, monthly/annual reports, citizen complaints, and personnel assignments and placement.

1. Plans, assigns, supervises and schedules the activities of the officers and members of each company assigned to the shift, as well as the inspection of stations and equipment.

1. Supervises the annual selection and maintenance of yearly vacation schedules and prepares station assignment schedules and oversee daily staffing.

1. Insures that all scheduled training is conducted and is responsible for the general efficiency of all personnel assigned to the shift.

1. Directs, supervises, or reports performance of general maintenance work in the upkeep of Fire Department buildings, property, apparatus and equipment.
2. Handles conflict resolution with personnel under their command.

1. Assists the Fire Administration in planning and directing the operation of the Department including the promulgation of Fire Department policies and standard operational guidelines; the efficient use of personnel and equipment, the procurement of materials, supplies and equipment necessary for the operation of the Department; the preparation, revision and monitoring of proposed budgets; and the maintenance of adequate records of Fire Department activities.

1. Performs research, analyzes findings and prepares policy changes and recommendations for the department.

1. Provides a motivational atmosphere for the members of his/her shift on a daily basis, by setting a good example through a positive attitude and demeanor.

1. Supports the Fire Administration in special assignments and supervise the special assignments given his command from time to time.

1. Shall be assigned specific areas of responsibility in addition to his regular duties, e.g.: equipment, training, maintenance, supplies, etc.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

1. Attends meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field; represents the City Fire/EMS Departments in a variety of local, county, state and other meetings.

1. Serves as a member of various employee committees.

1. Meets with elected or appointed officials, other fire officials, community and business representatives, and the public on all aspects of the department's activities.

1. Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field; represents the Fire Department in a variety of local, county, state and other meetings.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Associates Degree in Fire Protection

Technology or closely related field, Bachelor's Degree in Fire Protection Technology or closely related field and other specialized training in fire and EMS fields, is desirable.

1. Ten (10) years prior work experience as a fire professional with progressive supervisory duties, two years (2) at the level of Captain.

1. Louis County Professional Firefighter Certification

1. Missouri Fire Officer II (or Missouri Fire Officer I with the ability to complete within 1 year)

1. Missouri Fire Service Instructor I (acquired and maintained)

1. Missouri Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic license desirable

1. Missouri Hazardous Materials Operations level, Technician desirable

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

1. Thorough knowledge of modern fire suppression and prevention, hazardous materials, specialized rescue and extrication, and emergency medical services principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; working knowledge of emergency medical care and resuscitation techniques and their application as demonstrated through State E.M.T. or Paramedic Certification; considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, departmental standard operating procedures and regulations.

1. Knowledge of firefighting duties, evolutions, and method employed by the Department and the practices of surrounding communities.

1. Knowledge of codes and ordinances of the City, relative to the Fire Department, the rules and regulations of the Fire Department, the Fire Prevention requirements, and the building codes as related to Life Safety.

1. Knowledge of principles and practices of budgeting, fiscal management, project management principles and techniques.

1. Ability to effectively utilize the principles of strategic and long and short-range planning.

1. Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives and recommending methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues.

1. Ability to develop department goals and objectives.

1. Ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate projects and programs.

1. Ability to develop, interpret and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department specific documents.

1. Knowledge of the City's and Department's operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.

1. Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.

1. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

1. Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.

1. Ability to train and supervise subordinate personnel.

1. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, with the ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.

1. Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluation situation and in making decisions.

1. Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid State Driver's License without record of suspension or revocation in any state;

1. No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven (7) years;

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Fire and emergency medical apparatus, fire pumps, hoses, electronic monitoring and thermal imaging equipment, ladders and other firefighting equipment, emergency medical equipment, radio, pager, personal computer, telephone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, stand, walk, and use hands or fingers. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and taste or smell, handle, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and in emergency situations lift and/or move up to 200 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in office, occasionally in vehicles, and outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day and night shifts. Work is occasionally performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils and low or no visibility situations.

The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office setting, and loud at an emergency scene.

The examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work 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 position.

NOTE: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employee may be required to perform other duties as necessary for the effective operation of the department.

Current Openings for Fire Battalion Chief Jobs at City of Kirkwood