Battalion Chief FLSA Status: Exempt

General Definition of Work

Performs complex protective service work supervising a shift, inspecting personnel, equipment, apparatus and station maintenance, determining equipment and staffing needs, maintaining records and files, preparing reports, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Chief. Divisional supervision is exercised over all personnel within the division.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required and are not necessarily actual functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

Performs duties in accordance with the City's keys to excellent customer service; acts as a team or group leader in the implementation of adopted City outcomes and goals.

Establishes shift objectives; plans, organizes, assigns and reviews the work of fire suppression and emergency medical personnel assigned to the shift.

Assumes command of emergency incidents; directs and participates in fire suppression and/or emergency medical service tasks; conducts briefings for incidents.

Instructs and advises staff on administrative or operational instructions and information; prepares, reviews and maintains reports and records on shift activities; inspects personnel, equipment, apparatus, and station.

Recommends and assists with implementing department and division goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for fire and rescue operations and implement policies and procedures.

Evaluates operations and activities relative to assigned area of responsibility; recommend improvements and modifications; prepares various reports on operations and activities.

Maintains equipment and supply inventories using departmental purchasing procedures.

Schedules and monitors hydrant and apparatus maintenance; manages fire hose inventory.

Assigns and ensures the accuracy and completion of company level pre-plans.

Assists with recruiting and selecting department personnel; recommends promotions and terminations; coaches, counsels, disciplines and suspends staff; administers pre- and post-employment screening process; develops staff schedules; manages leave time and on–call calendars.

Prepares logbooks and records daily activities; prepares daily staffing reports; maintains adequate staffing; prepares payroll statements.

Assists with preparing budget requests; orders uniforms and equipment; researches types of equipment for purchase; maintains inventory records for equipment and apparatus costs; recommends and approves spending.

Plans and implements training of assigned company personnel; participates in continued training and instruction programs by individual study of technical material and attendance at scheduled drills and classes.

May be required to work outside normal work hours in on-call or emergency situations.

Performs the duties of the Deputy Fire Chief and/or Fire Chief when required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of fire suppression and emergency medical services; comprehensive knowledge of department rules and regulations; thorough knowledge of the physical lay out of the City and the location of important buildings; thorough knowledge of supervisory principles and practices; ability to effectively supervise others at fires and medical emergencies; ability to maintain detailed records and prepare reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, civic organizations, educational institutes and the general public.

Education and Experience

Associates/Technical degree with coursework in fire science, or related field and considerable experience in fire suppression including moderate supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and reaching with hands and arms, frequently requires standing, walking and sitting and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, frequently requires exposure to vibration and occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), wearing a self contained breathing apparatus and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).

Special Requirements

Possession of North Carolina Firefighter I and II, Fire Instructor II, Fire Officer II, Rescue Technician, Driver/Operator, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic and Hazmat Technician certifications.

Must meet and maintain all minimum state and local training and education requirements for the position.

Valid class driver's license in the State of North Carolina to operate any standard Fire Department vehicle and tow any Fire Department trailer.