FIRE BATTALION CHIEF

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is second level supervisory field-based operations, or staff-based administrative work directing the daily operations, administration of fire programs and training functions of the department. An employee in this class has responsibility for directing firefighting operations on a fireground until the arrival of a higher level fire officer and for administering fire prevention activities within a specified geographic district. Work requires physical effort. Dangers inherent in the work can be only partially controlled through preventive measures.

Work is performed under the direction of a higher level fire officer.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Responds to all fire alarms within the assigned district; commands a battalion of engine and ladder companies in combating fires; determines appropriate means for controlling and extinguishing the blaze; directs rescue and evacuation operations; determines the need for additional apparatus and firefighting personnel; orders extra alarms as required; commands firefighting activities during multiple alarm fires until relieved by a higher ranking fire officer.

Determines when fire is extinguished; orders demobilization of apparatus and personnel from the fireground when appropriate; determines firegrounds are secure; orders withdrawal of fire apparatus and firefighting personnel from firegrounds when appropriate; questions witnesses to determine the cause or origin of the fire; confers with other fire officers to critique firefighting practices and operations performed during fire.

Periodically inspects fire companies within assigned district; discusses personnel and related problems with company officers; inspects apparatus, equipment, and buildings for conformance to maintenance standards; reviews the conduct of station exercises; directs the inspection of business establishments, schools, churches, and other public buildings within the district to determine the presence and extent of fire and safety hazards.

Prepares a variety of periodic and special reports on firefighting operations, administration of fire companies and personnel performance; reviews and forwards recommendations for commendations or disciplinary actions; reviews new directives and orders; interprets new policy and procedural changes to fire company personnel; participates on committees engaged in formulating departmental procedures, recommending commendations, or recommending disciplinary actions.

Provides support to the Fire Deputy Chief to manage assigned projects and programs to include recommending, developing and implementing new programs; prepares reports or other documents for budgetary purposes.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the current principles, practices and techniques for controlling and extinguishing the various types and classes of fires

• current principles, practices and techniques of fire prevention

• city ordinances and operational procedures, directives and safety practices pertaining to firefighting and fire prevention

• supervisory principles and practices as it pertains to directing firefighting operations and personnel

• the geography of the city from a firefighting viewpoint, including the location of major fire hazards

• the city's water system as it relates to fire protection

• administrative practices and techniques

• the investigation methods and techniques of fire investigation for detecting the commission of arson

• the fire code and the regulations, laws, and ordinances pertaining to it

· City budget practices and procedures

· computer software and applications which includes Microsoft Office

ABILITY TO:

• plan, organize, direct and coordinate the firefighting, administrative and fire prevention activities within the assigned geographic district

• quickly appraise firefighting problems and to direct the operations of a number of fire companies effectively under shifting emergency conditions

• communicate information and instructions clearly and effectively

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with fire personnel and the general public

• supervise the preparation and maintenance of records and reports

· use computers and standard software for word processing and preparation of reports

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 06/2021.)

AND

EXPERIENCE:

Two years of experience as a Fire Captain.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Class Established 1/53

Spec. Revision 8/90

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC: 5/21

Ad. Board: 6/21