Fire Battalion Chief - Admin
| City of Foster City |
| Estero Municipal Improvement District |
| Job Specification |
| DEFINITION: |
| Under general direction from the Fire Chief, this management safety position plans, organizes and directs operations, training and maintenance of fire companies and medic units on an assigned platoon, or assists in the management of administrative functions within the Fire Department. Performs related work as assigned by the Fire Chief. |
| DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS, FEATURES, REQUIREMENTS: |
| This is an exempt, management classification. Battalion Chiefs either work a 24-hour fire shift assignment or are assigned to a 40 hour work week. Performs responsible supervisory, technical and administrative work in commanding platoon personnel in fire suppression and rescue operations; manage and direct training division activities; and perform duties related to the fire loss management division of inspection, investigation and other prevention related activities. |
| SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED: |
| The Battalion Chief exercises direct supervision over the Fire Captains and other lower level staff. Operation Battalion Chiefs receive direct supervision from the Deputy Fire Chief; the Administrative Battalion Chief receives direct supervision from the Fire Chief. |
| IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES: |
| • Assists the Fire Chief in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and priorities of operations • Reports to the Fire Chief on all important matters, including the status of emergency situations occurring on assigned shift • Assumes command or functions in a leadership role for fires or other significant incidents • Confers, coordinates and works with other Battalion Chiefs and the Fire Captains on shift, other city department personnel and as necessary, coordinates with other fire agencies • Plans, administers, coordinates, executes, supervises and delegates activities of fire suppression and rescue, training, medical emergencies, fire inspections and investigations • Makes technical decisions on methods of fire suppression and medical response including directing, administering, coordinating and supervising companies during emergency operations • Assesses the condition of fire department equipment and coordinates replacement and maintenance • Supervises and directs pre-fire plans and post-incident analyses, • Maintains discipline and morale of subordinates and participates in personnel decisions • Supervises, directs and evaluates training in fire prevention, accident prevention and emergency medical care • Coordinates shift changes to ensure continuity • Undertakes and assists with special reports, projects and records; answers requests for department information • Conducts fire inspections and investigations • Assists in preparation of the department budget, budget implementation and expense forecasting and monitoring • Facilitates problem solving and develops strategies for cost efficiencies • Performs other department related activities and program oversight as assigned by the Assistant Chief • Reviews and evaluates subordinate employee job performance • Participates in the development and implementation of department policies and programs • Performs general administrative support functions and manages specific programs as assigned • May serve as liaison or representative of the department with other City departments, outside agencies, groups, businesses and private citizens • May serve as Acting Fire Chief in the absence of the Fire Chief |
| JOB-RELATED QUALIFICATIONS: |
| Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: |
| Knowledge of: modern fire suppression, prevention and training methods, technology and equipment; principles and practices of organization, planning, time management, supervision; modern public sector management techniques and practices; fire investigation methods, procedures and equipment; city, state and national fire protection and life safety codes. Must demonstrate knowledge of the community, possessing skills and abilities to achieve a positive presence for the department within it. |
| Ability to: effectively manage all line functions of the department including suppression and training; prepare clear, concise and complete oral and written reports; interpret and explain laws, city and department policies, codes and regulations; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; effectively command personnel and coordinate emergency incidents; think and act quickly in emergencies; be physically capable of performing command and control responsibilities in hazardous environments which may require physical agility and strength and be prepared to use special equipment. Maintain a positive work environment. Work cooperatively with people, carry out the department’s mission with integrity. |
| EDUCATION AND TRAINING GUIDELINES: Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way would be: |
| Education: Equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college. A Bachelor’s degree is highly desirable. |
| Experience: Four years experience as a Fire Captain in a paid organized fire department. State Fire Marshal Company Officer Certificate. Minimum of two (2) Chief Officer classes must be taken upon application for the position, and Chief Officer Certification is required by the end of probation. |
| SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: |
| Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, squat, stoop, reach, crawl, twist, climb and lift 150 lbs.; exposure to cold, heat, extreme noise, outdoors confining work space, electrical hazards, vibration, chemicals, dust, toxic waste, mechanical hazards and explosive materials. Attends night meetings both on and off-duty as assigned and performs public speaking for the Department. |
| LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATION: |
| Licenses: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License; possession of appropriate Class B or firefighter restricted license and a satisfactory driving record. |
| Certificates: State Fire Marshal Company Officer Certificate is required. Chief Officer Certification is required by the end of probation. |
