Battalion Chief

To establish an eligibility list. Under limited direction, directs manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations for an assigned shift within the Fire Department; assumes Incident Command and manages multiple resources during emergency incidents; coordinates activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies and to provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Fire Chief; performs related duties, as required.

• Assume management responsibility for services and activities of an assigned shift within the Fire department.

• Responsible for establishing and working within the Incident Command System to successfully direct and manage emergency operations on a diverse category of manmade, natural, and planned incidents.

• Assign work activities, projects, programs, and monitor workflow.

• Review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.

• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and priorities for assigned programs.

• Recommend and administer policies and procedures.

• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for fire suppression staff.

• Assign work activities, projects, and programs.

• Meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.

• Direct the placement of personnel and fire apparatus during emergency scene operations.

• Supervise special assignments such as inventory management, software, equipment, and apparatus specification and purchasing, and fire prevention inspections.

• Evaluate and implement training, certification, and education programs.

• Prepare and review lesson plans and conduct class instructions.

• Maintain and update training and certification records for all department personnel.

• Maintain various records and prepare reports, as requested.

• Review and update various manuals.

• Coordinate and evaluate drills.

• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate fire suppression personnel.

• Work with employees to correct deficiencies and initiate discipline.

• Participate in the development and administration of recruitment and promotional exams.

• Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the annual budget.

• Participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.

• Serve as the liaison for the Fire department with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies.

• Negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.

• Serve as a department representative on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees.

• Prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

• Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies.

• Recommend modifications to department related programs, policies, and procedures.

• Remain current on new trends and innovations in the field of fire suppression, EMS, Special Teams, and prevention.

• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines

Associate degree with major course work in fire science or a related field, OR 60 college semester units with major course work in fire science or a related field AND five years of fire suppression experience INCLUDING three years as a Fire Captain. Bachelor's degree and Chief Officer Designation through the California State Fire Marshal is desired.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a minimum of a valid California Class "C" driver's license upon hire and maintain throughout the length of employment with the City of Victorville.

• Obtain a California Firefighter Endorsement for their driver's license within 6 months of hire.

• Current California certification as an ICEMA EMT must be obtained within the first 45 days of employment and must be maintained throughout employment.

• California State Fire Marshal Company Officer Certification is required.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a modern firefighting prevention and suppression program.

• Principles and practices of training methods and instructional techniques.

• Principles and practices of program development and administration.

• Methods and techniques of training program administration.

• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

• Operational characteristics of fire suppression apparatus and equipment.

• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations governing hazardous materials, buildings, and fire inspections.

Skill in:

• Overseeing and participating in the management of a comprehensive fire suppression program.

• Development and management of Incident Command of System at Structure Fires, Wildland Fires, Special Team Operations, Mass Casualty Incidents, EMS, and other multi-company, agency, and discipline emergency incidents.

• Overseeing, directing, and coordinating the work of lower-level staff.

• Supporting development and implementing of effective training programs.

• Overseeing and participating in emergency scene operations including firefighting.

• Selecting, supervising, training, and evaluating staff.

• Participating in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and 

            procedures.

• Preparing and administering large program budgets.

• Preparing clear and concise administrative and technical reports.

• Researching, analyzing, evaluating new service delivery methods, and techniques.

• Interpreting and applying federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.

• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Maintaining physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including City and other government officials, community groups, and the general public.

• Applying safe work practices.

Work is performed primarily within the fire station and in close proximity to subordinates. Incumbent must be physically able to perform strenuous and hazardous tasks under emergency conditions and must have the stamina and the mobility to work a minimum of a 24-hour shift and to respond to major fire alarms and emergency situations.   Work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions, both indoors and out, with exposure to wide temperature variations, noise, vibrations, fumes, smoke, grease, machinery and its moving parts, odors, dust and irritating or hazardous materials and chemicals.  Protective clothing helmets, gloves, boots, etc., are required while responding to emergency calls.  Physical demands require running, bending, stooping, climbing, and frequently lifting heavy objects. Incumbent must be able to pass the medical examination required of fire personnel. Incumbent must be able to see and hear in the normal range with or without correction and communicate verbally and in written form with great facility and must be able to be understood.  Incumbent will be required to respond to emergencies after regular working hours and on weekends and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which will include weekends, holidays, evenings and/or varying hours.