Fire Battalion Chief

General Summary The Fire Battalion Chief provides administrative oversight, supervision and leadership to Fire Department personnel. This position works under general direction of the Assistant Fire Chief in the Fire Department and within standard operating procedures, but considerable latitude is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. Directly supervises Fire Captains and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Essential Duties & Responsibilities The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Serves as shift commander in directing the response and activities of multiple fire companies and greater alarm responses providing command and administrative oversight to field operations in the City when on duty. Commands and directs emergency scenes, assists in determining long- range goals and objectives, assists in preparing and monitoring a budget and conducts special studies relating to the operation and evaluation of program areas. Administer the policies and procedures of the department and ensure subordinates are compliant to them. Performs fire-fighting tasks and duties when required (e.g., hose line operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions while wearing personal protective ensembles and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged time periods. Wears a SCBA, which includes a demand valve– type positive-pressure face piece or HEPA filter masks, which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads. Climbs six or more flights of stairs while wearing fire protective ensemble weighing at least 50 lb. (22.6 kg) or more and carries equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lb. (9 to 18 kg). Wears fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulated, which will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2°F (39°C). Searches, finds, and rescues-drags or carries victims ranging from newborns up to adults weighing over 200 lb. (90 kg) to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility. Advances water-filled hose lines up to 212 in. (65 mm) in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy [approximately 150 ft (50 m)], which can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles. Climb ladders, operates from heights, walks or crawls in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces, and operates in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards. Operates fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens. Critical, time-sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments, including hot, dark, and tightly enclosed spaces that is further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens, and other distractions. Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing personal protective ensembles and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hose lines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers). Functions as an integral component of a team, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members. May be assigned a day shift with responsibility for an administrative or training function. Responds to emergency incidents; coordinates manpower and technical resources to provide 24-hour fire suppression and emergency medical services making life and safety decisions; takes command in emergencies, analyzing situations and deploying personnel and equipment as necessary; evaluates results obtained by subordinate officers when they have been first on the scene; orders additional units to the scene when necessary and returns units to service as the situation is controlled. Supervises, directs, leads and evaluates staff on assigned shift, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, working with employees to correct deficiencies, meeting with employees on a regular basis to discuss performance; confirms that daily staffing needs are met; coordinates daily events for crews; coordinates and schedules special events as assigned and provides a consistent and comprehensive flow of information to staff. Coordinates and monitors schedules of personnel based on rank, specialties and skills to maintain 24-hour operational readiness. Conduct training within the department in operations, leadership development, and other areas as assigned, as a critical function of the role in organizational development and succession planning. Participates in establishing department goals, objectives, policies and procedures; develops action plan necessary to complete work assignments; plans, prepares and administers the annual budget for assigned programs/divisions. Coordinates with other agencies to assure uniformity and efficiency during significant mutual aid emergencies and operations. Prepares and presents oral and written reports and recommendations regarding the operations of the fire service and safety of life and property. Develops, manages and delivers training programs in operations and leadership principles. Dedicated to training subordinates for organizational succession planning and workforce development. Ability to hold others accountable. Required to all assigned training including Phoenix Quarterly Command Training Center, East Valley Command Officer training; regional quarterly training and conducting multicompany training within the department. Participates in daily physical training and role model health and wellness for the organization. Serves on various departmental and citywide committees and performs or oversees special studies, projects and analysis related to fire operations. Represents the City and Fire Department on regional, State and local committees, meetings and conferences; Makes public appearances as assigned and speaks on fire safety and fire awareness. Other duties as assigned. Minimum and Preferred Entrance Qualifications Education and Experience Six (6) years experience providing emergency fire and medical services. Two (2) years experience as a Fire Captain in a full-time, Career Fire Department, Phoenix Regional Automatic Aid Department preferred. Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science or related field is required. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job, may be substituted for evaluation at the discretion of city management. Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties Knowledge of: Fire command and municipal Fire Department administration Phoenix Regional Standard Operation Procedures Volume II Principles, practices and procedures of modern fire fighting Purpose, operation and maintenance of all firefighting vehicles, equipment and apparatus. Effective management, supervisory and employee training techniques Department policies, rules and instructions for firefighting and rescue activities Geographical layout of the City of Maricopa and automatic response areas Computerized data entry and retrieval systems Budgetary planning, development and monitoring practices Hazardous materials regulations and procedures Federal and State regulations and standards for the delivery of Emergency Medical Services Principles and practices of safe motor vehicle operation and maintenance Knowledge to understand when to report issues up the chain of command Microsoft Office suite Skill in: Performing a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others. Training and developing the workforce in operations and administration tasks. Observing and monitoring people’s behavior, or objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards. Making life or death decisions during emergency situations. Leadership and utilizing the Chain of Command as well as labor/management relations. Ability to: Have a positive influence on the department culture. Assume command level responsibilities, make life and safety decisions. Analyze emergency situations quickly and correctly; take effective courses of action. Work independently and make judgments regarding safety of life issues. Plan, develop and/or evaluate instructional curriculums. Perform research, analyze findings and prepare and deliver administrative and technical reports. Make mathematical calculations and draw logical conclusions. Listen and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people including emergency situations. Handle multiple projects simultaneously and use good judgment in prioritizing work assignments. Proficiently perform computerized word processing, comprehension, summarizing and writing/editing. Attend or conduct various meetings as needed. Supervise and coordinate the activities of the staff as assigned, including training, scheduling, hiring decisions, performance evaluations, employee feedback and possible disciplinary actions. Observe, review and check the work of staff members to ensure conformance to standards. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public. Complete required OSHA Safety Training as required. Role model health and wellness standards and hold subordinates to the same. Administer emergency medical care utilizing accepted guidelines of basic life support procedures in treating the sick and injured. Operate a variety of medical equipment including suction units, pulse oximeters, cardiac monitors, oxygen administration equipment, and glucose monitors. Lift arms above shoulder level to cut vent holes with an axe or to force entry into automobiles using specialized tools. Operate the full range of fire apparatus and equipment used by the department in a safe and effective manner including a motor vehicle, emergency response vehicle, SCBA, radios, pager, audio-visual equipment, printer, mechanics’ tools, hand tools, fire extinguishers, power tools, hand tools and related equipment such as smoke ejectors, forcible entry tools, pike poles and axes, thermal imaging camera or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. After a member returns to full duty from a debilitating injury, illness, or any other extended leave, under the direction of the department’s physician or other attending health care professional, participates in an exercise and fitness training program designed by the health and fitness coordinator, in order to facilitate restoration of the member’s fitness to an optimal level. Other Job Requirements Successful completion of annual NFPA 1582 Fit for Duty Physical conducted by the department occupational health provider. Current CPR certification. Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license or obtain one within thirty(30) days of hire, unless a qualifying military exception applies. Documentation for any military-related exception must be submitted to Human Resources. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening in accordance with the City’s Drug and Alcohol Policy and applicable law. Drug screening includes testing for THC.