Battalion Chief

PLOVER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Battalion Chief - Job Description

Full packet can be found at: www.ploverwi.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/379

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The purpose of this position is to provide command-level leadership for both fire suppression and emergency medical services operations. This position is responsible for overseeing daily operations, emergency response, personnel supervision, training, and policy implementation to ensure safe, effective, and professional delivery of service to the community. The Battalion Chief serves as a key member of the department’s leadership team and functions as an incident commander at emergency scenes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Plan, coordinate, and oversee all daily shift activities (emergency and non-emergency), including staffing of career, part-time, paid-on-shift, and paid-on-call personnel; supervision of stations and fire/EMS companies; and enforcement of departmental policies, guidelines, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Conduct regular meetings with personnel within assigned areas of responsibility.

· Respond to fire alarms and emergency incidents, serving as Incident Commander when functioning as the first-arriving Chief Officer. Oversee and/or actively participate in fire suppression, rescue, extrication, EMS, and HAZMAT operations, guiding crews to ensure safe and effective performance.

· Maintain discipline and operational readiness within assigned stations and companies by enforcing rules, policies, and SOPs; evaluating situations; determining appropriate courses of action including issuance of disciplinary action.

· Perform oversight of departmental operations including allocating personnel and resources effectively, and assisting higher-level officers as needed.

· Plan and oversee routine maintenance, care, inspection, and operational readiness of ambulances, fire apparatus, tools, and equipment. Assign work and schedule repairs as necessary.

· Prepare and maintain required documentation and reports, including incident reports, rosters, maintenance and inspection records, equipment and supply orders, training documentation, daily work plans, and special reports. Maintain and update the Standard Operating Manual.

· Evaluate the skills and performance of assigned personnel; provide training and conduct drills for career, part-time, and paid-on-call members; allocate personnel based on qualifications and training; and participate in performance evaluations, probationary firefighter/EMS training oversight, and company officer development. Participate in the hiring process as needed.

· Oversee and/or participate in fire investigations, including preliminary determination of origin and cause; assess the need for senior officer or Fire Marshal involvement; and testify in court when required.

· Schedule, oversee, and/or participate in business inspections and development of pre-fire plans.

· Maintain and monitor assigned budgets in accordance with Village of Plover financial policies and exercise spending authority as designated.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Five (5) years of progressive experience in Emergency Services, including a minimum of two (2) years in a supervisory capacity. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.

The following certifications and qualifications are also required for the position:

· Valid Driver’s License

· Nationally Registered Paramedic

· Firefighter II Certification

· National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700, and 800 Certifications

· Hazardous Materials Operations Certificate

· Driver/Operator-Pumper Certification

· Fire Officer I Certification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· BLS Instructor

· Fire Inspector I

· Fire Officer II

· Fire Investigator Certification

· ICS 300 and ICS 400

· Driver/Operator-Aerial Certification

· Emergency Services Instructor I Certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Ability to evaluate, plan, and execute emergency and non-emergency operations effectively.

· Ability to assess performance and skill levels of company members; assign personnel appropriately based on training, experience, and operational needs.

· Ability to foster professional, respectful, and productive interactions among personnel and with the public.

· Ability to delegate responsibilities and achieve organizational success through the effective leadership and development of others.

· Ability to motivate individuals and promote a positive, high-performing organizational culture.

· Ability to interpret, analyze, and apply policies, procedures, protocols, standards, and technical information to specific situations.

· Ability to review, analyze, and utilize a variety of reports and operational data.

· Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

· Ability to exercise sound judgment, decisiveness, creativity, and strong prioritization skills while enforcing professional standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position and to successfully complete the required job function test.

While this position includes significant supervisory and administrative responsibilities, the employee must be capable of performing the full range of firefighting and EMS duties when operationally necessary.

· Ability to perform strenuous physical activity under emergency conditions, including climbing ladders, ascending stairs, crawling, bending, stooping, lifting, dragging, and operating firefighting and rescue equipment.

· Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy equipment and/or patients consistent with departmental standards and job task analysis requirements.

· Ability to function effectively in extreme temperatures and hazardous environments, including smoke, fire conditions, confined spaces, elevated surfaces, hazardous materials incidents, and other immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) atmospheres.

· Ability to wear and operate while utilizing full structural firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for extended periods of time.

· Ability to maintain the physical fitness level necessary to meet departmental job performance requirements and ongoing physical agility standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in both office and field environments. Duties include administrative responsibilities as well as active participation in emergency response and field operations.

The employee is regularly exposed to emergency scenes involving fire suppression, medical emergencies, rescue operations, hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle accidents, and other critical incidents. Work may involve exposure to extreme temperatures, smoke, fire, hazardous substances, infectious diseases, bloodborne pathogens, loud noise, wet and slippery surfaces, heights, confined spaces, and other dangerous or life-threatening conditions.

The position requires availability for shift work, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, and callback in emergency situations. Work may involve high levels of stress due to the unpredictable and potentially traumatic nature of emergency incidents, personnel matters, and operational decision-making.

The employee must exercise sound judgment and maintain professional composure while operating in dynamic, high-risk environments.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $74,700.00 - $85,700.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• Rotating shift

Education:

• Associate (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• NREMT Paramedic (Preferred)

Work Location: In person