Battalion Chief

• Salary/Hourly wages are determined by verifiable experience.

Nature of Work

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assumes command on arrival at the scene of a fire or other emergency and directs lifesaving / firefighting activities until conclusion or relief by superior Officer. Determines need for additional resources and directs proper deployment upon arrival at emergency scenes.
• Supervises subordinate personnel.
• Performs basic or advanced life support functions commensurate with level of training concerning prehospital treatment and transport.
• Responds to fire alarms and other emergencies and forwards information to the proper authorities.
• Performs basic firefighting operations such as hose connecting, rescue service, and other operations to combat fires.
• Performs general fire and EMS station household duties including hose, apparatus ambulance and equipment cleaning, drying, and minor maintenance and repair work.
• Participates in practice drills in classroom and field training programs to maintain the knowledge, skills and abilities required to meet the National Fire Protection Association standards as outlined in Chapter 5 of NFPA 1001, NFPA 1002, and Chapter 4 of NFPA 1021.
• Studies hydrant, fire alarm, street and business district maps, and formulates pre-emergency plans, including tactical surveys of buildings. Ensures that information regarding life safety hazards is conveyed to appropriate company officers.
• Assists in identifying Department of Emergency Services capital improvement needs.
• Plans, manages and executes public education programs.
• Assists in training programs for volunteer and career firefighters.
• Abides by all departmental and division rules and regulations.
• Ensures proper documentation of all division activities. Ensures operational readiness, personal safety and adherence to policy for assigned personnel.
• Ensures operational readiness of Fire and EMS apparatus and equipment.
• Prepares budget estimates of anticipated expenditures, identifies capital improvement needs and enforces county budget and purchasing policies.
• Assists in investigation of personnel matters. Provides finding to Assistant Chiefs for their review and possible action.
• Ensures that all personnel acting under the direction of the County’s authorized Medical Director follow protocols and adheres to training and behavior acceptable to the licensed physician acting as Medical Director for all emergency medical tasks.
• Conducts staff meetings to discuss policies, procedures and emerging issues.
• Observes the quality of work performed by subordinates.
• Evaluates subordinate’s effectiveness during emergencies, station activities, and special assignments. Prepares reports as required.
• Manages classroom and field training programs to ensure maintenance of knowledge, skills and abilities required for division to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
• Ensures subordinate’s familiarity with hydrants, fire alarms, streets, homes, businesses and related infrastructure.
• Regular reliable full-time attendance as scheduled
• The employer may add to or change duties at any time and as determined by the County and its leaders to best ensure that the public is served through the work of the Department.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must meet and maintain the requirements for career Firefighter II and Paramedic (PMD) as defined in Florida Statutes and the requirements of NFPA 1582 “Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. “
• Must be a Florida Certified Paramedic. (May be grandfathered if appointed prior to Jane 2024, must maintain active certificate once obtained)
• Graduation from an accredited high school, or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Successful completion of Florida Fire College Fire Officer II Certification, or possession of an associate degree or higher education in fire science, emergency medical services, business administration or related field. Bachelor's degree highly preferred.
• Supplemental classes and certifications in advanced firefighting procedures, fire instructor and fire inspector desired.
• Must have a minimum of two (2) years prior experience at the rank of Captain or equivalent, or ten years prior career firefighting and/or emergency medical services experience including four years managing subordinate personnel.
• A comparable amount of training and/or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
• Ability to use special types of equipment
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and read the English language
• Must have and maintain good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with the public

• Possession of a valid State of Florida driver's license and driving record acceptable to the county driving policy and insurance program.
• Florida Paramedic Certificate (May be grandfathered if appointed prior to Jane 2024, must maintain active certificate once obtained)
• Florida career Firefighter II standards
• Fire Officer I Required; Fire Officer II highly desired
• HAZMAT Operations and Awareness

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• • Knowledge of the principles and practices of fire and EMS administration including Fire/Rescue management practices, personnel administration and effective communication techniques.
  • Knowledge to perform advanced life support functions commensurate with level of training concerning prehospital treatment and transport. Provides advanced life support functions such as patient assessment, vital signs, effective CPR, and other operations to treat sick or injured patients at the advanced life support level.
  • Knowledge of arson detection and investigations.
  • Knowledge of radio communication procedures.
  • Thorough knowledge and proper application of advanced and basic life support practices, as applicable to certification level.
  • Thorough working knowledge of operation, maintenance and use of modern firefighting and EMS apparatus/equipment and Bay County rules, regulations, policies & procedures.
  • Thorough knowledge of fire hazards involved in the various types of construction and in the storage and use of flammable liquids and materials.
  • Thorough knowledge of the accepted principles and practices of fire safety, firefighting tactics, fire prevention, and inspection techniques.
  • Must have good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with public.
  • Outstanding project management and organizational skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Expertise in the use of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook is essential.
  • Ability to conduct and participate in firefighting operations as outlined by NFPA.
  • Ability to remain calm and make decisions quickly during emergencies.
  • Ability to compose clear precise fire and EMS patient reports and written operating procedures.
  • Ability to effectively manage subordinates and cooperates with co-workers.
  • Ability to work irregular hours including weekends, holidays and extended hours during emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload or staffing difficulties.
  • Ability to maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities including successful completion of yearly medical evaluation.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability.

• Work is primarily performed outdoors and requires some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, garages, etc.) or irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust. The employee may be required to perform in high humidity and in elevated temperatures as well as limited access, enclosed spaces. While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; and interact with County staff, other organizations and the public. Work is often performed in emergency and stressful situations. Individual is exposed to hearing alarms and hazards associated with fighting fires and rendering emergency medical assistance, including smoke, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, liquid chemicals, solvents and oils.This position requires some exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous material, heavy equipment, etc.). This position requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and includes completing and successfully passing medical evaluations and/or clearances.Stooping, sitting, crouching, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pulling, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception. Ability to lift and carry patients weighing in excess of 250 pounds, with assistance, without causing harm or aggravating injuries to the patient or themselves. Lifts people and equipment of 100 pounds; extensive, or considerable standing/walking; Lifts positions, pushes and/or transfers patients; lifts supplies/equipment; manual dexterity and mobility; intermittent exertion when performing treatments.