Battalion Chief

Promotional Opportunity Available to Current City of Bloomington Employees

Through direct command of Fire Captains and in general command of firefighters the Battalion Chief shall be responsible for the leadership and direction of the effective and efficient provision of emergency response services. These include services to extinguish and prevent fires, effectuate rescues, render first aid, respond to and mitigate hazardous materials incidents, and to respond to other emergencies as required. The Battalion Chief shall assist the Chief of the Department, Deputy Chiefs, and Assistant Chiefs in providing leadership, planning, and administrative oversight for the full range of Department activities. 

CITY VALUES & EXPECTATIONS

• Develops, supports, and models a positive and productive workplace culture based on respect, dignity, honesty, and integrity
•  Allows staff to grow and succeed by providing opportunities for increased responsibility and creating a positive work culture
• Supports and advances organizational development efforts such as developing a high performing organization employee engagement, workforce development, inclusion and equity, and performance measurement efforts
• Works cooperatively with others; develops and maintains respectful and effective working relationships with diverse coworkers and community members; consistently brings a high level of self-awareness and empathy to all personal interactions
• Proactively resolves conflicts and misunderstandings in order to ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace
• Seeks to understand the legacy of structural racism, and its impact on employees and the residents we serve; identifies any implications and adverse equity impacts when developing or reviewing policies, projects, activities and interactions with stakeholders
• Embraces the City's shared values and contributes towards accomplishing the City's vision and goals by being creative, innovative, continuously learning, and communicating clearly

The Battalion Chief has responsibility, control, and command over all uniformed personnel below the rank of Battalion Chief who are members of the Department. This position has responsibility and authority over the organization, governance, and discipline of the Department as delegated by the Fire Chief.  The Battalion Chief shall enforce such Fire Department rules and procedures, and issue orders as is necessary and prescribed by the Fire Chief.
Serves as a member of the Fire Department’s leadership and management teams:

• Assist the Assistant Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and Chief of the Department in the overall administration of the Fire Department, including developing and enforcing rules and procedures and issuing orders, and work assignments
• Assist with preparation of the annual budget; manage the response and training budgets for their assigned shift

Oversees, manages, and coordinates the daily operations, and training of assigned personnel:

• Operates with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Assistant Chief in charge of Operations
• Directs operations including the planning, scheduling and deployment of personnel to ensure the optimum safety and delivery of fire and EMS services
• Provides formal supervision and evaluation, as well as regular coaching, development, and discipline for assigned staff.  Assigns work, establishes priorities and ensures proper training. Defines the level of expected performance and provides the necessary resources and support. Holds staff accountable for achieving performance goals and completing assigned duties. Ensures adherence to City and Department policies and recognizes and rewards staff for a job well done
• Ensures staff compliance with the City’s Employment Rules and policies, regulatory requirements and safety practices and procedures
• Assists the Deputy Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs as assigned, in the areas of personnel training, fire inspections, investigations, code enforcement, and station and equipment maintenance, repairs, supplies, and logistics
• Recommends, develops, and maintains department policies and training requirements ensuring equity is considered for new and existing programs and policies
• Coordinates assigned operations with other departmental functions and other agency functions to promote proper communication, cooperation, and the overall effective delivery of services
• Ensures documentation and records are maintained pursuant to Department policy, City policy, and State law
• Participates in the development of specifications for new apparatus and equipment
• Assists with establishing and implementing equity and inclusion strategies to achieve strategic city-wide objectives
• Receive, review, and approve requests or recommendations from Department personnel regarding operations, equipment, or stations. Forwards appropriate items to the Assistant Chief as appropriate and provides a response back to the Department personnel

Responds to emergency calls for service:

• Responds to emergency calls and other calls for service as the Chief of the Department may designate. Actively assume or participate in the leadership and command of all emergency situations.  These include fires, lifesaving, rescues, first aid, and hazardous materials incidents consistent with Department policy. When necessary, actively engage in all emergency situations
• Assume command and control of all operations and must have the ability to exercise professional judgment to manage increasingly complex incidents involving fires, hazardous materials, and other emergencies that may involve multiple agencies and/or jurisdictions
• Battalion Chief will fill supervisory roles at an emergency but still need to maintain the skills and abilities to engage directly with the problem if necessary.

Other duties:

• Works variable hours, including nights, weekends, and 24-hour shifts to meet operational and training needs as required
• Represents the Fire Department and the City in various organizations to protect and/or further the interests of the City and Fire Department
• Stays informed of current issues that may affect the Fire Department and City, including industry trends and best practices
• Works as a member of City senior staff and maintains effective working relationships with other departments and Department and Division heads within and outside of the City
• Keeps supervisor informed of any relevant issues or concerns
• Performs other related duties as apparent or assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Physical ability to perform the essential functions of emergency response and fire suppression and to perform under the working conditions of a firefighter, as contained in the firefighter job description
• Ability to develop and maintain respectful and effective working relationships with a wide variety of City personnel as well as the general public, elected officials and other agencies
• Effective public speaking skills and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in person and verbally over two-way radio
• Ability to manage a variety of projects and issues and work in a variety of circumstances and situations with the City, other Local and State agencies
• Maintains a positive image of the City and Fire Department through effective problem solving and sound coordination of administrative functions
• Demonstrates initiative and develops ideas to solve problems
• Demonstrates the ability to lead a diverse group of fire personnel that provide fire service to the City
• Ability to effectively and efficiently manage and maintain response capabilities of assigned personnel

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Current career Fire Captain with the Bloomington Fire Department
• Thorough knowledge of Fire Service functions, policies and practices including, but not limited to, incident command, fire suppression strategy and tactics, and personnel management and leadership
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associates degree in Fire Science, Public Safety or related field – or obtain within 36 months of hire

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Administration or related field
• Additional experience in fire or emergency services
• Experience in Fire Department administration
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills and experience
• Training in compliance with local, state and national standards as Fire Instructor, Hazardous Materials Technician, and Technical Rescue Technician
• Proficiency in personal computer operation with word processing and spreadsheet applications
• Ability to speak a second language, in addition to English, that has a recognized presence in the community (Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, etc.)
• State of Minnesota Certification as a Paramedic

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS
Provides supervision and direction to career and part time firefighters as assigned.  Assumes leadership and command at fire and emergency scenes as determined by Department policies and procedures.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

• Valid driver’s license
• Blue Card Incident Command certification (must be maintained throughout employment)
• Minnesota Firefighter License (must be maintained throughout employment)
• MBFTE qualified instructor within 2 years of appointment
• Five years as a firefighter
• State of Minnesota Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic and maintained during employment

Anticipated Hiring Range:  $107,168-$113,695 Annually

2025 Full Salary Range: $107,168-$142,873 Annually

Full Time; Exempt; Non-Union; Benefits Eligible

The City of Bloomington is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. Applicants who are black, indigenous or persons of color are encouraged to apply. We also encourage women, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Salary : $107,168 - $113,695