FIRE BATTALION CHIEF

For more than 150 years, the Visalia Fire Department has provided protection and service to the residents of Visalia. The Department is an all-risk agency operating out of six fire stations, staffing five engines, two trucks and two paramedic squad units. All apparatus provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) and are staffed with at least one paramedic. Fire stations are strategically located to provide service to the approximate 145,000 residents and the many visitors stopping on their way to the Sequoia National Park and other events. The well-trained, professional personnel of the Visalia Fire Department respond to more than 17,000 calls for service each year to include Fire, EMS, Rescues and Hazardous Materials. The Visalia Fire Department is the host agency of the Tulare-Kings County Interagency Hazardous Materials Response Team and responds and trains in coordination with adjacent agencies. The Fire Prevention Division is staffed with a Fire Marshal and three inspectors and is responsible for fire prevention, public education, inspections and investigations. The Training Division operates out of Fire Station 55 with a dedicated classroom and a two-story training building equipped with propane burning capabilities. The nearly 80 operations personnel of the Visalia Fire Department dedicated to protecting all through excellent service.

The Battalion Chief will perform supervisory, managerial and administrative duties in support of the mission of the Visalia Fire Department. The Battalion Chief will also provide leadership, mentorship and direction to an assigned shift to ensure operational readiness of the Department objectives. Examples include organization of shift training, incident command, incident report review, policy review, budget preparation, daily staffing, performance evaluations, personnel development, community relations, fire prevention and other related duties as required.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and experienced individual who demonstrates a strong background in fire operations, emergency response management and leadership within a fire department. The individual will have a proven ability to lead, mentor and inspire fire personnel in both routine and high-pressure situations. The ideal candidate will possess good decision-making skills and a history of fostering a positive, efficient work environment. The ideal candidate will have strong verbal and written communication skills for collaboration with other departments and agencies and be capable of delivering clear and effective directives. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to safety, innovation and the highest ethical standards with the ability to adapt to new challenges while remaining mission focused.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Fire Technology, Public Administration or related field. 
• Two (2) years of experience as a Fire Captain or comparable position, with experience in the development and administration of programs within a fire department and with demonstrated ability to make effective contributions to a management team.
• Qualified to act as a Battalion Chief or equivalent. 

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License upon hire.
• Possession of a current EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification.
• Haz Mat IC/Scene Manager (CSTI) Certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment.
• CSFM Chief Officer or Chief Fire Officer Certification is desirable.

Salary : $130,207 - $163,691