Battalion Chief - Planning

Hiring Range: $85,687.00 - $95,000.00

Oversees and coordinates all activities related to the department’s accreditation process and Insurance Services Office (ISO). This role ensures the fire department meets and maintains compliance with accreditation standards established by national organizations, such as the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), working closely with various internal teams to gather and analyze data, review policies, and implement best practices to meet industry standards.

The Battalion Chief of Planning monitors and measures compliance to established performance standards, establishes reporting schedules, and makes recommendations to resolve non-compliance issues and/or findings. In addition, the Accreditation Manager will assist with research and development, creation, implementation, and evaluation of various documents related to fire department accreditation/ISO and will provide administrative support to program managers to ensure continuity and structure of program appraisals, creation of new programs, and sustainability of current programs. In addition, the role will support the strategic planning process related to the department. Works under general guidance of the Fire Chief.

• Oversees and manages the accreditation program, including preparing the fire department for re-accreditation. This includes managing all accreditation documents (Standards of Cover & Community Risk Assessment; Strategic Plan; Self-Assessment Manual).
• Act as the primary liaison between the department and accrediting agencies, ensuring compliance with all deadlines and requirements.
• Works with department and town stakeholders to ensure compliance with accreditation and ISO requirements, including timely submission of compliance reports.
• Provide and facilitate training on accreditation and ISO-related topics to stakeholders to ensure all members understand the accreditation process and their role in maintaining compliance.
• Coordinate site visits (accreditation/ISO) with different governing bodies.
• Develops, conducts, and evaluates periodic program appraisals that assess the effectiveness of all servicesand programs. Will also research and develop new programs, as needed.
• Assists in managing the process of developing and maintaining guidance documents.
• Maintains and updates the administrative functions of various records management systems (RMS) to ensure quality data is produced for reporting.
• Develop and administer the program budget to ensure funds needed for staffing, equipment, etc., are available to maintain the department’s accredited status.
• Identify department efficiencies and deficiencies through the data analysis of fire, medical, technical rescue, hazardous material emergencies, and non-emergency services provided. Implement corrective actions or improvement plans to address areas of non-compliance.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations to assess compliance with accreditation standards.
• Monitor industry trends and accreditation standards and recommend updates to ensure the department remains current with best practices. 
• Recommend changes to policies, procedures, and operational strategies to improve efficiency and effectiveness in meeting accreditation goals.
• Collaborate with department leadership and staff across all divisions to promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Participates in recruitment activities and department-sponsored events and is involved in town and county-related committees. Must foster cooperative working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Provides various methods of data analysis using GIS, RMS, and Computer-aided Dispatch (CAD) systems. 
• Has the appropriate GIS skills related to the analysis, production, and visualization of data. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of fire accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).
•  Knowledge of the North Carolina ISO process.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of data collection, statistical analysis, record keeping, and report preparation.
• Knowledge of the Town’s and Department’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices.
• Skill to demonstrate critical thinking and functioning under stress. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to exercise initiative and work both independently with minimal supervision and as a team.
• Skills in written and oral communication.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, fire records management systems, report writing, GIS, and National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS)/National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS).

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Communication, or related field as approved by Human Resources is required.
1-3 years of experience with data collection and analysis, and GIS administration is required.
3-5 years of experience with management duties within fire service, emergency management, and public safety is required.

Salary : $85,687 - $137,101