Battalion Chief

Walton County Sheriff's Office; DeFuniak Springs (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Walton County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Battalion Chief to direct and administer day-to-day operations of a designated technical support operation within the Fire Rescue and Emergency Services division. The role requires strong leadership, regulatory compliance oversight, budget and resource management, and personnel development.

Qualifications include a 10-year firefighting background with 3+ years in a supervisory rank, Florida certifications, and a valid driver license.

Qualifications

• Education – Associate degree in related field; ten years’ firefighter experience with at least three years in supervisory rank.
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Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of an assigned technical support operation within the Division of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Regulatory/compliance knowledge

Education

Associate degree in related field

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science / Emergency Management / related field (preferred)

Tools

Florida Firefighter II Certification

Florida EMT or Paramedic License

Florida Fire Officer II Certification

Florida Fire Service Instructor I Certification or higher

Florida Pump Operator Certification

G300, Intermediate Incident Command System

G400, Advanced Incident Command System

Florida Incident Safety Officer Certification

Job description

Position Summary:

The Battalion Chief is responsible for directing, administering, and managing the day-to-day operations of a designated technical support operation within the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Division of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. This position ensures the highest standards of response by overseeing regulatory compliance, resource management, and personnel development, all while maintaining a commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Education – Associate degree in related field
• Experience – Ten (10) years’ experience as a firefighter, with a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory rank

*Or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required competencies to perform the job.

• Currently in a supervisory rank and serving in an active supervisory role within a Fire Rescue agency at the time of application
• Certifications:
  • Florida Firefighter II Certification
  • Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic License
  • Florida Fire Officer II Certification
  • Florida Fire Service Instructor I Certification or higher
  • Florida Pump Operator Certification
  • G300, Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents
  • G400, Advanced Incident Command System Command & General Staff: Complex Incidents
  • Must possess a Florida Incident Safety Officer Certification within twelve (12) months of hire to maintain employment as a Battalion Chief
• Valid Driver License
• Most recent annual performance evaluation must be satisfactory
• Tasks include a criticality component in responding to fire, medical, emergency scene or other critical incidents, whereby incumbents are required to maintain physical abilities and must be able to pass the Physical Abilities Test
• Preferred – Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, or relevant field

Essential Job Functions:

• The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.
• Regular and prompt job attendance.
• Manages and directs day-to-day operations of an assigned technical support operation within the Division of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services.
• • Develops and presents departmental goals and objectives, policies, procedures and priorities for approval.
  • Conducts operational inspections ensuring compliance with regulations and policies; submits recommendations for improvements.
  • Reviews and provides recommendations for personnel management functions, e.g., transfers, promotions, disciplinary actions, recruitment and selection, performance management; participates in the resolution of grievances, arbitration and litigation involving the department.
  • Prepares, presents for approval and monitors operational budgets; initiates purchase orders; reviews grant reports.
  • Develops scheduling and coordinates staffing allocation for responsibilities; ensures efficient allocation of agency resources.
  • Disseminates communications regarding directives, general orders, special orders, and standard operating procedures; ensures implementation of and adherence to all directives, general orders, special orders, and standard operating procedures.
  • Participates in administrative activities, e.g., management meetings, policy development, budget administration, establishing short- and long-term goals and objectives.
  • Prepares, reviews, and evaluates all administrative and operational records and reports including budget administration, response calls, incident reports, inspection logs, statistical detail reports, resource allocation records; ensures content validity and compliance with agency policy and procedures and post-incident analyses reports.
  • Ensures professional development of employees within the department.
  • Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field of fire rescue for application to functions under charge.
  • Accounts for all equipment, materials, supplies and vehicles assigned to the specific operating unit to ensure proper inventory and operational readiness.
  • May be required to respond to emergencies during and after normal business hours; may be assigned tasks on scene as determined by the Incident Commander.
  • Maintains authority to establish Incident Command for all fire ground operations and multi-casualty incidents.
  • Provides strategic and tactical command by organizing the most effective utilization of equipment and personnel.
  • Strategic placement of apparatus/equipment to best address an emergency incident or fire attack.
  • Ensures perimeter security and directs scene activities of subordinates.
  • Evaluates incident conditions and requests additional resources as needed; coordinating unit's activities with other responder units; and ensuring the safety of crews under charge.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.

Key Competencies:

• Proven experience in developing and leading personnel.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.
• Must have working knowledge of all rules, regulations, and information necessary for successful job performance.

Physical Requirements:

• Tasks involve the intermittent performance of extremely physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, climbing, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of extremely heavy objects (150+ pounds), such as in the event of rescuing or transporting a victim/patient in the performance of rescue operations.
• When performing fire services and/or rescue operations, tasks are performed with potential for intermittent exposure to occupational health hazards including, but not limited to, fire, extreme temperatures, wetness, humidity, inclement weather, loud noise, toxic/chemical agents, electrical currents, pathogens, fumes, gases, odors, erratic or unpredictable human behavior, weapons, and explosives.
• Tasks include working around moving parts, vehicles, equipment, carts, and materials handling, where extremely heightened awareness of surroundings and environment is essential in the preservation of life and property.
• Personal protection equipment applies in the preservation of life and property, as does special equipment including, but not limited to, various types of containment suits, self-contained breathing apparatus equipment (SCBA) and safety gear, is essential.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.