Battalion Chief

City of Friendswood; Friendswood (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Friendswood is seeking a Battalion Chief to act as officer in charge on assigned shifts, directing fire suppression, EMS, and incident management while ensuring regulatory compliance and professional development of staff.

The role includes daily staffing, administrative duties, and coordination with department leadership to meet strategic objectives and maintain equipment readiness. A strong command presence and extensive certifications are expected.

Qualifications

• Education and experience align with leadership of fire suppression and EMS operations.
• Emphasis on safety, policy compliance, and regulatory adherence.
• Certification and licensure requirements listed in the job overview.

Responsibilities

• Supervises assigned personnel during shifts and ensures operational readiness.
• Serves as officer in charge during emergencies until relieved by a higher ranking officer.
• Directs fire suppression, rescue, EMS, and hazmat activities as needed.
• Ensures compliance with policies, SOGs, safety procedures, and laws.
• Performs staffing, payroll review, timesheet verification, and documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Decision making

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate degree in Fire Science / Emergency Management or related

Bachelor’s degree desirable

Job description

The City of Friendswood is currently accepting applications for a full-time Battalion Chief. This position serves as the officer in charge during assigned shifts or designated periods, ensuring operational readiness, compliance with departmental policies, and professional development of personnel while supporting the department's administrative and strategic objectives.

Work Performed

• Supervises assigned full-time, part-time, and volunteer personnel during scheduled shifts or assigned duty periods.
• Can serve as the officer in charge during emergency and non-emergency incidents until relieved by a higher-ranking officer.
• Directs fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, hazardous materials awareness/operations, and other emergency response activities.
• Ensures personnel comply with departmental policies, Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs), safety procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Conducts daily staffing assignments and adjusts personnel assignments to meet operational needs.
• Performs routine administrative duties including scheduling, payroll review, timesheet verification, leave tracking, and personnel documentation.
• Reviews and approves incident reports, training records, inspection reports, equipment maintenance records, and other departmental documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinates and monitors required training to ensure compliance with Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), OSHA, and departmental requirements.
• Conducts company drills, performance evaluations, coaching, mentoring, and counseling of assigned personnel.
• Assists with recruitment, interviews, onboarding, and probationary evaluations of department personnel.
• Oversees station maintenance, apparatus readiness, equipment inspections, inventory control, and facility upkeep.
• Coordinates preventive maintenance and repair schedules for apparatus and equipment.
• Assists with fire prevention inspections, code enforcement activities, pre-fire planning, and public education programs.
• Serves as liaison with other City departments, emergency response agencies, contractors, and the public as assigned.
• Assists the Chief of Fire Administration with budget preparation, purchasing recommendations, grant administration, policy development, accreditation activities, and strategic planning.
• Investigates accidents, injuries, equipment damage, and operational concerns; prepares reports and recommends corrective actions.
• Responds to citizen concerns and provides professional customer service.
• Maintains confidentiality of personnel, medical, and departmental information.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief of Fire Administration.

Managerial Responsibility

• Directly supervises assigned firefighters, volunteers, reserve personnel, and other personnel as assigned.
• Assigns work, monitors performance, provides coaching and mentoring, conducts evaluations, and recommends disciplinary action when appropriate.
• Oversees staffing levels and ensures operational readiness during assigned shifts.
• Assists executive staff with policy implementation, personnel development, and departmental planning.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

Preferred

• Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or related field preferred. Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field is desirable.
• License, Registry, Certification:
  • Required:
    • Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Advanced Structural Firefighter Certification.
    • Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification or higher.
    • Valid Texas Driver License with acceptable driving record.
    • TCFP Fire Officer III Certification (or ability to obtain within one year).
    • TCFP Fire Instructor II Certification.
    • NIMS IS-100, IS-200, IS-300, IS-700, and IS-800 Certifications.
    • TCFP Fire Officer IV Certification.
    • TCFP Fire Instructor III Certification.
    • TCFP Fire Inspector Certification.
    • TCFP Driver/Operator Certification.
    • Hazardous Materials Operations Certification.
    • Texas Class B, Exempt Commercial Driver License or equivalent.
    • Incident Safety Officer Certification.
    • Basic Wildland Firefighter Certification.
• Communication skills: English is required for some specific assignments based upon job-related needs for communication with the public and/or co-workers. Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) are required.
• Interpersonal: Demonstrates effective leadership and professionalism. Ability to build productive working relationships with employees, City officials, neighboring agencies, and the public. Excellent verbal, written, and conflict resolution skills. Ability to motivate personnel and foster teamwork.
• Problem Solving and Mental Process: Ability to analyze operational issues and develop practical solutions. Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and technical regulations. Ability to maintain attention to detail while managing multiple responsibilities. Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during emergencies and stressful situations.
• Decision Making: Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during emergencies and stressful situations.
• Organizational Responsibility and Restraint: Responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel and daily station operations. Responsible for the accuracy of departmental reports, training records, personnel documentation, and administrative records. Responsible for ensuring assigned apparatus, facilities, equipment, and resources remain operational and compliant with departmental standards. Assists in achieving departmental goals, accreditation efforts, and strategic initiatives. Maintains confidentiality regarding personnel matters, medical information, investigations, and sensitive departmental information. Ensures compliance with City policies, departmental regulations, ethical standards, and all applicable federal and state laws. Models professionalism, integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership both on and off duty.

This position may require 24-hour availability during emergency conditions.