Battalion Chief (F17)

CITY OF ANNAPOLIS; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Annapolis seeks an experienced Fire Battalion Chief to command EMS, fire suppression, and special operations across City stations. You will be responsible for incident command at major alarms, strategic planning, and ensuring equipment readiness while coaching personnel to maintain high performance.

The role includes leading the EMS Division, directing specialized teams, and acting as Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Chief when assigned. Safety and regulatory compliance are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate degree (or 60 college credits) in Fire Science, Emergency Health Services, Public Administration, Business Management/Administration, or related field.
• Five (5) years of uninterrupted service with the Annapolis Fire Department, including at least one year as Fire Captain.

Responsibilities

• Command & control major incidents including fire suppression, rescue, and EMS within ICS.
• Direct daily operations across City fire stations; ensure readiness and generate operational reports.
• Lead EMS division, develop strategic plans, and direct specialized teams (Technical Rescue, Marine, HazMat, etc.).
• Investigate incidents to determine origin, cause, and property loss; conduct life-safety inspections.
• Supervise shift officers and firefighters, provide coaching and performance feedback; mentor officers.

Skills

Incident command

EMS leadership

Coaching & mentoring

Public safety communications

Education

Associate degree in Fire Science or related field

Tools

NIMS/ICS knowledge

Job description

The City of Annapolis is seeking an exceptional, experienced fire and rescue command officer to serve as Fire Battalion Chief. Operating under the general direction of the Deputy Fire Chief, this executive-level operational position directs and coordinates all emergency medical services (EMS), fire suppression, rescue operations, tactical planning, and specialized emergency incident responses across the battalion.

The Fire Battalion Chief manages multiple City fire and rescue stations during an assigned shift, or serves in rotational leadership assignments directing specialized teams or administrative divisions. Responsibilities encompass incident command at major alarms, strategic planning, station and equipment readiness, personnel coaching, fire investigations, and serving as Acting Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Chief when assigned.

• Incident Command & Emergency Operations:

  • Responds to alarms and assumes operational command of complex fire suppression, rescue, and multi-casualty incidents within the Incident Command System (ICS).

  • Directs on-scene tactical operations, establishes incident safety parameters, and oversees emergency medical care and technical rescue extractions.

  • Assumes the role and responsibilities of the Deputy Fire Chief and/or Fire Chief during their absence.

• Battalion Administration & Station Readiness:

  • Directs and coordinates daily operational activities across all fire and rescue stations located within the City during an assigned shift.

  • Conducts regular station visits, inspecting personnel, facilities, apparatus, and equipment for readiness and compliance; prepares daily and monthly operational reports.

  • Inputs and reviews shift payroll, leave requests, apparatus inventory logs, and departmental personnel records.

• Specialty Teams & EMS Division Leadership:

  • Provides management and operational oversight to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division, developing strategic operational plans and departmental directives.

  • Directs specialized operational teams, including Technical Rescue, Marine Incident Response, Fire and Explosives Unit, Hazardous Materials Team, ASET Medics, and Bike Medics.

  • Coordinates and directly delivers training evolutions for specialized team members and ensures operational readiness.

• Investigations & Code Compliance:

  • Investigates the circumstances of fire incidents to determine origin, cause, and source, estimating property and contents loss.

  • Coordinates fire prevention and investigation activities across the assigned shift and conducts life-safety building inspections for fire hazards.

• Personnel Leadership, Coaching & Performance:

  • Directly supervises shift officers and firefighters, evaluating performance ratings and ensuring fair, constructive counseling.

  • Fosters a positive, professional, and team-oriented working environment; resolves personnel conflicts and conducts regular performance standard evolutions.

  • Provides active coaching and career mentorship to company officers and firefighters to enhance operational capability.

• Departmental Support & Public Relations:

  • Assists senior leadership in drafting departmental policies, standard operating guidelines, and division budgets.

  • Serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the department during incidents or special events as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Command & Incident Strategy: Comprehensive knowledge of modern firefighting, rescue, and EMS principles; ability to establish command, maintain discipline, make rapid decisions, and remain calm under extreme operational stress.

• Specialized Systems & Logistics: Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of modern fire apparatus, specialized rescue tools, marine vessels, and hazardous materials containment equipment.

• Geography & Local Architecture: Considerable knowledge of the geographic layout, street networks, water distribution infrastructure, and building construction across the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.

• Managerial & Supervisory Principles: Knowledge of administrative, supervisory, and managerial practices, including performance evaluations, progressive counseling, conflict resolution, and budget administration.

• Fire Investigation & Inspection: Knowledge of origin and cause fire investigation techniques, evidence preservation, and municipal fire prevention codes.

• Communication & Representation: Ability to communicate clearly, tactfully, and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to author formal investigative reports, executive memos, and operational guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Possession of an Associate degree (or completion of at least 60 college credits) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Fire Science, Emergency Health Services, Public Administration, Business Management/Administration, or a closely related field.

• Annapolis Fire Department Service Requirement: A minimum of five (5) years of uninterrupted, progressive, and responsible service with the Annapolis Fire Department, of which at least one (1) full year must be at the rank of Fire Captain in the Annapolis Fire Department.

Mandatory Certifications & Licensures:

• Active certification as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) or higher.

• Pro Board or IFSAC certification as a Fire Officer III (FO III).

• Pro Board or IFSAC certification as a Fire Instructor II.

• Documented completion of National Incident Management System courses:ICS 100, IFSAC 200, ILS 300, ILS 400, IS 700, and IS 800.

• Possession of a valid Driver's License.

Special Requirements & Conditions:

• Safety-Sensitive Designation: This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive. Incumbents are subject to pre-employment and mandatory random drug and alcohol screenings consistent with Federal, State, and City guidelines.

Employment Conditions & Physical Demands

• Physical Classification: Heavy work requiring the exertion of up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, up to 50 lbs. frequently, and up to 20 lbs. constantly to maneuver objects, equipment, and victims.

• Physical Capabilities: Sufficient body equilibrium and agility to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding; balance on narrow, slippery, or moving surfaces; crawl through confined spaces; and stoop, kneel, reach, pull, and lift heavy equipment.

• Sensory Requirements:

  • Visual: Acute visual ability to operate emergency vehicles by day and night, navigate smoke-filled environments, evaluate emergency scenes, inspect premises for fire hazards, and read fine reports and technical schematics.

  • Auditory & Speaking: Clear hearing to discern voice communications over background sirens/radios, and speaking ability to convey urgent command orders clearly and concisely.

• Work Environment & Risk: Exposed to high-stress, dangerous crisis conditions involving smoke, toxic fumes, extreme temperatures, collapse hazards, hazardous materials, and catastrophic emergencies where comma

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Annapolis Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment against any person seeking employment or employed in the civil service because of any consideration of political or religious affiliation or belief, race, color, sex, age, family status, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.