Fire Battalion Chief

City of Johnston; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Johnston is seeking a Battalion Chief to supervise an assigned shift and oversee fire suppression, EMS, and training programs. The role acts as Incident Commander when required and plans shift assignments while maintaining discipline and safety across crews.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in fire service, Paramedic-level experience, and a background in leadership roles such as Lieutenant. Fire Officer and Instructor certifications plus NIMS ICS credentials are expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of fire service experience.
• AA/AS in Fire Science or closely related field OR 65 credits and pursuing a Bachelor’s degree within 1 year.
• Minimum of 3 years of Paramedic-level experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of Lieutenant experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Fire/Rescue/EMS crews during emergency and non-emergency operations.
• Act as Incident Commander during assigned shift; plan and organize shift assignments.
• Administer performance evaluation system and programmatic responsibilities.
• Shall work as a team leader under stress and be able to motivate personnel.
• Respond to emergencies within 30 minutes and coordinate staffing for three shifts.

Skills

Staff supervision

Incident command

Public safety

EMS operations

Fire codes knowledge

Hazard materials

Education

AA/AS in Fire Science

65 college credits toward BA

Bachelor’s degree in progress

Job description

Description

*This vacancy is for fire training with a 40-hour work week schedule*

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Fire Chief, is responsible to supervise an assigned shift in the provision of fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention inspection, shift training; acts as Incident Commander during assigned shift; plan, organize shift assignments; administer the performance evaluation system and will be assigned programmatic responsibilities.

Examples of Duties

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Battalion Chiefs are members of the Senior Staff and report directly to the Fire Chief.
• Battalion Chiefs will be assigned program management responsibilities in one of several areas supporting fire department operations.
• Battalion Chiefs will be assigned as Shift Supervisors/Commanders (assigned to one of the three shifts) or a 40-hour workweek overseeing fire training. Appointments in areas of command will be determined by the Fire Chief and may be subject to change.
• Battalion Chiefs will be responsible for all activities as they relate to their assigned area of command/responsibility. This includes assigning duties and responsibilities for personnel under their command, ensuring appropriate staffing levels are met, fulfilling other duties as assigned.
• Functions as a safety officer.
• Enforces applicable municipal, state and federal codes, and NFPA and ICC codes and standards.
• Knowledge of local and national fire codes, knowledge of building construction and fire behavior.
• Performs various administrative functions and tasks to assist the Fire Chief in administering and managing the fire department.
• Notifies the Fire Chief of all emergency situations or major incidents and matters of importance to the department.
• Prepares written reports and verbal presentations.
• Maintains discipline and keeps personnel informed of changes in operating guidelines.
• Supervise Fire/Rescue/EMS crews during emergency and non-emergency operations.
• Shall work as a team leader and/or incident commander under stress caused by emergencies, danger, or criticism. Must be able to supervise emergency personnel during emergency and non-emergency situations and have the ability to motivate and manage people.
• Must respond to emergencies, within 30 minutes.
• Participates in hiring and promotional processes and makes recommendations to the Fire Chief regarding the hiring of new employees.
• Determines personnel allocations, oversees scheduling for the Department with consideration for adequately covering three shifts on a twenty‑four‑hour, seven day per week operation.
• Responsible for the effective and efficient management of several departmental programs
• Conducts annual employee performance evaluations and makes recommendations to the Fire Chief regarding pay increases.
• Provides oversight of the report and records system.
• Responds to citizen's questions, complaints, and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Required to work closely with other outside agencies to continue to build and support those relationships.
• Will perform other duties as assigned.
• Regular work attendance is required.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work safely and efficiently with little direct supervision
• Ability to direct activities of crew members and multiple crews at emergency scenes and non-emergency activities
• Ability to manage large projects and programs
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to effectively interact with others to resolve problems and conflicts
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities
• Independent problem-solving ability
• Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner
• Ability to recognize dangerous and potentially dangerous environments involving hostile patients or other individuals
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with coworkers, subordinates and the general public.
• Thorough knowledge of fire/rescue techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of city geography.
• Thorough knowledge of building construction and hazards associated with fires in various building types.
• Proficiency with personal computer software and applications.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of math, physics and chemistry as it relates to firefighting.
• Thorough knowledge of tools and equipment including electronic equipment, heavy equipment,
• fire equipment, air monitoring equipment, emergency equipment and hand/power tools.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials mitigation, fire prevention and public education methods and procedures.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 7 years of fire service experience.
• Possess an AA/AS in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Service, Emergency Management, Public Administration or a closely related field as approved by the Fire Chief OR have equivalent amount of college credits (at least 65 credits) and actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree with completion within 1 year of appointment.
• Minimum of 3 years of Paramedic-level experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Lieutenant.

REQUIRED LICENCES:

• All licenses and certifications listed below must be valid and up to date.
• Fire Officer 1 required. Fire Officer II (preferred)
• Fire Instructor 1 required. Fire Instructor II (preferred)
• Fire Inspector 1 required.
• Fire Investigator (preferred)
• Iowa Paramedic certification or equivalent to apply. Iowa Paramedic required at time of appointment.
• NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800