Fire Battalion Chief

City of Deerfield Beach; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue seeks a Fire Battalion Chief to establish the foundation and leadership culture of a new department. You’ll guide operations, set expectations, and develop leaders to deliver exceptional emergency services for the community.

You’ll serve as Incident Commander during emergencies, drive continuous improvement, and help shape practices, traditions, and organizational standards that will endure for generations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field or equivalent.
• Minimum of five (5) years in a career fire rescue department with leadership experience.
• Must possess Florida Fire Officer I and related NIMS/ICS certifications or obtain per department timelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for assigned personnel, stations, and emergency response activities.
• Command and coordinate emergency operations during complex and high-risk incidents.
• Provide direction, support, and guidance to company officers and Fire Rescue personnel.
• Mentor and develop current and future leaders within the organization.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and service.
• Ensure operational readiness of personnel, apparatus, equipment, and resources.
• Reinforce policies, procedures, and performance expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Emergency leadership

Decision making

Public speaking

Education

Associate degree in Fire Science or related field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Don’t just join a department. Help build one.

We’re looking for experienced fire service leaders who want to be part of something from the beginning.

This is more than an opportunity to take the next step in your career. As a Fire Battalion Chief, you’ll have the opportunity to help build the operational foundation, leadership culture, standards, and traditions that will shape the department for years to come.

Why join us from the start?

• Be a Founding Leader — Join during a defining moment and play a key role in building the foundation of a new Fire Rescue Department.
• Shape the Culture — Help establish a culture centered on service, safety, professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and trust.
• Develop Future Leaders — Coach, mentor, and support company officers and personnel while helping build a strong leadership pipeline.
• Help Build the Operation — Bring your experience and perspective to the development of operational practices, expectations, and department standards.
• Make an Immediate Impact — Your leadership and decisions will directly influence personnel, operations, and the service we provide to the community.
• Build Something That Lasts — Help establish the standards and traditions future generations of Fire Rescue personnel will inherit.

What You’ll Do

As a Fire Battalion Chief, you’ll serve as a key operational leader responsible for personnel, emergency response, and the effective delivery of Fire Rescue services.

In a new department, your role goes beyond overseeing day-to-day operations. You’ll help turn the department’s vision into practice by establishing expectations, developing leaders, solving problems, and helping create the systems and culture that will support the organization well into the future.

In this role, you’ll:

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for assigned personnel, stations, and emergency response activities
• Command and coordinate emergency operations during complex and high-risk incidents
• Provide direction, support, and guidance to company officers and Fire Rescue personnel
• Mentor and develop current and future leaders within the organization
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and service
• Help ensure operational readiness of personnel, apparatus, equipment, and assigned resources
• Reinforce department policies, procedures, operational guidelines, and performance expectations
• Evaluate operational challenges, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend practical solutions
• Support training, professional development, and continuous improvement throughout the department
• Collaborate with department leadership, other City departments, partner agencies, and community stakeholders
• Bring your experience and perspective to the development of department practices, systems, traditions, and organizational culture
• Help establish a leadership standard that future members of the department will carry forward

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for experienced fire service leaders who understand that building a successful department requires more than operational expertise. It requires the ability to lead people, develop other leaders, make sound decisions, build trust, and turn organizational values into everyday practices.

The ideal candidate brings strong command experience, sound judgment, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to developing people. We’re looking for leaders who communicate effectively, remain composed under pressure, support their teams, and are willing to address challenges directly and professionally.

Joining a new Fire Rescue Department also requires adaptability, collaboration, and a builder’s mindset. You’ll be helping create systems, expectations, relationships, and traditions rather than simply stepping into ones that have existed for years.

If you’re ready to lead from the front, develop others, and help build the foundation of a Fire Rescue Department that will serve the community for generations, we encourage you to apply.

APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT PROPER REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE DEEMED INCOMPLETE AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Candidates receive further communication via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Salary/Step Placement:

The salary range listed for this position reflects the full range of the applicable salary step schedule. The starting salary and step placement for the selected candidate will be determined based on verification of the candidate’s current salary step, relevant experience, education, certifications, qualifications, and other applicable factors. Placement within the salary range is not guaranteed and may vary based on the selected candidate’s verified qualifications.

The purpose of this position is to provide executive-level leadership, supervision, and command of assigned operational shifts, divisions, or specialized programs within Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue, under the general direction of the Assistant Fire Chief. The Battalion Chief is responsible for ensuring the delivery of exceptional emergency services through effective leadership, strategic decision-making, personnel development, and continuous organizational improvement.

The Battalion Chief serves as an Incident Commander during emergency responses and provides oversight of daily operations, employee performance, regulatory compliance, community engagement, training, safety, and resource management. As a member of the department’s leadership team, the Battalion Chief plays a critical role in fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, innovation, accountability, teamwork, and service to the community.

This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field; or a minimum of ninety (90) college credit hours from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of education, training, professional development, and progressively responsible work/life experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, leadership ability, and competencies necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a career fire rescue department.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience within the fire service.
• Possess and maintains a valid State of Florida Firefighter Certificate of Compliance.
• Possess and maintains a valid Florida Driver License.
• Possess Florida Fire Officer I certification or obtain within a timeframe established by the department.
• Possess or obtain required National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) certifications within a timeframe established by the department.
• Must possess and maintain an American Heart Association BLS – CPR & AED card.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Administration, Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a closely related field.
• A valid State of Florida Paramedic certification.
• An American Heart Association (ACLS) card if applicable.
• Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).
• Florida Fire Officer III or Fire Officer IV certification.
• Demonstrated experience in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations, administration, or system management.
• Experience with budget development, fiscal management, procurement, and capital improvement planning.
• Experience with CFAI accreditation, strategic planning, organizational improvement, and performance measurement.
• Experience developing, reviewing, and implementing departmental policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), programs, and organizational initiatives.

IF YOU ARE AN OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANT, PLEASE DEFER TO THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOR THE FLORIDA FIREFIGHTER EQUIVALENCY REQUIREMENTS AT Certification - Florida Firefighter; OR FOR FLORIDA PARAMEDIC Professions - Florida Department of Health. Applicants must have a Florida Equivalency at the time of application.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of modern fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and hazardous materials response.
• Knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Knowledge of fire department administration and organizational management.
• Knowledge of labor relations and personnel management principles.
• Knowledge of budget development and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of firefighter health and safety standards, including applicable NFPA and OSHA regulations.
• Knowledge of Community Risk Reduction principles and practices.
• Knowledge of emergency management and disaster preparedness.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards governing fire rescue operations.
• Skill in leading, developing, and motivating high-performing teams.
• Skill in strategic planning, organizational development, and continuous improvement.
• Skill in effectively managing and commanding emergency incidents.
• Skill in making sound and timely decisions in high-stress and rapidly changing environments.
• Skill in conflict resolution, employee coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Skill in public speaking, community engagement, and professional communication.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise reports, presentations, correspondence, and other professional documents.
• Skill in utilizing records management systems, scheduling software, Microsoft Office applications, and other technology applicable to fire rescue operations.
• Ability to lead with integrity, professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment.
• Ability to foster a positive organizational culture focused on teamwork, service, excellence, and employee development.
• Ability to establish and maintain trust, collaboration, and effective working relationships throughout the organization.
• Ability to analyze complex operational and administrative situations, identify solutions, and implement effective courses of action.
• Ability to balance immediate operational demands with departmental goals and long-term strategic initiatives.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop personnel for increased responsibility and future leadership opportunities.
• Ability to foster innovation, adaptability, and continuous organizational improvement.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with elected officials, City leadership, employees, labor representatives, partner agencies, community stakeholders, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, remain composed, and provide effective leadership during emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, vendors, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

The position may involve heavy physical demands, such as exerting up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Operations- Work is performed in fire stations, offices, training environments, community settings, and emergency scenes. The employee may be exposed to fire, heat, smoke, hazardous materials, infectious materials, extreme weather, noise, and other hazardous conditions. Office duties include administrative, supervisory, and planning responsibilities. The employee must be prepared to transition from administrative duties to field supervision and incident command as required.

Bureau - Work is performed in a standard office or fire station environment with minimal exposure to adverse conditions. Duties involve the use of computers, telephones, radios, and other standard office equipment and may include meetings, administrative activities, and interaction with employees, City officials, partner agencies, and the public.

WORK HOURS

Bureau - Monday – Friday 8am- 5pm (May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays to meet the business needs of the City.)

Operations - This position requires shift work and may include days, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours. Employees may be required to work overtime, holdover assignments, callbacks, or additional hours based on operational and staffing needs. As an essential public safety position, employees are required to respond to and work during emergencies, disasters, severe weather events, and other critical incidents as directed. Work schedules and assignments are subject to change based on the operational needs of Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue and the City of Deerfield Beach.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Deerfield Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as hurricane, or other emergency situations and are expected to perform emergency service duties as assigned.

The City of Deerfield Beach values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.