Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief

Stafford County; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department seeks a Battalion Chief to oversee daily admin and operations, directing a division’s field and administrative activities. You will manage schedules, budgets, training, and policy implementation while maintaining readiness for Fire and EMS incidents.

The role requires comprehensive knowledge of incident command, regulations, and standards, plus strong leadership and communicative abilities across department teams and community partners.

Qualifications

• Requires progression to Battalion Chief with Bachelor’s degree following appointment.
• Demonstrated leadership in fire and EMS operations within past 5 years.
• Experience supervising personnel and coordinating emergency services programs.

Responsibilities

• Supervises daily administrative and operational functions of a Fire and Rescue Battalion.
• Establishes goals for units and resources to improve operational capabilities.
• Ensures readiness of personnel and apparatus for emergencies.
• Acts as an emergency responder with incident command responsibilities.
• Plans schedules and assigns personnel for emergency operations.
• Coordinates with police, dispatch, and department command staff.

Skills

Command and incident command

Budget management

Staff supervision

Policy development

Training coordination

Public safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Science/Fire Service Management/Public Administration

Associate's Degree in Fire Science/Fire Science Technology

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Performs difficult protective service and intermediate administrative work which may involve an element of personal danger commanding the operations of a shift or battalion or serving a senior leadership position within a division in the Fire and Rescue Department; does related work as required. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Deputy Chief. Supervision is exercised over subordinate protective services sworn and civilian personnel, technical and administrative support personnel and volunteers.

Applicants must have verifiable Command Officer experience from a comparable Fire/Rescue Department within the past 5 years.Administering daily operations and supervision of a shift, battalion or programs and projects within a division; scheduling and assigning personnel and equipment; preparing and presenting reports; administering programs; developing and implementing policies, rules and regulations; inspecting properties and investigating fires; maintaining records and files.

• Commands emergency incidents;
• Plans, manages, organizes, directs, coordinates and supervises the activities of field and administrative personnel within the Department;
• Assists in preparing and manages assigned budgets;
• Develops, recommends and implements goals and objectives for personnel under their command;
• Develops and assures compliance with policies, procedures and standards; Provides technical and practical assistance and expertise;
• Serves as a representative of the Department, attending and participating in meetings as scheduled;
• Assists with overall command, control and administration of the Fire & Rescue Department through ensuring compliance with County and Department rules, regulations, guidelines and protocols;
• Coordinates and instructs training programs;
• Undertakes special assignments as directed;
• Evaluates work of subordinates;
• Reviews work of subordinate staff to ensure compliance with policies, rules, regulations, and statutory requirements;
• Reviews existing policies and procedures and develops and recommends changes as necessary or desirable;
• Assesses training needs of staff and ensures that staff receives necessary training and professional development opportunities;
• Maintains awareness of current industry best practices and nationwide initiatives and trends;
• Manages personnel assignments including work schedules, time sheets and overtime approval;
• Interacts with the public and federal, state and local agencies;
• Prepares a variety of reports for officials; and
• Performs related tasks as required.

JOB SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises the daily administrative and operational functions of a Fire and Rescue Battalion, functioning as the geographic area supervisor.
• Establishes goals and objectives for Single Resource Units and Fire and Rescue Companies, including those that improve operational capabilities and effectiveness.
• Ensures the readiness of the department's operational resources, guaranteeing that personnel are properly equipped and that apparatus are ready for emergency operations; coordinates and facilitates activities for the remedy of deficiencies.
• Functions as an emergency responder, providing fire suppression services and Emergency Medical Services. Additionally, is responsible for the initial and ongoing command and control of emergency incidents.
• Ensures that staffed resources are available throughout the jurisdiction by consistently evaluating demand levels. Performs system status management as required in an effort to ensure that emergency operations are delivered in a timely and efficient manner.
• Works in partnership with the representatives of volunteer organizations of the department in order to increase operational service delivery.
• Coordinates and cooperates with personnel from the Stafford Sheriff's Office, Emergency Communications Center, and department Command Staff for the completion of tasks.
• Plans, schedules, and assigns personnel who are designated for emergency operations in accordance with department standards and policies.
• Ensures daily objectives, assignments, and special projects are identified and communicated to personnel in order to meet and exceed department, county, and community expectations.Comprehensive knowledge supervision, incident command, laws, regulations, procedures and practices of fire, rescue, rescue, EMS and emergency services operations and administration; comprehensive knowledge of the department rules and regulations; thorough knowledge of local and state laws and local ordinances; thorough knowledge of the geography of Stafford County and the location of buildings; the ability to deal with the public firmly and tactfully; ability to analyze complex fire, rescue and emergency services incidents and issues and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action; skill in the use of specialized fire and emergency medical services equipment and the operation of a motor vehicle; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and produce effective reports and studies as required.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science, Fire Service Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited college or university, an Associate's Degree in Fire Science/Fire Science Technology from a regionally accredited college or university, or graduation from high school or a GED, with four (4) or more years in position with the County of Stafford as a Company Officer (Lieutenant and/or Captain).

Applicants must possess an Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university or have completed at least 60 semester credit hours towards a Bachelor's degree at the time of application.

Completion of a Bachelor's Degree will be required following appointment to Battalion Chief. The specific timeframe and conditions for completing the Bachelor's Degree will be determined within the employee's letter of offer.

The various divisions may have additional requirements, which will be identified in specific division job specifications, advertisements, and offer letters as determined by the County Chief of Fire and EMS.