HomeMy WebLinkAboutBattalion ChiefCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #30-01A FLSA Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Battalion Chief
Department: Fire
Division: Administration & Support, Emergency Operations, Training & Equipment
Supervisor: Deputy Fire Chief
Job Summary
Performs advanced supervisory and command functions in directing, coordinating and monitoring the
emergency operations of the Fire Department on an assigned shift, or supervises the Fire Prevention
Bureau. May be assigned as Fire Marshal.
Job Scope
Directly supervise five to nineteen employees. Indirectly responsible for approximately fifteen to fifty-
seven employees. Assists in development of the budget and makes recommendations for purchases,
capital items or additional employees during the annual budget process. Monitors expenditures during
the year. Acts in absence of the Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Manages specific programs or special projects, addresses organizational needs and performance.
Plans and schedules work assignments of personnel at assigned stations including annual
maintenance scheduling of quarters, apparatus and equipment.
Conducts shift inspections and maintains discipline.
Appraises performance of shift and shift personnel and takes necessary action to improve collective
and individual performance to improve overall operation.
Develops and administers emergency operations policies, guidelines and training/certification
programs.
Develops, implements and monitors compliance of Fire Department regulations and standard
operating procedures.
Responds to all multiple company alarms as incident commander; determines methods of
firefighting and directs the firefighting operations.
Operates radio equipment, mobile data computers, computer equipment and related software.
Provides detailed research into capital items for budget preparation; monitors budget expenditures
for specific divisions/programs; and approves routine daily expenditures.
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Performs administrative duties to include preparing and maintaining various records and reports;
maintains and supervises logs of calls and responses; maintains and supervises information
regarding fires, including information relative to the cause, nature and extent of fire damage.
Researches and develops specifications for Fire Department vehicles, equipment, protective
clothing and other items for purchase.
Develops and coordinates specialized department training activities between the training officer,
captains and outlying stations.
Performs detailed on-site analysis of building floor plans to develop tactical pre-fire plans in
preparation for an actual emergency.
Serves as department’s labor management committee representative.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The
employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific
vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth
perception, and ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious
places; fumes or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions. Employee may be exposed to
dangerous situations, dangerous fumes while engaged in fire fighting or cause determination activities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
Bachelor’s degree in fire science or a related field from an educational institution accredited by a DOE
recognized accreditation body and five years as a company officer required. Instructor I certification
required. Five years’ experience in fire and safety operations required. Iowa or National EMT
certification required. Must live within 17 miles of the corporate limits of Iowa City, Iowa within one year
of appointment to the position. Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record required. Must be
at least 18 years of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must pass criminal background check.
Job Class #30-01A Fire
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Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Master’s degree in public administration or a related field from an educational institution accredited by
a DOE recognized accreditation body preferred. Fire science emphasis preferred. Officer I, Instructor II
and Inspector I certifications preferred. NFA Executive Fire Officer preferred. Five years of related
experience and/or training preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of fire codes, fire safety practices, building construction, fire behavior, fire strategy and
tactics, investigative/legal procedures, computers and office software applications. Skills in public
communications and relations. Ability to read and interpret codes and professional journals. Ability to
perform mathematical calculations in fire prevention activities, such as Code compliance. Ability to write
such items as fire accident/loss reports and court case documentation. Ability to direct and evaluate fire
prevention activities, public education, fire cause determination, and departmental operations.
Knowledge of the use of self contained breathing apparatus. Ability to participate in a physical fitness
program.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.