Battalion Chief; F17

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.

• 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…