Battalion Chief

General Statement of Duties/Supervision

*** THIS IS AN INTERNAL ONLY RECRUITMENT***

Performs professional and supervisory work in directing the operations and activities of the fire suppression, daily activities and emergency medical functions of the Fire Department. Responsible for educating personnel about and enforcing standards, policies and procedures; actively coaches and promotes employee development, including mentoring and evaluation; plans and coordinates department programs and assists with division administration and management.

As the department's lead person on a work shift, the Battalion Chief Job involves supervision of subordinate supervisor(s) who may be working in another fire station. The Battalion Chief is the critical employee in the implementation and reinforcement of department standards, policies and procedures.

• Plans, organizes, and supervises the day‑to‑day activities of full‑time firefighters; prepares daily and weekly schedules for training, equipment maintenance and other related duties.
• Assumes command at emergency scenes; places duty companies and supervises rescue, exposure, confinement, extinguishment, ventilation, salvage and overhaul activities. Responds to all structural fires while on duty and while off as requested and needed.
• Administers and coordinates Departmental programs as assigned by the Assistant Chief.
• Makes recommendations to supervisors for the development of departmental fire suppression and prevention goals, objectives, and priorities; coordinates and supervises assigned programs and procedures to meet established goals.
• Schedules and oversees inspection of fire suppression equipment and vehicles to assure departmental standards and operating procedures regarding general appearance, working condition, and safety are met.
• Develops and implements modern fire suppression training programs; leads or oversees drills; maintains records of training activities of the shift.
• Makes recommendations for the fire suppression and prevention annual operating budget.
• Evaluates shift personnel; investigates personnel incidents or problems; enforces department policies and procedures and makes recommendations and/or takes appropriate personnel management actions.
• Briefs and debriefs subordinates on shift activities and incidents.
• Acts as liaison with public, local and State agencies and the City of Tumwater regarding fire suppression and prevention matters.
• Supervises inspection and maintenance of apparatus, equipment and station facilities.
• Supervises shift activity, record reporting, and maintenance and retention programs; prepares required State and local reports.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to pass, or have medical transcripts which demonstrate successful completion of, a LEOFF II medical examination or any other standard physical examination as may be required by the City of Tumwater or the State of Washington.
• Must be able to meet the requirements of the Rules and Regulations of the Tumwater Civil Service Commission which may encompass requirements regarding minimum age, education, physical strength and agility or other job‑related qualifications.
• Five years experience as a firefighter and two years experience in a fire department supervisory position (must have completed probation as a Lieutenant in the Tumwater Fire Department) and recognized training in Fire Officer I and II, Instructor I, and Incident Safety Officer.
• Must have completed or be enrolled in the JATC Officer Program.

• Five years of experience as a municipal fire department fire supervisor or an Associate of Arts Degree in Fire Science or a related field, two years' experience as a fire suppression supervisor.

• A valid Washington State…