Job Descriptions

Under direction, the incumbent is responsible to supervise an assigned shift in the provision of fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention inspection shift and/or department training and investigation activities; act as Incident Commander during assigned shift; plan, organize and coordinate shift assignments; administer the performance evaluation system and may assume responsibility for specialty function areas for an assigned shift.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock Firefighter's Bargaining Unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime and call-back assignments.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Under the direction and guidance of the Fire Chief (or designee), the Battalion Chief is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and supervising activities of an assigned shift which includes the management of personnel, fire prevention and training activities, and oversight of major programs. Within the framework of organizational policies and procedures, the Battalion Chief operates with considerable latitude for independent decision making.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes and directs, under the supervision of the Fire Chief or designee, the functioning of specialty areas within the Fire Department.
• Supervise and coordinate fire suppression companies on an assigned shift or within assigned stations; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; assume responsibility for all personnel and non-emergency duties and activities within an assigned fire management area(s).
• Assist in the development and implementation of Department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff involved in fire suppression, communications, and training.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and control expenses; conduct fiscal analyses and studies.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
• Respond to and manage critical emergency incidents and calls for service; act as the incident commander or other position identified in the incident command system; evaluate the need for additional assistance and equipment necessary to handle emergencies; make technical decisions as to the best methods of extinguishing fires after observing the fire and receiving reports from company officers.
• Support and monitor overall training activities and requirements; work with the Training Division to ensure training needs are identified, addressed, and being completed within prescribed time frames; develop, coordinate, and participate in company drills.
• Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures related to area of responsibility.
• Interpret and apply departmental policies and procedures; enforce staff compliance.
• Prepare and review forms, reports, schedules, recommendations, and other administrative records related to fire suppression, training, or other special programs as assigned.
• Prepare special research reports and develop and manage projects and programs as assigned.
• Ensure the safe use and condition of department property; inspect buildings, grounds, equipment, and supplies.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
• Administers the Fire Department's employee performance appraisal and progressive disciplinary system, up to and including written reprimands for assigned shift. Makes recommendations regarding appointment of new personnel
• Maintenance of daily rosters, NFIRS reports and training rosters
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and procedures of modern fire suppression, prevention, management and equipment, and the ability to apply the knowledge to fire control and fire prevention situations.
• The geography of the City and of major fire hazards and water supply systems.
• Building materials and construction and the principles of combustion.
• Local, state and national codes, ordinances and laws relating to fire prevention.
• Principles and supervision, management and training.
• Rules, regulations and procedures of the Fire Department.
• Principles of administration, including personnel, budgeting/purchasing and goal development and implementation.
• Current Incident Command System and implementation measures within it.
• Operation and maintenance of apparatus utilized in modern firefighting operations.
• Fire investigation methods, practices and procedures.
• First aid and emergency medical practices.

Ability to:

• Lead personnel effectively and maintain discipline.
• Organize, implement and supervise departmental goals and coordinate training on an assigned shift.
• Interpret, explain and apply fire prevention laws and departmental rules and regulations.
• Represent the Department in public forums.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during course of work.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience:

A minimum of three years with the Turlock Fire Department as a Fire Captain.

Education:

Possession of an Associate Degree in Fire Science, Public Administration or related field at time of appointment

OR

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university or institution and obtain an Associate Degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, or a related field within 24 (twenty-four) months from the date of application.

OR

Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of California State Fire Training (SFT) Fire Officer Certificate (old curriculum) or SFT Company Officer Certificate (current curriculum) at time of appointment.

Within eighteen (18) months of appointment, the incumbent must complete coursework for the State Fire Training Chief Fire Officer certification track*. Coursework consists of these four (4) courses:

• Chief Fire Officer 3A: Human Resource Management for Chief Fire Officers
• Chief Fire Officer 3B: Budget and Fiscal Responsibilities for Chief Fire Officers
• Chief Fire Officer 3C: General Administration Functions for Chief Fire Officers
• Chief Fire Officer 3D: Command of Expanding All-Hazard Incidents

*Coursework from the SFT Chief Officer Certification track (discontinued 12/31/2016) may be substituted for the above-listed Chief Fire Officer classes.

Possession of a valid Class B California Driver's license and maintenance of the same as a condition of continued employment.

Possession of an EMT Certificate and maintenance of the same as a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

At time of appointment to this position, incumbents must possess the physical ability and stamina to meet fire and safety protection line duties including: vision corrected sufficiently to drive City vehicles and apparatus and meet medical standards established by the Department of Motor Vehicles to maintain Class B Driver's License, read blueprints, fine print and MDT's; hear well enough to identify mechanical noises, converse on the radio, telephone, and in person over incident noise; bodily mobility to crawl in attics, maintain balance on narrow platforms, to climb ladders, make rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods; use of hands and fingers to write, drive vehicles and administer medical treatment; must be able to lift equipment and people as necessary; free from any physical, emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect the ability to exercise the duties of the position; tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing essential functions, must perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 400 F), and humid (up to 100% humidity) atmospheres while wearing firefighting equipment which significantly impairs body cooling mechanisms.