FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
FLSA Status – Non-Exempt
EEO Code – B/Professionals
Class Code – RM254
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE DUTIES
This position is responsible for supervising the daily activities and operations of firefighting
and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel across one shift in the Fire Department;
responding to emergency situations and exercising on-scene command responsibility; and
providing administrative support to the Fire Chief. The Fire Battalion Chief also serves as an
on- call duty officer for the Department.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
These positions work under the general supervision of the Fire Chief.
SUPERVISORY RESPONIBILITIES
This position is responsible for the direct supervision of fire and EMS career personnel
and volunteer members (may include up to 50 volunteers at incidents and training).
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The duties and responsibilities listed should not be construed to be all-inclusive. The
essential job duties will include other responsibilities as assigned and required.
1. Identifies opportunities for improving fire suppression methods and procedures;
identifies resource needs; advises appropriate management staff; and plans and
implements improvements.
2. Participates in recruiting department personnel; assigns work activities and
projects; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and
procedures; a n d meets with co-workers to identify and resolve problems.
3. Continuously monitors and evaluates the quality, responsiveness, efficiency and
effectiveness of programs; service delivery methods and procedures within the Fire
Department; and advises appropriate management staff.
4. Plans and coordinates fire suppression and emergency response activities with other
City departments and outside agencies and organizations as needed.
5. Participates in the development and administration of assigned program budget;
recommends funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
6. Operates fire equipment during routine and emergency situations; confines and
extinguishes fire incorporating proper firefighting and safety procedures at all
times; functions as EMS crew member as needed.
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FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
FLSA Status – Non-Exempt
EEO Code – B/Professionals
Class Code – RM254
7. Collects, reviews, prepares, and records various reports and assists in administrative
duties such as the standard operating procedures (SOP) and other policy
development.
8. Assists fire operations crews in conducting fire inspections to identify fire and
safety hazards and oversees pre-incident planning for designated buildings.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Each Battalion Chief will have managing authority over one major component of the Fire
Department’s administrative operations. The three areas of concentration include facility and
fleet maintenance; training/Volunteer; and EMS supplies and Department health and safety
programs. Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not
limited to, the following:
Facilities and Fleet Maintenance
1. Oversight of the scheduling and tracking of apparatus maintenance;
2. Oversight of the facilities maintenance program;
3. Oversight of small equipment inventory and repair; and
4. Oversight of SCBA maintenance, repair, function, and fit testing.
Training/Volunteer Contact
1. Oversee and plan the training and education for assigned fire personnel including
motivating and testing; work with fire personnel to correct deficiencies;
2. Schedule and coordinate all outside training opportunities;
3. Schedule and oversight of all live fire related training activities and events;
4. Continuous review, evaluation, and improvement of new employee training
programs for fire.
5. Develop and implement promotional processes for Driver/Engineer and Lieutenant;
6. Serve as the McMinnville Fire Department representative on local training
committees; and
7. Continually review and assist in Guideline and Policy Development.
Health and Safety
1. Oversight of the MFD mandatory physical fitness program and annual fitness
testing component;
2. Serve as the Medical Review Officer for the Department including scheduling and
follow up visits in response to annual physicals;
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FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
FLSA Status – Non-Exempt
EEO Code – B/Professionals
Class Code – RM254
3. Oversight of the care and maintenance of all physical fitness equipment and
facilities;
4. Coordinate administration of vaccinations for Department personnel;
5. Chairman of the Department Safety Committee and Department representative to City
Safety Committee; and
6. Oversee the ordering, maintenance, and replacement of EMS supplies and
equipment as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Fire prevention and suppression equipment and operating systems;
• Policies and procedures of the Fire Department;
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations;
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of life safety and fire suppression and
modern fire apparatus and equipment;
• The geography of the city and surrounding area;
• Specialized communications equipment;
• Organization and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of
programs, policies, and operational needs;
• Various building construction techniques and the consequence of each type on fire
prevention activities;
• Safe work practices and procedures; and
• International Fire and Building Codes.
Ability to:
• Command incident scenes for emergency medical services and fire suppression
operations;
• Work under stress and use good judgment in emergency situations;
• Tactfully respond to requests and inquiries from the general public;
• Oversee and assist in resolving a variety of situations characterized by conflict or
danger;
• Operate specialized emergency communications equipment;
• Safely operate department vehicles, apparatus and other emergency equipment;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and
• Pass a medical physical exam
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FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
FLSA Status – Non-Exempt
EEO Code – B/Professionals
Class Code – RM254
EXPERIENCE and TRAINING
Equivalent to high school plus broad specialized training equal to two years of college in
Fire / Emergency Medical or Fire and Life Safety or closely related field and over seven
years of related Fire/EMT or Fire and Life Safety experience, or any satisfactory
combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and
abilities to perform the essential job duties.
Mandatory Requirements:
1. Certified NFPA Firefighter I, and NFPA Driver & Pumper Operator;
2. Certified NFPA Fire Officer 1 and NFPA Fire Instructor 1;
3. Certified as an Oregon EMT; and
4. Possess a valid Oregon driver license.
Desirable Qualifications:
Desired qualifications include an Associate Degree in Fire Science or in EMS; and
certified as NFPA Fire Officer 2.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF POSITION
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand,
kneel, sit, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls. The position
requires mobility and the ability to operate firefighting, rescue, and EMS equipment.
Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 30 pounds on a regular basis and will
require moving adult individuals, fire hoses, and fire/rescue equipment which will weight
over 100 pounds more than once per day. Manual dexterity and coordination are required
over 50% of the work period while operating equipment such as motor vehicles, and
emergency medical, fire suppression and rescue equipment, etc.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most work occurs under usual fire station/indoor working conditions. Approximately
40% of the work period is at medical/fire/rescue sites or training sites with exposure to
fire, smoke and typical hazards and noise levels associated with medical/fire/rescue
service. The noise level in the fire station is higher than typical of most office
environments; however, does not require hearing protection. Position will be assigned to
24 hours on duty followed by 48 hours off duty. Position is required to stay at the station
for the 24-hour period of time on duty.
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FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
FLSA Status – Non-Exempt
EEO Code – B/Professionals
Class Code – RM254
Approved By Date
(Department Director)
Adopted By Date
(City Manager)
Established: June 2015
Revised: April 2017
