BATTALION CHIEF 1104 NATURE OF WORK This is administrative and supervisory work assisting the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief of Operations in commanding and coordinating the activities of the Fire Suppression Division. The Battalion Chief is responsible for the command and control of all on duty fire suppression personnel, both full time and paid on call. The Battalion Chief will direct the work of subordinate fire officers and fire fighters working out of all the City of St. Cloud’s fire stations. Work involves the responsibility for directing and coordinating the activities of multiple fire companies. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief of Operations and the Fire Chief. Although normal fire fighting command work is part of the duties, emphasis is placed upon the responsibility for assisting in the development, execution, and review of departmental policies. A position of this class can be assigned responsibility for planning and coordinating policies, procedures, and activities in training, building maintenance, or equipment maintenance. Work is reviewed through occasional inspection, review of reports, and evaluation of the department's performance. EXAMPLES OF WORK (Any one position of this class may not include all duties listed, nor do listed examples include all duties that may be found in positions of this class.) 1. Plans work schedules for shift and makes assignments so each employee has a clear understanding of duties assigned and the level of performance expected. Plans and coordinates activities between stations. Directs and assigns employees, as required, to efficiently carry out all fire department operations and programs. Defines and clearly delegates work assignments to subordinates and provides training as required. Transfers employees to and from stations based on daily staffing needs and department policies. Communicates City and Department procedures and policies so subordinates have a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities. Directly responsible for the day-to-day administration of shift activities. Anticipates activities or events that may adversely affect the Fire department or the City of St. Cloud and demonstrates a pro-active approach to potential issues and conflicts. 2. Directly responsible for the day-to-day administration of department activities. Assists the Deputy Chief of Operations and the Fire Chief with planning and directs the implementation of activities between stations, shifts and prevention personnel. Responds to emergency calls as necessary. On arrival, will assume command and direct operations as provided for in department procedures until relieved by a higher- ranking officer. Oversees the maintenance of all records and reports pertaining to emergency responses, equipment, personnel and training. Oversees and is responsible for the utilization and maintenance of assigned facilities, equipment and apparatus. 1 3. Directly responsible for managing suppression division personnel. Direct supervision over Fire Captains, Full Time Fire Fighters and Paid-On-Call Fire Fighters assigned to the Fire Suppression Division. Evaluates performance of personnel, provides direction and counsel to maintain performance level and recognizes, encourages and rewards outstanding performance. Enforces City and department rules, regulations, policies and procedures and administers disciplinary action for just cause. Recognizes employee problems promptly, determines facts and issues, takes action to resolve problems effectively and reports serious matters to the Deputy Chief of Operations and the Fire Chief. Establishes and maintains a favorable working climate in which personnel will be motivated to work to their full potential. Schedules the Paid-On-Call Fire Fighters to fill various shift vacancies created by vacation, comp time, sick time, or other absences from duty. 4. Actively participates as a member of the Fire Department Leadership Team When assigned assumes the full authority and responsibility of the Fire Chief in the absence of the Deputy Chief of Operations and the Fire Chief. Acts as department liaison to other city departments or other public organizations as assigned or required. Participates in drafting specifications, development and procurement procedures. Participates as a member of the Department Leadership Team in the preparation of the annual budget. Actively participates in department staff meetings. Defines organizational and work responsibilities for subordinate personnel. Participates in, and actively supports, the development and implementation of the department mission, goals and priorities as a Leadership Team Member. 5. Communicates effectively with department personnel and the public Listens effectively and responds to employee concerns and questions. Practices and promotes open, non-threatening communication to foster employee input, understanding and contributions. Keeps the Fire Chief and the Deputy Chief of Operations informed of all developments relating to Fire department activities. 6. Effectively works within the Fire Department hierarchy. Works under the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Operations. In meeting emergency situations, work may involve considerable personal danger. Battalion Chiefs must be able to act without supervision and exercise appropriate independent judgement in all areas of responsibility and authority. Provide direction to others, either personally or through the use of subordinate officers, to effectively carry out the goals and objectives of the department. Must be able to concentrate and make decisions quickly during emergency situations 2 while working as the Incident Commander under extreme stress. Must be able to work and live in a non-emergency setting for extended periods of time with people of diverse backgrounds in a manner that fosters teamwork, acceptance and dignity of fellow employees. 7. Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS High School Diploma Nine years of full time firefighting and prevention, at least two years at the rank of Fire Captain or equivalent. Current International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Firefighter II Certification. Current IFSAC Fire Officer II Certification Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) certified Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), or higher. Valid Minnesota issued driver’s license that is unrestricted except for corrective lenses. In accordance with Minnesota Statute 299N.05, must possess a valid Minnesota Fire Firefighters License. After January 1, 2022, all candidates must possess an AA or AAS in Fire Science or a related field that can be demonstrated to be useful in the position. DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Experience in the management of a combination fire department with both full time and paid on call employees; Demonstration of an individual continuing educational program over the individual’s career; Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of current fire department administration; Thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the St. Cloud Fire Department, geography of the City, and the location of streets, principal buildings, and water distribution system; Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, and equipment used in modern fire fighting and in the protection of life and property from fire; Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, and equipment used in emergency medical response; in hazardous materials response and mitigation; and equipment used in technical rescue including auto extrication and high angle rope rescue; Thorough knowledge of the uses and limitations of the various types of apparatus and equipment used by the department, and of their operational and maintenance requirements; Thorough knowledge of effective methods of planning, training, assigning, and directing personnel and equipment for the most efficient use for fighting fires and responding to other emergency situations such as hazardous materials incidents, emergency medical response and technical rescue; Thorough knowledge of City, State, and Federal codes, regulations and ordinances that affect the fire protection system within the City of St. Cloud; Extensive knowledge in the Incident Command System and the National Incident Management System (NIMS); Extensive knowledge in the Leadership and Management of a modern combination fire department; 3 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS In compliance with ADA requirements, the following functions have been determined essential to the successful performance of this position and are necessary qualifications of the candidate with or without reasonable accommodations: Must be able to read, write, and speak English at an above average level in order to conduct business as a member of the Fire Department Leadership Team; to understand complex, technical information related to fire fighting, emergency medical technology, and all other types of emergency services; to effectively communicate orally and in writing and using various forms of mass communication devices such as telephones and 2-way radios; to read and comprehend instruments, dials, and other equipment; to recognize hazardous materials; to report occurrences; to direct staff; Must demonstrate honesty and integrity in personal behavior and attitudes; must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the