BATTALION CHIEF ** This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. ** ** This position may require a physical ability/agility test. ** Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below: MAJOR FUNCTION This position is responsible for the administrative, managerial and technical work in planning, commanding, and coordinating emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, rescue and hazardous material activities on an assigned shift (40 or 56-hour) in a geographical area (battalion) of the county or at any county facility. ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES An employee in this classification has responsibilities including, but not limited to, planning, directing, and coordinating emergency medical treatment and transport of the sick and injured, firefighting, rescue, and hazardous material activities; pre-incident planning and tactical survey functions; ensuring the effective, efficient use of apparatus, equipment and personnel in prehospital emergency medical system operations, extinguishing fires, performing rescue, and dealing with hazardous materials or other emergency work; planning and coordinating public fire safety education activities. Work includes participation in the selection, development, placement, evaluation, counseling, promotion, training, safety and discipline of Fire Rescue Division personnel. Work involves an element of personal danger and requires working on extended shifts. Evaluation of work is through analysis of reports, discussions, observations, and inspection by a Deputy Chief. Within the limits of the attained certifications, directs, assigns, and supervises all EMS, firefighting, hazardous materials, rescue personnel and equipment in a battalion on an assigned shift; ensures necessary personnel and equipment are available. Maintains adequate level of medical supplies and medications. Ensures completeness and accuracy of all operational records and reports. Ensures emergency medical and fire vehicles and equipment are maintained in accordance with standards. Appears before community, civic, educational and professional groups to provide better understanding of the Fire Rescue Division s activities; receives input from those present and explains and promotes diverse subjects including injury and fire prevention, life safety and community relations. Responds to emergencies and ascertains the need for and type of additional equipment to counteract the emergency. Makes tactical and supervisory decisions as to the best methods of extinguishing fires and stabilizing other types of major emergencies using the Incident Command System. Participates with subordinate officers in the training of personnel and may serve as instructor for specialized in-service training courses where qualified.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES (continued) Assists subordinate officers in coordinating the repair, maintenance, and cleaning of Fire Rescue Division facilities and fixtures, EMS, firefighting and rescue equipment, and apparatus. Participates with the Division s Chief Officers in the planning, organizing, and presentation of programs, including wellness and injury prevention, pre-incident plans of building and installations, home safety, training, fire prevention, rescue, public education, and emergency preparedness programs. Completes scheduled inspections of fire and ambulance stations, equipment and inventory within assigned battalion and submits appropriate reports. Responds to public inquiries on related matters and activities. Assists in development of promotional exams, training programs, and staff projects as assigned. Schedules time off and transfers personnel for fill-in assignments; and posts records and forms for payroll. Assigns personnel to improvement teams. Acts in a higher capacity when needed. Counsels subordinate personnel on performance and makes recommendations on disciplinary matters, as needed. Reviews results of EMS quality assurance, commercial inspections, hydrant testing, and monthly training. Attends both Officer and Staff meetings. Attends conferences, schools, and various meetings to keep abreast of new developments and discoveries in pre-hospital emergency medical care, fire behavior, hazardous materials, rescue, firefighting, emergency management, and general leadership and management techniques. KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Thorough knowledge of emergency management procedures, standard operating procedures, clinical care guidelines, disaster operations plan and procedures, pre-hospital emergency medical care and County Disaster Operations Plan. Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting, hazardous materials, and pre-hospital emergency care, rescue techniques and procedures, including operation and maintenance requirements of various types of fire rescue apparatus and equipment. Thorough knowledge of geographical layout, typography and street system of Polk County. Thorough knowledge of Fire Rescue Division and County policies, rules and regulations. Considerable knowledge of Federal and State laws and County ordinances pertaining to emergency medical services, fire prevention, and associated code enforcement. Thorough knowledge of Polk County s pre-hospital emergency medical system. Thorough knowledge of mechanical, chemical and related characteristics of a wide variety of flammable, explosive, and reactive materials and objects. Thorough knowledge of health and safety concerns, Critical Incident Stress Management procedures, and the Incident Command System. 2
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS (continued) Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, and methods of public education as related to fire prevention and disaster mitigation. Ability to effectively and efficiently use personnel, equipment, and apparatus in emergency and disaster situations. Ability to instruct, maintain discipline, stimulate interest, and develop the respect of subordinates. Ability to provide emergency medical care to the limits of attained certification, as approved by the Polk County Fire Rescue Division s Office of Medical Direction. Ability to evaluate burning materials, hazardous materials and fires, recognize dangerous situations, use sound judgment, react calmly under emergency situations. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the work. Ability to prepare and maintain important records and reports. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS A minimum of six (6) years of paid firefighting experience in an organized career fire department, with at least three (3) years at or above the rank of company officer and have considerable, progressive experience in emergency medical services, firefighting, hazardous materials, rescue, management, and emergency management. A. Must have and maintain a valid State of Florida Paramedic License o Note: incumbent employees promoted after January 1, 2015 must obtain a State of Florida Paramedic License and be approved to operate as such by the Office of Medical Direction on or before June 1, 2018. B. Graduate of an accredited college/university with a minimum of a two (2) year Associate Degree in Public Safety, Fire Administration, Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services or other associated field of study. o Incumbent employees promoted after January 1, 2018 who do not meet this requirement can apply if they are currently enrolled in an accredited educational facility in pursuit of an approved degree with graduation on or before June 1, 2019. C. Must meet the requirements in Florida Statute 401.28, as this position may be required to drive an advanced life support vehicle in the event of an emergency. D. Must have a valid Certificate of Compliance as outlined in the FLORIDA Division of State Fire Marshal Uniform Fire Safety Rules and Standards Chapter 4A-37, or a verification letter indicating that the individual meets the above requirements, and will be issued a Certificate of Compliance from the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Office. E. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver s license at the time of employment, And meet the following driving history requirements: 3
F. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (continued) Have not accrued 12 points within 36 months or 18 points within 48 months. Have not been convicted on alcohol/drug related offenses within 36 mounts. Have not been convicted of two (2) alcohol/drug related offenses within 10 years Have not had a suspension, revocation, or restriction due to moving violations or alcohol/ drug related problem, including failure to take a breath test within the 36 months prior. Must provide proof of insurance when required to use their personal vehicle as part of their daily job duties. G. Must possess and maintain a valid American Heart Association CPR "BLS for Health Care Providers" card or the American Red Cross Professional CPR card. H. Must possess a valid Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Certification card or a recognized 16 hour course that is equivalent. I. Must possess the following National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications: IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System IS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction IS-800: National Response Framework, an Introduction J. Must possess a valid State of Florida State certified Fire Officer One Certificate. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must obtain Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness certification through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Employees hired into this position after January 1, 2013 must obtain this certification as a condition of employment. Within one year of appointment: 1. Must obtain Blue Card certification 2. Must obtain ICS 300 - Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents 3. Must obtain ICS 400 - Advanced ICS Command and General Staff-Complex Incidents Within two years of appointment: 1. Must obtain State of Florida State certified Fire Officer Two Certificate 4
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (continued) External Candidates must successfully complete the following from the National Testing Network: Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) and the exam date can be no more than one calendar year from the hire date Complete the FireTEAM testing and a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) at the time of application. Applicant/employee shall be fingerprinted and subject to personal background investigation procedures to ascertain an evaluation and determination of moral character according to Chapter 69A - 37 Firefighter's Standards and Training. Must have a telephone while employed with the Fire Rescue Division, as employee is subject to call in emergencies. Must keep certifications and licensure updated as required for employment. This position will be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County. SPECIAL PREFERENCE Candidates who possess a bachelor s degree in Business Administration, Fire Administration, Public Administration, Emergency Medical Services or Emergency Management from an accredited educational institution preferred. Candidates who have met the requirements to serve in an acting battalion chief positon within the Polk County Fire Rescue Division preferred. HR USE ONLY: Updated: 12/18/2017 BL 5