HomeMy WebLinkAboutBattalion ChiefUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Batalion Chief
Department: Fire
Division: Administra�on & Support, Emergency Opera�ons, Training &
Equipment
Supervisor: Deputy Fire Chief
FLSA: Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 30
Job Number: 3001
Job Summary
Performs advanced supervisory and command func�ons in direc�ng, coordina�ng and
monitoring the emergency opera�ons of the Fire Department on an assigned shi�, or
supervises the Fire Preven�on Bureau. May be assigned as Fire Marshal.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Manages specific programs or special projects, addresses organiza�onal needs and
performance.
• Plans and schedules work assignments of personnel at assigned sta�ons including
annual maintenance scheduling of quarters, apparatus and equipment.
• Conducts shi� inspec�ons and maintains discipline.
• Appraises performance of shi� and shi� personnel and takes necessary ac�on to
improve collec�ve and individual performance to improve overall opera�on.
• Develops and administers emergency opera�ons policies, guidelines and
training/cer�fica�on programs.
• Develops, implements and monitors compliance of Fire Department regula�ons and
standard opera�ng procedures.
• Responds to all mul�ple company alarms as incident commander; determines methods
of firefigh�ng and directs the firefigh�ng opera�ons.
• Administers emergency medical care as outlined in the scope of prac�ce pertaining to an
Emergency Medical Technician.
• Operates radio equipment, mobile data computers, computer equipment and related
so�ware.
• Provides detailed research into capital items for budget prepara�on; monitors budget
expenditures for specific divisions/programs; and approves rou�ne daily expenditures.
• Performs administra�ve du�es to include preparing and maintaining various records and
reports; maintains and supervises logs of calls and responses; maintains and supervises
informa�on regarding fires, including informa�on rela�ve to the cause, nature and
extent of fire damage.
Updated: March 2024
• Researches and develops specifica�ons for Fire Department vehicles, equipment,
protec�ve clothing and other items for purchase.
• Develops and coordinates specialized department training ac�vi�es between the
Training Officer, Captains, and outlying sta�ons.
• Develops and coordinates hazardous materials opera�ons for department and Johnson
County Hazardous Materials Response Team.
• Performs detailed on-site analysis of building floor plans to develop tac�cal pre-fire
plans in prepara�on for an actual emergency.
• Serves as department’s labor management commitee representa�ve.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs all other related du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and three to five years of
related experience; and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Five
years as a company officer with the Iowa City Fire Department. Experience in fire and
safety opera�ons.
• Instructor I cer�fica�on. Iowa or Na�onal EMT cer�fica�on. Valid State of Iowa driver's
license with sa�sfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal
background check. Must live within 25 miles of the corporate limits of Iowa City, Iowa
within one year of appointment to the posi�on.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Master’s degree from an accredited educa�onal ins�tu�on and two to four years of
related experience; and/or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. Degree
in Public Administra�on or Fire Science emphasis.
• Officer I, Instructor II and Inspector I cer�fica�ons. NFA Execu�ve Fire Officer.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to direct and evaluate fire preven�on ac�vi�es, public educa�on, fire cause
determina�on, and departmental opera�ons.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on and respond to ques�ons from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instruc�ons in mathema�cal or
diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to par�cipate in physical requirements, must be in good physical condi�on and
participates in the department physical fitness program.
• Ability to perform mathema�cal calcula�ons in fire preven�on ac�vi�es, such as Code
compliance, propor�ons, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to read and interpret codes and professional journals, technical procedures, or
governmental regula�ons, blueprints, specifica�ons, and contracts.
Updated: March 2024
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to write such items as fire accident/loss reports, business correspondence,
procedure and training manuals, and court case documenta�on.
• Knowledge of fire codes, fire safety prac�ces, building construc�on, fire behavior, fire
strategy and tac�cs, inves�ga�ve/legal procedures, computers and office so�ware
applica�ons.
• Knowledge of the use of self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Skill in public communica�ons and rela�ons.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
Assists with the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a program function or unit for
the department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's
policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include supervising direct reports including
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; writing
and delivering performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing
complaints and resolving problems; and terminating employees.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally
required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee
regularly lifts and/or move up 10 pounds, occasionally will lift and/or move 25 pounds, and will
occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Participates in the department
physical fitness program. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, smoke, toxic or caustic
chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, traffic hazards, and blood/body fluids. The
employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, dampness, direct sunlight,
Updated: March 2024
dust, pollen, insect stings, and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Employee may be exposed to dangerous situations, dangerous fumes while engaged in
firefighting or cause determination activities, exposed to atmospheric conditions that affect the
respiratory system, and use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. Involves some exposure to
stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Scott Lyon, Fire Chief (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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