Battalion Chief

Salary: $35.94 - $53.92 Hourly

Location : Appleton, WI

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 2024-151

Department: Fire

Division: Battalion Chiefs

Opening Date: 10/07/2024

Job Description

The Appleton Fire Department is accepting applications for this management position that is responsible for coordinating, scheduling, and conducting training in all elements and special techniques of firefighting, hazardous material mitigation, rescue, and supervision. This position participates in the formulation, determination, and implementation of management policy and possesses effective authority to commit Fire Department resources. The work involves researching and developing fire training and technical rescue programs, conducting in-house training, coordinating training and activities, and assisting in the development of all fire department standard operating procedures. Work may also involve the day-to-day supervision and management of the shift and shift personnel including directing company inspections, supervising firefighting and emergency operations, preparing budget requests and justifications, and evaluation of personnel. The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief and the Fire Chief.

This is a management position responsible for coordinating, scheduling, and conducting training in all elements and special techniques of firefighting, hazardous material mitigation, rescue, and supervision. This position participates in the formulation, determination, and implementation of management policy and possesses effective authority to commit Fire Department resources. The work involves researching and developing fire training and technical rescue programs, conducting in-house training, coordinating training and activities, and assisting in the development of all fire department standard operating procedures. Work may also involve the day-to-day supervision and management of the shift and shift personnel including directing company inspections, supervising firefighting and emergency operations, preparing budget requests and justifications, and evaluation of personnel. The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief and the Fire Chief.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responds to emergency operations to function as a Safety Officer, monitors the scene for unsafe conditions and modifies or stops operations if an imminent hazard exists.
• Responds to fire and rescue incident alarms and assists and may direct fire and rescue operations.
• Evaluates training needs through discussions with the Chief Officers, interviews of Company Officers, surveys of Operations personnel, reviews of Accidents Reports and Industry Standards, and observation of performance on the fire ground and in training.
• Manages the department's health and wellness programs including fitness team, peer fitness coordinators, NFPA medical evaluations, respiratory fit testing, and physical fitness testing.
• Prepares and administers the department suppression training technical rescue, , and hazardous materials program budgets in conjunction with the Battalion Chiefs of Operations and Deputy Chief based on a needs assessment.
• Coordinates daily and weekly training, and special operation program activities with other program managers and shift commanders.
• Plans training sessions including providing necessary instructional aids including apparatus, facilities, tools and equipment, curriculum, and the required instructors.
• Instructs classes to department personnel on topics varying from recruit orientation, safety and fire chemistry to apparatus operations, supervisory skills, fireground management, technical rescue, and safety.
• Evaluates feedback, reviews products and methods and takes appropriate action on fire service best practices.
• Plans the design and use of various fire service and technical rescue simulators.
• Works with Battalion Chiefs in planning and directing the activities and training of department personnel.
• Participates in professional development including attending national training and conferences, local seminars, state certification programs, etc.
• Attends staff meetings and shift meetings.
• Coordinates department safety committee.
• Serves as a liaison to internal and external committees and participates in meetings that may include afternoons and evenings.
• Conducts live burn training at local community burn facility.
• Functions as a Battalion Chief of Operations as needed.
• Interacts with industry and regulatory agencies regarding needs, training requirements, funding sources and new hazards.
• Coordinates and participates in hiring and promotional processes.
• Prepares and administers disciplinary procedures as per City policy and labor agreement.
• Provides recommendations and input on personnel issues including disciplinary actions such as suspension and discharge.
• Maintains regular punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as required.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervises the activities of personnel on assigned shift.
• Conducts performance reviews of subordinates as required.
• Trains other City employees in fire safety procedures and products.
• Provides specific supervision and guidance to fire personnel in maintenance tasks relating to stations, grounds and equipment in concert with the Deputy Chief.
• Inspects stations, personnel, apparatus and equipment for fitness and proper condition.
• Recommends changes to policies and Standard Operating Procedures as may be necessary to ensure safe and smooth operation of the Department.
• Substitutes for Deputy Chief as assigned in his or her absence.
• Performs various clerical functions including typing, computer entry and communicating to the public.
• Maintain stations' libraries.
• Participates in critical incident stress debriefings.
• Performs emergency first aid and/or CPR to fire and/or other emergency victims.

Typical Qualifications

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in Fire Science or related field, at least five years firefighting, fire suppression, emergency medical supervision, training, operations, and management experience, or any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the skills and abilities described in the job description and be capable of performing all essential functions of the position.

• Ability to obtain and maintain Wisconsin Certified Fire Fighter II, Fire Officer I, Fire Inspector I, and Fire Instructor I.
• Considerable knowledge of state-of-the-art firefighting and rescue methods.
• Thorough knowledge of policies, rules and regulations of SOP's of the Department and the City.
• Knowledge of fire prevention methods, laws, and ordinances.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of departmental and City safety policies, practices, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of rescue and first aid methods.
• Ability to analyze the department's firefighting and rescue capabilities and develop training to improve its effectiveness.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct personnel in training functions.
• Ability to conduct training sessions and use audiovisual equipment and simulator.
• Ability to prepare and present budget for review.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and use the computer.
• Ability to recognize situations that need action and to take appropriate action as necessary.
• Ability to resolve conflict at lowest level.
• Possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license.

Supplemental Information

COMPETENCIES

• Communication
• Staff Development
• Motivate
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability/Flexibility

Employees in this class are afforded full benefits including, but not limited to:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
• Vacation/Paid Time-Off
• Paid Holidays

To view the 2024 Benefits Booklet online, click
For a more detailed overview of our benefit package,

---