Battalion Chief

Join the City of Appleton, WI Fire Department as a Battalion Chief, responsible for coordinating, scheduling, and conducting training in all elements and special techniques of firefighting, hazardous material mitigation, rescue, and supervision.

• Respond to emergency operations as a Safety Officer, monitoring the scene for unsafe conditions and modifying or stopping operations if an imminent hazard exists.
• Respond to fire and rescue incident alarms and assist and may direct fire and rescue operations.
• Evaluate training needs through discussions with Chief Officers, interviews of Company Officers, surveys of Operations personnel, reviews of Accident Reports and Industry Standards, and observation of performance on the fire ground and in training.
• Manage the department's health and wellness programs, including fitness team, peer fitness coordinators, NFPA medical evaluations, respiratory fit testing, and physical fitness testing.
• Prepare and administer the department's 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.
• Coordinate daily and weekly training, and special operation program activities with other program managers and shift commanders.
• Plan training sessions, providing necessary instructional aids, including apparatus, facilities, tools, and equipment, curriculum, and required instructors.
• Instruct 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.
• Evaluate feedback, review products and methods, and take appropriate action on fire service best practices.
• Plan the design and use of various fire service and technical rescue simulators.
• Work with Battalion Chiefs in planning and directing the activities and training of department personnel.
• Participate in professional development, including attending national training and conferences, local seminars, state certification programs, etc.
• Attend staff meetings and shift meetings.
• Coordinate department safety committee.
• Serve as a liaison to internal and external committees and participate in meetings that may include afternoons and evenings.
• Conduct live burn training at local community burn facility.
• Function as a Battalion Chief of Operations as needed.
• Interact with industry and regulatory agencies regarding needs, training requirements, funding sources, and new hazards.
• Coordinate and participate in hiring and promotional processes.
• Prepare and administer disciplinary procedures as per City policy and labor agreement.
• Provide recommendations and input on personnel issues, including disciplinary actions such as suspension and discharge.
• Maintain regular punctual and predictable attendance, work overtime, and extra hours as required.

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or related field.
• At least five years of firefighting, fire suppression, emergency medical supervision, training, operations, and management experience.
• 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 take appropriate action as necessary.
• Ability to resolve conflict at the lowest level.
• Possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license.