What are the responsibilities and job description for the Battalion Chief position at City of Haines City?
- Position open until December 19, 2025***
Salary range is provided to show the min to max compensation for a position. It is not the basis for or guarantee of a starting salary.
Position Function
Under the direction of the Deputy Fire Chief, performs assigned duties necessary to assist in the management of daily operations of the Fire Department. Manages daily operations necessary to achieve exemplary services for the protection of life and property through regulatory compliance, personnel development and training, and efficient and effective resource management. The Battalion Chief has direct command over Company Officers on an assigned shift, subject to general regulations of the department and the direction of a superior officer. This employee is responsible for shift discipline and for the maintenance of apparatus and equipment at the fire station. At an emergency incident, the Battalion Chief is responsible for establishing effective tactics and strategies for addressing the incident and establishing of incident command system. Possess the authority with the rank and may assume command of emergency discretion, at the request of a subordinate or at the discretion of a superior officer.
Essential Duties
- Performs all duties of a firefighter and an EMT.
- Responsible to the Deputy Fire Chief for the efficient operation and supervision of units, personnel, equipment, and facilities under their command. Commands all firefighting, lifesaving and fire prevention operations in the fire district; set up a command post at fire or accident scenes; may set up or assume multiple command posts at a single incident; supervises overhaul and salvage operations.
- Directly responsible for maintaining order, discipline, and morale among the members of their shift. Instruct company officers in all aspects of their work and enforces departmental regulations; make regular inspections of company personnel, quarters, equipment, and records.
- Ensures all reports completed by station personnel are complete and accurate. Completes all necessary reports, correspondence, and documentation as required in the performance of assigned duties.
- Approves requests for equipment, supplies, and repairs. Inspects, tests, and evaluates new types of firefighting equipment, recommends types, kinds, and quantities of each for future procurement; establishes standard methods of use for equipment. Responsible for ensuring the proper use, maintenance, and appearance of properties and equipment/apparatus. Whenever advised or becomes aware that repairs, replacement, or adjustments are necessary, shall report or arrange the proper repairs are made within normal procedures.
- Supervises training operations for companies, individuals, and recruits as the evaluation officer. May participate in annual training sessions such as confined space and high-angle rescue; reviews and reports on drills.
- In the absence of the Fire Chief and or Deputy Fire Chief, the Battalion Chief may be in charge of all Fire Department operations. Advises citizen emergency response team; interacts with federal and outside agencies.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
Duties are performed within an office, outdoor and hazardous environments or settings. Exposure to dust, mold, noise, inclement weather, extreme temperatures, smoke, fire, electricity, toxic or caustic chemicals and/or fumes, mechanical and/or moving parts, high elevations, vibration, blood-borne pathogens, viruses, disease, confined space entry, dangerous buildings and the like commonly associated with fire and emergency response and rescue activities.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Required
- Experience
- 7 years of full-time firefighting experience with a career department
- Proven progressive leadership experience within a fire department, including roles of increasing responsibility such as Lieutenant, Captain, or equivalent.
- Certifications
- State of Florida Firefighter II
- State of Florida EMT-B
- State of Florida Pump Operator
- State of Florida Fire Service Instructor 1
- State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector 1
- State of Florida Fire Officer II
- Valid State of Florida Class E Driver's License
- Education
- Associate's Degree in Fire Science or a related field
- State of Florida Paramedic (PMD) License / Certification.
- Experience
- 3 years Battalion Chief
- Certifications
- State of Florida Fire Officer III
- State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector II
- State of Florida Fire Service Instructor II or III
- State of Florida Safety Officer
- Must possess good oral and written communication skills.
- Must be able to communicate and present oneself professionally, and have the ability to successfully work with confidential information.
- Thorough knowledge of commercial and residential operations and related potential hazards.
- Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
- Knowledge and ability to use Florida Fire Prevention Code to enforce statutorily the required codes involving life safety.
- Ability to work under high demands, short time constraints, and pressure on the fast-paced work environment.
- Ability to remain up-to-date on Federal, State, and City regulations, and Occupational Health and Safety standards to implement best practices and policies affecting department activities.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working and professional relationships with City and other public employees, public officials, contractors, consultants, businesses, and the general public.
- Ability to lift and/or carry 150 pounds during an emergency fire and medical rescue.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Must possess a valid Florida Class E driver's license.
- Must pass post-offer pre-employment Drug Screen, Physical Examination, and applicable Background Checks.
This position may be required one to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.