Battalion Chief – Training

Job Summary

Under general supervision of Fire Chief; reviews laws, guidelines and policies governing the City, Phenix City Fire/Rescue Services and Alabama Personnel Standards Commission. Manages department training and maintains compliance with state and department requirements. Keeps current inventory of turnout gear, SCBA’s and performs additional duties in support of the department as assigned or upon request.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statement of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required, assigned and expected aside from those set forth below to address operational needs and changing operational practices.

• Performs research for fire service training including procedures, methods and proper equipment used in the fire service.
• Evaluates prospective applicants for entry into firefighter training program including overseeing CPAT testing.
• Counsels and holds orientation for new recruits on work related issues, policies, procedures and rules.
• Supervises, monitors and observes new recruits initial training and performance and offers recommendations for improvement.
• Evaluates equipment performance and determines suitability; informs the Assistant Chief of recommendations.
• Reviews equipment specification material and prepares bid requests and forwards to vendors.
• Maintains inventory of turnout gear and SCBA’s and issues to fire service personnel.
• Confers with vendors on equipment orders, training supplies and other materials.
• Orders training supplies, prepares paperwork for requisitions or makes errands to pick up supplies.
• Coordinates staffing schedules and assignments.
• Performs organizational planning and administration.
• Direct daily supervision of Training Captains
• Reviews and evaluates job performance of subordinates.
• Participates in department planning, budget process and helps to implement goals and objectives.
• Conducts training needs assessment, determines effective and appropriate methods of training, plans and coordinates presentation of training.
• Ensures that fire service personnel maintain certifications and licenses.
• Establishes monthly training schedules.
• Maintains records of training hours for department personnel.
• Prepares, administers and scores exams for personnel.
• Attends professional training seminars, conferences, and continuing education courses.
• Maintains department library of fire service, prevention and suppression materials.
• Performs physical fitness training to remain fit.
• At times may be called to respond to an emergency incident to support manpower.
• Serves as a Safety Officer or Incident Commander at an incident.
• Monitors the scene, assesses the personnel’s performance to determine if specialized training or instruction is needed.
• May assist in salvage and overhaul operations.
• May assist in fire scene investigations and evidence collection.
• Makes minor repairs to equipment when needed and keeps supervisors informed.
• Carries out a personal improvement plan for advancement.
• Performs additional tasks as assigned or upon request.

Qualifications

Education & Experience Guidelines
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities required for this position would be:

Education/Training
Bachelor’s degree and Fire Science certificate (Administrative or similar degree preferred.)

Experience
Four years as Captain or One year as a Battalion Chief

Licenses or Certifications Required
Firefighter I/II certification, Fire Inspector I/II certification,Fire Investigator I certification, Fire Officer I/II/III certification, Instructor I/II/III certification,Certified Apparatus Operator- Pumper,Certified Apparatus Operator- Aerial,Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operational, Hazardous Materials Technician,Fire Department Safety Officer: Incident Safety Officer,Fire Department Safety Officer: Health and Safety Officer,NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 certifications, National Registry and Alabama EMT-B licenses,Valid state issued drivers license

The following generally describes the knowledge and abilities required in order to successfully perform the assigned duties of the position:

Knowledge of:

• Concepts, principles and methods of fire prevention, suppression and rescue.
• Training including needs assessment, learning principles, training methods and evaluation of training activities, state and federal requirements.
• Standard operating guidelines of the City of Phenix City Fire/Rescue Services.
• Building construction, sprinkler systems and layout.
• Management and supervisory techniques.
• City street system, location of water hydrants and traffic laws of the state of Alabama.
• Proper use and function of emergency equipment, first aid procedures and training techniques.
• Policies and guidelines of the Fire/Rescue Services.

Ability to:

• Read and comprehend directives, maps and training materials.
• Write to prepare training materials, investigative reports and document training records. Communicate with co-workers, supervisors and the general public.
• Calculate fire flow and hydrant calculations.
• Use word processing software to produce accurate reports, plans and other documents.
• Enter text or data accurately to produce training schedules, reports or course announcements. Follow written and oral instruction.
• Prepare and present classroom style lectures to groups.
• Work under general supervision where standard practices enable duties to be performed alone referring questionable cases to supervisor.
• Work as a member of a team.

Physical Demands & Working Environment

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations needed to perform the essential duties of this position.

Environment: Indoors and Outdoors

Physical Demands: See accompanying page for details

Key Working Relationship: Fire Department Staff, Training Staff of fellow consortium departments

Applications for this position will be accepted until a pool of 20 applications is received or the position is filled, whichever comes first. Current city employees wishing to apply should send Internal Job Application provided by the Human Resources Department to the HR Director by the deadline stated. (A courtesy copy will be sent to the employee’s department head.)

Applications can be found online (download an application) or picked up at the City of Phenix City Human Resources Department:
1103 Broad Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
Ph: 334 448-2706

Applications are available for pick up and drop off on Mondays from 2 to 5 p.m., Eastern Time, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Eastern Time. You may also email your completed application with the required supporting documents.