General Statement of Duties:
This is a responsible, professional, and managerial position. The Battalion Chief assists the Fire Chief and Division Chief in the administration of activities, policies, and personnel of the Fire Department. This individual exercises supervision over personnel under their command and gives instructions and directions concerning procedures to follow in the station and at fire scenes.
Minimum Qualifications:
Extensive experience in firefighting, acquiring at least six years’ experience of progressive responsibility through the rank of Captain to afford familiarity with all phases of divisional operations; completion of a standard high school course, and preferably possession of a diploma from a recognized fire training school; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Computer and other technology skills as necessary for the position are required.
Description of Work:
(The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
Responsible for creating and enforcing rules and regulations for the administration of the operations under their supervision, subject to the directives of the Fire Chief and Division Chief. Assists in planning and directing the activities of the Fire Department. Assists in providing training to subordinate employees. Evaluates employee performance and provides appropriate feedback and follow-up.
Directly manages and supervises the operations of their assigned platoon and the activities of its personnel. Receives instructions and directions from Division Chief concerning procedures to follow to maintain discipline, firefighting readiness, and effectiveness. Responds to alarms and directs firefighting operations on a city-wide basis. Assigns and supervises major maintenance tasks relating to stations, grounds, and fire hydrants. Conducts drills and training, and gives instructions in first aid and firefighting methods. Inspects the personnel, stations, and equipment for proper appearance and condition. Transfers personnel under their command into positions deemed appropriate.
Assists the Chief and Division Chief as directed in personnel administration. May exercise the authority to discipline the personnel under their command to the extent of a verbal or written reprimand and recommend suspension.
Identifies problems and potential problems, and recommends solutions to their superior. Provides detailed information and guidance to employees in personnel matters. May resolve employee complaints, grievances, and discipline according to the collective bargaining agreement and/or the City’s policies and procedures.
Assists the Chief and Division Chief in the preparation for the conduct of collective bargaining negotiations.
Performs inventory management responsibilities, signing in all incoming supplies.
Prepares and maintains records and reports delineating the activities of the department. Makes daily reports to the Chief concerning personnel and activities. Investigates all accidents to personnel, apparatus and equipment, all charges, complaints, and other matters of an official nature under their supervision and makes reports to their superiors as required.
THIS IS A PROMOTIONAL TEST. IT IS ONLY OPEN TO CANTON CITY FIRE CAPTAINS HAVING SERVED AT LEAST TWELVE (12) MONTHS AS A FIRE CAPTAIN.1. Fire Officer's Handbook of Tactics, 5th Edition; John Norman (ISBN#: 978-1593704186)
2. Chief Officer: Principles and Practice, 3rd Edition; David J. Purchase, Jones & Bartlett Learning, International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) (ISBN#978-1284172478)
3. Fire and Emergency Services Administration: Management and Leadership Practices, 3rd Edition; L. Charles Smeby, Jr., Jones & Bartlett Learning (ISBN# 978-1284180213
4. Fire Chief’s Handbook, 7th Edition; (excluding chapters 4,12,13,24,28); Richard A. Marinucci (ISBN#: 978-1593702625)
5. Canton Professional Firefighters Association Local 249 Collective Bargaining Agreement (Effective January 1, 2022-December 31, 2024)
The assessment center will be a structured series of activities or exercises. These exercises are developed to enable individuals trained as assessors to observe a candidate's behavior and document a score based on the candidate's performance. The assessment center will be heldSeptember 26, 2026. The location and time will be assigned at a later date.