Battalion Chief - Promotional Process to Establish Eligibility List

JOB INFORMATION

This position is being advertised as an internal departmental promotional process for current regular and probationary employees of Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services. Staff should refer to IB23-053 and SO 23-051 for specific details related to the promotional process.

NOTE: Salary will be determined based on current step and the work schedule assigned.

For all Suppression positions: Non-exempt; full-time; schedule of 96 hours per pay period following FLSA guidelines with varied days, hours and shift assignments as scheduled; full-benefits; work station and duty assignment will be determined by the County.

For all Advance Life Support, Training & Safety, or Fire Marshal's Office positions: Exempt, full-time, 40 hours per week, full benefits with varied days and hours as determined by the County.

This supervisory, command level position performs administrative and management work in and for the Division of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS). Supervision is given to personnel in an assigned Bureau and program area (e.g. fire suppression, advance life support, training, safety, Fire Marshal's Office) and direction may be given to administrative support personnel; supervision is received from the assigned Deputy Chief and/or the DFRS Director/Chief. Other duties, responsibilities and functions may be assigned by the DFRS Director/Chief as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Incident Response and Management - Respond to fire alarms, emergency medical service (EMS) alarms and other calls for emergency and non-emergency services; implement Incident Command System (ICS) at emergency sites and assume command until incident is resolved or until relieved by a senior officer; assess, coordinate and oversee strategies and tactics for incident mitigation; communicate coordinating command among all on-scene units including specialty units, other jurisdictions and other agencies; assume other ICS roles as appropriate; conduct building inspections and prepare reporting
• EMS – Perform and/or supervise patient assessments (general impression, initial, secondary, on-going, etc.); implement mass casualty, START/Jump START Triage procedures or other treatment intervention as needed; transport patients to appropriate facilities as needed
• Section/Shift Management – Oversee and coordinate duty assignment of fire/rescue personnel based on work priorities and staff coverage; provide work direction and supervision to staff; assess and resolve personnel matters (including appropriate documentation) and refer more complex cases or issues to senior officers for action; inspect, evaluate and oversee the maintenance, availability and utilization of all facilities, apparatus, equipment and gear; interact with assigned personnel including off-going/on-coming shift personnel and volunteer personnel to coordinate the exchange of information; in the absence of senior officers assume duties of those positions as appropriate; track personnel attendance and assure that work hours are properly documented
• Administration – Write, complete and/or review forms, reports and narrative documents (operational, fire prevention, emergency medical, training, personnel, etc.) and refer to senior officers as appropriate; participate in review and recommendation of DFRS operating procedures; oversee and coordinate budget preparation and administration, expenditures and fiscal actions in assigned areas; participate in preparation and follow-up of grant requests; serve as liaison between DFRS and area fire and rescue departments, other jurisdictions' departments and squads, and government, public and private agencies to assure effective emergency response and information exchange; Assess and recommend upgrade/revision/replacement/acquisition of facilities, apparatus, equipment and/or supplies as appropriate
• Personnel Training and Development – Recommend, develop and/or present DFRS personnel trainings to assure proficiency in job skills, timely renewal of all required licenses/certifications, and preparedness for advancement opportunities; observe, monitor and evaluate subordinates' performance in all job areas; coach, counsel, motivate and provide individual instruction and guidance to subordinates as needed; evaluate performance of personnel in training and the effectiveness of field training programs; coordinate with field training staff to implement approved probationary training objectives; maintain personal knowledge of current and emerging technologies, trainings and practices in fire and rescue services and demonstrate professional accountability by acquiring all required certifications as needed and timely renewals/re-certifications
• Community and Public Relations – Participate in developing and assessing codes, regulations and laws affecting fire and rescue services and contribute professional expertise as needed to facilitate informed discussions and decisions; in emergency and non-emergency situations, interact with the public (officials, private citizens, etc.) as a DFRS representative and/or Public Information Officer; respond to citizen concerns and inquiries as appropriate; plan, direct and coordinate fire prevention and educational programs for the public
• Other - Complete special projects and committee assignments as directed; perform other related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications / requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical demands or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Meet training and education requirements for Captain
• Minimum of last 2 consecutive years as a uniformed DFRS Captain
• Current Maryland certification as EMT-B, EMT-I or EMT-P
• Successful completion of the most recent DFRS annual Compliance Training
• Possession of a valid class B driver's license (or an equivalent license) and Frederick County Employee Driving Permit - must be maintained throughout employment
• Current certification as NFPA 1021 – Fire Officer III (MFSPQB or NFSPQB)
• Current certification as NFPA 472 - HazMat Incident Commander
• Successful completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 400
• Current satisfactory performance evaluation
• Successful completion of the most current Frederick County DFRS Battalion Chief promotional process

• Demonstrated ability to effectively perform at command level responding quickly, decisively, calmly and appropriately in standard duty and emergency situations; applying comprehensive knowledge of modern pre-hospital emergency medical care, firefighting equipment and apparatus, rescue and fire fighting tactics and techniques, building construction, fire and injury prevention methodology, disaster management and other areas pertinent to DFRS operations; this includes ability to determine and obtain appropriate resources, personnel, equipment and apparatus for the situation, and ability to effectively implement the National Incident Management System
• Demonstrated ability to effectively apply knowledge of organizational and personnel management as well as DFRS policies, including the ability to effectively implement positive and negative discipline in a direct and timely manner in enforcing DFRS policies, procedures and regulations; ability to effectively advise, counsel and mentor subordinates regarding personal and professional development; and ability to effectively supervise, direct and evaluate the work of professional and support staff within the established structure of DFRS and the Frederick County Personnel Rules; this includes accountability for the actions of self and subordinates and the consequences of those actions
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate and delegate the work of self and others to ensure timely completion of duties, tasks and activities; this includes ability to strategically plan for the future when making decisions; this also includes ability to conduct risk/benefit analyses to assist with evaluating and prioritizing alternative courses of action
• Considerable knowledge of fire/rescue training, credentials and certifications, with ability to effectively analyze, develop and recommend regulations, policies and procedures as well as related trainings
• Ability to effectively administer and prepare budgets and compile and analyze detailed fiscal and statistical information
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and its member companies, other associations/organizations of the fire/rescue service community, advisory groups, elected officials, media representatives, DFRS personnel at all levels in the chain of command, other Frederick County personnel and the general public, while maintaining professional attitude, appearance and manner of performance, and while demonstrating an appropriate blend of sensitivity to others' concerns/priorities and discernment in assessing factors to guide matters to a best-case outcome
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills including the ability to effectively prepare clear and concise reports; the ability to effectively interpret and communicate procedures and policies; and strong public speaking skills including the ability to effectively format and present information for varied audiences
• Ability to effectively utilize computerized systems and equipment including word processing, spreadsheets and e-mail software, and willingness to become proficient in the use of new software and technologies as applicable
• Effective stress tolerance, including stability of performance during times of pressure and opposition; this also includes ability to respond to sudden changes in situation and/or conditions with appropriate modification of strategies/tactics for optimum safety and outcome

• While working in this position the employee is required to sit, stand, walk, reach and perform repetitive motions, climb, stoop/kneel/crouch, crawl; life a minimum of 100 pounds and drive, push and pull over 40 pounds, with ability to effectively listen and hear surrounding noises and acceptable vision to maintain the safety of yourself and others per the DFRS physical standards.
• While working in this position the employee is frequently working indoors and outdoors, walking on uneven terrain, working in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees) and cold temperatures (below 32 degrees), in a dirty and dusty environment, at heights, in a noisy environment, near machinery, chemicals and fumes; with potential exposure to infectious diseases and are required to wear protective equipment; and occasionally work in confined spaces and below ground level
• Physical requirements also necessitate that facial hair is maintained to properly wear SCBA full- and half-piece air purifying respirators and other job-specific safety equipment, and pass SCBA fit test throughout employment
• Physical requirements include the ability to successfully complete an annual physical examination.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Available for assignment to different work site as needed, 24-hour shift work, irregular days and hours, weekend and holiday hours, and on-call as needed
• Stated driver's license, Frederick County Employee Driving Permit, EMS certifications, etc. must be maintained current or superseded by inclusive higher certification/license as approved by DFRS throughout employment
• This position is subject to random drug testing
• The probationary period for this position is 3 months from date of promotional placement
• When considered under the Frederick County Employees Retirement Plan, this position is designated as "uniformed"

• NO ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF WORK OR MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Review reports completed by DFRS Paramedics for quality assurance; ensure that patient treatment interventions are in line with Maryland Medical Protocols; serve as a mediator (liaison) between Paramedics, nurses, physicians, and other citizens in the community; act as DFRS liaison to coordinate EMS presence and/or response for special events and mass gatherings; conduct research to identify and recommend the use of new EMS equipment; coordinate the purchase and maintenance of capital equipment or durable equipment through vendors

• Current Maryland certification as an EMT-P with a minimum of 3 years DFRS work experience from date of DFRS contracted Medical Director's release
• Current certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Successful completion of Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) or International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Completion of ALS Designate Status

• Oversee numerous projects simultaneously
• Develop training programs based on the analysis of trends and data
• Identify training needs within the Division, making appropriate recommendations, and utilizing available resources
• Develop, coordinate and implement programs and projects within the Division on time and within budget
• Track and monitor effectiveness of training and follow up on all projects until successfully completed. Maintain records of personnel exposures and update the exposure control plan on an annual basis; perform or participate in investigation of injuries, incidents, and accidents; develop and implement DFRS health and safety training programs, wellness and fitness programs, and risk management policies and procedures; inspect personal protective equipment and DFRS facilities to ensure compliance with applicable laws and standards; coordinate with DFRS, Human Resources and Risk Management to complete Worker's Compensation paperwork and attend hearings; identify hazards on incident scenes and present appropriate course of action to the Incident Commander to eliminate those hazards

• Certification as a NFPA 1041-2 Instructor II (MFSPQB/NFSPQB) or equivalent as determined by the Division
• Instructor Certification through the Maryland Instructors Certification Review Board (MICRB)
• Certification as a NFPA 1521 – Incident Safety Officer (MFSPQB/NFSPQB)

• Conduct or oversee inspection and/or investigation into the cause, origin and circumstance of suspicious fires, hazardous materials incidents, etc.; conduct inspections to ensure fire code compliance; coordinate with outside agencies to complete inspections and investigations; review plans for new developments and properties to ensure compliance with applicable codes and laws; review Investigation and Inspection reports for quality assurance; investigate fire code complaints; attend court as needed for cases involving fire investigations and/or code enforcement; perform internal investigations as needed
  

• Current certification as NFPA 1031 – Inspector II (MFSPQB or NFSPQB) Completion of approved NFPA 1033 – Fire Investigation Class