Hourly Wage for CITY OF BOULDER Battalion Chief Salary in the United States

The City of Boulder is a great place to live, work, grow and play.

With over 300 miles of dedicated bikeways and more than 150 miles of hiking trails, Boulder values active lifestyles and access to nature. Forty-five thousand acres of land provide open space for parks, a green belt around the city and a cap on urban growth.  With world class restaurants and art and music venues, The City of Boulder values diverse culture.

Respect is one of our five City Values (including Customer Service, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation) and we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and support our differences across all spectrums, including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, age, disability and sexuality. Through our focus on Racial Equity, our employee benefits, and the many programs resources we offer our staff, we continually strive to weave respect for one another into the fabric of our organization. 

Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help us grow in service excellence for an inspired future.
   
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 
Generally, duties and responsibilities are listed from most to least critical or time-consuming.
 
Shift Battalion Chief (Approximate % of the time)

• Regularly visits assigned fire stations to assure that all companies are kept informed, understand and adhere to all department operations, program policies, procedures, and assignments. (33%)
• Supervises fire suppression activities, rescue activities, training, hazardous materials response activities, controls emergency scenes, provides a safe resolution of emergency situations as assigned, (10%)
• Directs multiple companies during responses to emergency fire, medical, hazardous material, rescue, severe weather, and other incidents, (10%)
• Monitors scheduled training of assigned members and assists in the development of needed improvements, (10%)
• Makes periodic inspections of personnel and reviews the general condition of fire apparatus and facilities, (5%)
• Assists with fire safety inspections and public fire safety programs of assigned staff, (2%)

 
Training Division Chief

• Conducts multi-company and mutual-aid drills,
• Regularly assesses current levels of training within the department to determine training needs,
• Develops an effective training curriculum and provides training to department personnel, 
• Coordinates training and other activities within the department on the Departmental activity calendar,
• Prepares monthly and annual training plans,
• Provides EMS training to department personnel using a curriculum consistent with the requirements of the State of Colorado,
• Maintains necessary training records,
• Prepares and manages the training budget,
• Supervises and coordinates recruit and probationary firefighter phase training,
• Coordinates and facilitates outside educational and training opportunities personnel,
• Coordinates training and facility scheduling with other fire departments and emergency response agencies,
• Responds to major incident scenes to observe, document (video or photograph), and evaluate field application of strategy, tactics, fire fighting skills, and safety procedures,
• Serves as director for the EMS quality assurance program,
• Represents the department at regional training forums,

 
Administration Battalion Chief

• Coordinates the fleet and facilities maintenance programs,
• Develops special department programs at the direction of the Deputy and/or Fire Chief,
• Coordinates work with other internal fire department divisions,
• Manages the department's equipment replacement fund,
• Builds and maintains relationships with internal service departments such as FAM and Fleet, and external stakeholders,
• Responds to emergencies as needed and can backfill the role of the Duty Battalion Chief,

 
General (for all)

• Familiarity of and adherence to the City of Boulder and Boulder Fire-Rescue Vision, Mission and Values.
• Takes proper safety precaution, anticipates unsafe circumstances and acts accordingly to prevent accidents.
• The Battalion Chief shall serve in a leadership role within the department over one of the following areas; Operations, Training or Administration.
• Acts in positions above that of Battalion Chief (including that of Fire Chief) in emergency and routine situations until relieved by a higher authority,
• Conducts personnel and policy-related investigations,
• At major emergencies, acts in a command or general staff position as assigned,
• Administers staffing and shift schedules to ensure proper coverage in terms of personnel and equipment,
• Maintains discipline; responds to grievances in accordance with departmental and city policies and procedures and provisions of the collective bargaining agreement,
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities for assigned department services; recommend within department policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommend and administer standard operating procedures, assist in preparing and administering budgets,
• Conducts performance evaluations of assigned personnel,
• Provides timely feedback from members to senior staff to identify problems and communicate solutions,
• Answers public inquiries,
• Manages, directs, plans organizes and coordinates the maintenance of fire stations, grounds, equipment, and fire apparatus,
• Conducts critiques of fires and fire suppression strategies and tactics,
• Provides supervisory and management training to assigned company officers,
• Participates in training and serves as an instructor for specialized in-service training,
• Attends conferences, classes and various meetings on fire and personnel-related topics,
• Serves on departmental committees
• Other duties and responsibilities:
  • Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the City,
  • Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts to prevent accidents, 
  • Reports all accidents and damage to city property,
  • Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies; participating in professional training and development; and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies,
  • Use departmental computer equipment to review records, obtain data on activities and programs, and input various data,
  • Acquires and maintains specialized training/certification as required.

 
Regular and predictable attendance at work is an essential function of this position.
 
CITY VISION AND VALUES:
The City of Boulder is committed to service excellence for an inspired future and the following values:

• Customer service - We are dedicated to exceeding the expectations of our community and our co-workers by demonstrating consistent and professional service with a solution-oriented approach
• Respect - We champion diversity and welcome individual perspectives, backgrounds and opinions. We are open-minded and treat all individuals with respect and dignity.
• Integrity - We are stewards of the public's trust and are committed to service that is transparent and consistent with city regulations and policies. We are honorable, follow through on our commitments and accept responsibility.
• Collaboration - We are committed to organizational success and celebrate our shared dedication to public service. We believe community collaboration and the sum of our individual contributions leads to great results.
• Innovation - We promote a forward-thinking environment that supports creativity, calculated risks and continuous improvement. We embrace change and learn from others in order to deliver leading edge service.

 
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Basic Microsoft Office products, and other software used by the department.
• Local government structure, enabling legislation, lawmaking processes and functions as they relate to the fire service,
• City human resource policies and procedures,
• Fire department job descriptions,
• Fire department mission and goals,
• City purchasing laws, policies and procedures,
• City policies and procedures for news releases and media contact,
• Basic fire cause and origin determination,
• Standard operating procedures,
• Incident management system,
• Elements of a post-incident analysis,
• Building construction, basic fire behavior, basic fire protections systems, basic water supply, basic fuel loading, fire growth, department procedures as they relate to dispatch, response, strategy, tactics, and operations

 
Abilities to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees representatives of other agencies, and citizens,
• Analyze problems, make decisions consistent with departmental policies and assess the effectiveness of decisions,
• Handle emergency or sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy,
• Interpret, implement and enforce department and City rules and regulations, City ordinances, state and federal laws,
• Make presentations, prioritize and organize work, prepare accurate and comprehensive reports,
• Supervise other employees,
• Administer budgets and allocate finances,
• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work on projects and work of personnel;
• Delegate authority and responsibility;
• Plan and conduct evaluations of assigned personnel,
• Make effective use of personnel, equipment, and apparatus in emergencies,
• Implement and work within the incident management system,
• Supervise and account for assigned personnel under emergency conditions.
• Instruct classes effectively;
• Serve as a positive role model,
• Solve problems, increase teamwork and counsel members,
• Develop interpersonal relationships,
• Make appropriate routine decisions and appropriate decisions on emergency scenes, recognize fire behavior and dangers,
• Use sound judgment and react calmly under emergency conditions,
• Prepare and maintain required records, reports, and other documentation, communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing in English, follow verbal and written instructions,
• See, hear, walk, bend, stoop, crawl, and lift; wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and other personal protective equipment.
• Use computers for reports, communication and data management, enter data and effectively use computers and software provided by the city and fire department,
• Work with people of diverse backgrounds.

 
REQUIRED LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
 
Strategic Mindset Can utilize multiple perspectives to make long-term decisions. Uses big picture thinking in decision-making.
 
Manages Complexity Utilizing contradictory and time-compressed information to solve problems. Makes well-informed and appropriate decisions while understanding the potential outcomes and implications.
 
Action-Oriented Readily accepts new opportunities and challenges energetically and with enthusiasm; demonstrates initiative and decisive action.
 
Plans and Aligns Is capable of setting objectives that are in alignment with the broader organizational goals; develops implementation plans that wisely utilize resources.
 
Ensures Accountability While demonstrating a high level of ownership, holds self and others accountable to meet commitments and responsibilities.
 
Manages Conflict Effectively handles situations involving conflict equitably and with minimal disruption.
 
Communicates Effectively Is effective in a variety of communication settings; actively listens to others; adjusts message to fit the audience, provides timely and helpful information to others.
 
Courage Is able to step up when difficult issues need to be addressed; has the ability to share sensitive messages or unpopular points of view; does not shy away from difficult issues.
 
Instills Trust Gains the confidence of others by leading with honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
 
Demonstrates Self-Awareness Has the ability to use both feedback and reflection to obtain useful insights into personal strengths and weaknesses.
 
Situational Adaptability Readily adjusts personal, interpersonal, and leadership behavior; uses current circumstances to adjust to the moment. 
 
Collaborates Capable of establishing partnerships and working across organization lines to meet shared objectives.
 
Develops Talent Develops people in the organization to meet both individual growth and the goals of the organization.
 
 
The City of Boulder is committed to hiring employees who provide excellent customer service.  Our employees act with a high level of integrity and take responsibility for their words and actions. 
 
City of Boulder employees strive to respect and appreciate each individual's differences and to work effectively with all people and their diverse backgrounds. We support candid and honest interactions, which respect other points of view and are sensitive to communication differences. We achieve organizational goals through inclusive problem solving, planning, and decision-making. Community partnerships are included in this effort.
 
All city supervisors are responsible for appropriately incorporating the principles of community sustainability into work on a routine basis; understanding and enforcing relevant collective bargaining agreements and management policies; hiring and firing supervised employees or making related recommendations; ensuring employees are trained initially and on an ongoing basis, as needed; providing appropriate feedback to employees by monitoring day-to-day performance; completing performance evaluations on time; correcting problems in employee work habits or performance in a timely manner; prioritizing and scheduling work functions and vacations; ensuring adherence to established safety standards; ensuring the timely completion and submission of all paperwork required by the city to process employee transactions, insurance or injury claims, etc.; maintaining related records; and ensuring the accuracy of reported time use.
 
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:
(1) TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Chief
(2) TITLE(S) OF POSITION(S) OVER WHICH THIS POSITION HAS DIRECT SUPERVISION: (1) Captain, Lieutenant, Engineer, Firefighter: (2) Administrative Staff, or (3) Training Captain.
 
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. A minimum of 8 years of progressive and diverse fire service experience, including at least 3 years of experience as a promoted fire company officer, possess a valid Colorado driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle driving record, must have proven experience demonstrating leadership competencies. Current National Registry or Colorado State EMT-B certification, or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire date.
 
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS – In addition to the required minimum qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Fire Science, Business, Political Science, Fire Protection Engineering, Education, or Executive Fire Officer certification. Proven experience in program management and fire service accreditation. Possess the ability to communicate in a language other than English. Preference may be given to candidates with advanced education and/or training.
 
WORKING CONDITIONS - Required Physical and Mental Effort, and Environmental
In addition to the information listed above.
This position requires exposure to hazardous environments and work in threatening conditions; walking running climbing stooping, moderate to heavy lifting, fine motor control, endurance , and physical flexibility and coordination, sufficient stamina to sustain prolonged, rigorous physical activity during emergency situations; work in inclement weather conditions; work at unprotected heights; exposure to dust, fumes, smoke, odors, mists, toxic or caustic chemicals, noise, radiation, electrical energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces; explosives, vibration or flames.
 
During fire suppression or other situations where the atmosphere is immediately dangerous to health, the Battalion Chief must wear and use self-contained breathing apparatus.
 
Battalion Chiefs may be assigned to fire suppression working 24-hour shifts. Battalion Chiefs may also be assigned to other work schedules based on the needs of the city and the fire department. All Battalion Chiefs are subject to emergency recall when off duty.
 
Machines and equipment used include, but are not limited to the following: Emergency vehicles and associated equipment, and standard office equipment including personal computers, telephones, calculators and copy/fax machines, two-way radios, and safety equipment.
 
ACCOMMODATIONS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
 
Note:  The above description is illustrative only.  It is not meant to be all-inclusive.
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Demonstrated personal and professional honesty, integrity, and good judgment as shown in applicant's criminal history, background and motor vehicle record, use of drugs and alcohol. Applicants, who use, possess, distribute or grow marijuana or medical marijuana, and/or own, operate, or have any interest in a marijuana dispensary will be disqualified. Preference will be given to applicants who have no history of use, sale or possession of illegal substances.  Polygraph and psychological examinations may be utilized for verification of applicant information. The following will disqualify any applicant from consideration:

• Any felony conviction.
• Any commission of a felony in the previous 60 months (5 years), including felonious drug use or possession.
• Any non-traffic related misdemeanor within the previous 36 months (3 years).
• The use, sale, possession or transfer of any controlled substance in the previous 3 years. There will be zero tolerance for the illegal use of any controlled substance in the previous 36 months.
• Eight points or three moving violation convictions, or a suspended, restricted, or revoked license in the previous 24 months (2 years).
• Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process.
• Any serious discipline incurred within the past 24 months.

Hiring Timeline:
 
Applications Open:                 March 2nd – March 16th, 2020
 
Select Applicants will be assigned a written exercise by March 19th, 2020
 
Written Exercise Due:             March 25th, 2020 at 5pm Mountain
 
Applicants selected for the assessment center will be notified on March 27th, 2020
 
Assessment Center:                April 10th, 2020
 
Conditional Job Offer:            by April 15th, 2020
 
Anticipated Start Date:           May 4th, 2020



The City of Boulder provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.