BATTALION FIRE CHIEF

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Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction of the Fire Chief or a Deputy Fire Chief, assists in the management and discipline of the municipal uniformed fire department by supervising a group of fire companies engaged in providing fire protection for persons and property; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• At fires, takes charge of responding companies, deploys firefighting forces, orders needed reinforcements, and supervises firefighting activities and the use of needed apparatus, equipment, and materials.
• Makes periodic inspections of firefighting personnel and equipment to ensure efficient performance.
• Inspects fire department company headquarters for cleanliness, orderliness, and maintenance of the building, equipment, and apparatus from the standpoint of serviceability.
• Supervises and takes a leading part in fire prevention activities within an assigned municipal area.
• Conducts training classes for subordinate fire officers and firefighters.
• Speaks before groups of citizens and others on modern fire department methods, procedures, and practices.
• Makes and supervises the making of investigations of violations of fire laws, ordinances, codes, and fire hazards, and institutes needed action.
• Makes investigations of fires to determine needed action.
• Prepares reports.
• Supervises the establishment of records and files.
• Plans, organizes, and assigns work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from high school, vocational high school, or possession of an approved high school equivalency certificate.

Experience

Two (2) years of supervisory experience involving the extinguishing of fires.

CERTIFICATION

In accordance with NJAC 5:73-1.6(b), c & (d), effective February 17, 2000, applicants for this position must possess a valid Incident Management Level 1 certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, Department of Community Affairs.

<b>AGE:</b>

Not less than 18 nor more than 35 years of age at the announced closing date for filing applications for the position. In determining maximum age eligibility of veterans, the time spent in active military service during the periods specified in Civil Service Law and Rules will be deducted from the attained age.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Medical Examination

As a prerequisite for appointment, appointees may be required to pass a thorough medical and psychiatric examination to be administered by the appointing authority; any psychological, medical, or physical condition or defect which would prevent efficient performance of the duties of the position, cause the appointee to be a hazard to himself/herself or others, or become aggravated as a result of performance of these duties, will be cause for rejection.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of laws and ordinances which are significant from the fire prevention point of view.
• Knowledge of the proper methods of fighting various types of fires.
• Knowledge of the location of schools, large buildings, streets and fire alarm boxes in the municipality.
• Knowledge of the types of communication available for fire use.
• Knowledge of procedures likely to be effective in enlisting the support of citizens and others in taking fire preventative measures.
• Ability to analyze and interpret laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, standards, and procedures and apply them to specific situations and cases.
• Ability to supervise the maintenance and repair of fire department buildings and equipment.
• Ability to note and initiate action. Ability to obtain new and improved equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Ability to remain cool, decisive, and alert in emergency situations.
• Ability to supervise the performance of firefighters at fires and the use of equipment and apparatus.
• Ability to speak effectively before large and small groups on subjects relating to fire prevention and the procedures used in fighting fires.
• Ability to make investigations of fire hazards and violations of fire laws and to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Age requirement does not apply in those jurisdictions whose members are not enrolled in the Police &amp; Fire Pension System.

When an applicant has reached his/her 35th birthday, (s)he is considered to be over 35 years old. Age limits are based on the announced closing date for filing Department of Personnel applications.