Fire Battalion Chief

Job Description:

Fire Battalion Chief

Description

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW - The Command Challenge

Are you a seasoned fire service professional with a track record of decisive leadership and operational excellence? The City of Tulare is seeking a Fire Battalion Chief to serve as a pivotal link between executive strategy and front-line suppression. This role is vital to our department's operational readiness, overseeing fire suppression activities and providing critical administrative support to the Fire Chief.

As a Battalion Chief, you won’t just manage a shift—you will shape the future of our department. This is a high-impact, mid-management role designed for a leader who excels in high-pressure incident command, complex administrative oversight, and the mentorship of the next generation of fire service professionals.

The Role - Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, you will:

• Lead Operations: Administer all functions of the Fire Suppression division and serve as the Duty Officer for your assigned shift.
• Command the Scene: Provide expert command and control for multi-company incidents, hazardous material responses, and technical extractions.
• Strategize & Administer: Assist in budget development, manage specialized programs (EMS, Training, or Dispatch), and oversee the City’s Emergency Operations Center and Disaster Preparedness plans.
• Empower Personnel: Supervise, train, and motivate staff, ensuring that our Captains and crews have the resources and leadership necessary to keep Tulare safe.

What You Bring - We are looking for a strategic thinker who possesses:

• Experience: At least seven (7) years of firefighting experience, including at least three (3) years as a Fire Captain.
• Education: An Associate’s degree in Fire Science or a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of modern fire suppression, municipal budget practices, and Incident Command Systems.
• Certifications:
  • Valid Class A/B license (or Class C with Firefighter "F" endorsement).
  • California EMT-B or EMT-P.
  • CSFM Fire Officer/Company Officer Certification.
  • Note: You must have completed all coursework for the CSFM Chief Fire Officer certificate (with the ability to obtain the full certificate within 12 months of hire).

Why Tulare?

This is an opportunity to take on a highly responsible administrative role where your technical expertise directly impacts the safety and resilience of the community. You will step into a leadership culture that values tactical initiative, prudent judgment, and professional growth.

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The organization, staffed with 400 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

Message from Marc Mondell, City Manager

It’s an exciting time to be part of the City of Tulare, there is an unprecedented level of public and private investment and growth occurring within the community. This is also true for the Fire Department in that the City Council has invested significant funds over the past 4.5 years including a new $1.5 million state of the art ladder truck, new $1 million fire engine, and a new $500 thousand Type III wildland engine. The City provided the largest raise in the history of the Department to all fire personnel and hired 12 new fire fighters through the SAFER program. The Department recently completed its Standards of Coverage analysis which calls for a new Fire Station and management is actively working to determine the preferred location, design parameters, and funding. The Department is reorganizing its management structure and anticipates the creation of a new Deputy Fire Chief position.

If you are looking to be part of a great team doing important work with career advancement opportunity, then you should consider applying for one of our leadership positions today. On behalf of City Council and Chief Ott, we welcome your application!

Message from Michael Ott, Fire Chief

The City of Tulare Fire Department (TFD) is in the midst of a bold and deliberate transformation. Over the past few years, we have made significant, measurable progress toward aligning our operations with National Fire Protection Association 1710 staffing standards and ISO benchmarks, ensuring we deliver the highest level of fire and emergency services to the Tulare community, while prioritizing the safety of our personnel.

TFD has made substantial investments in modern apparatus, advanced technology, and state-of-the-art equipment. Our firefighters operate with cutting-edge tools designed to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and, most importantly, safety on every call.

We have also elevated our training standards. By bringing in instructors from across the country and sending our personnel to premier national conferences such as Fire Department Instructors Conference, Fire-Rescue International, and programs through the National Fire Academy, we ensure our team remains at the forefront of fireground operations and emergency response. The knowledge, skills, and capabilities of TFD personnel reflect that commitment.

Equally important, we are leading the way in firefighter health and wellness. Our department has implemented comprehensive annual physicals, including advanced cancer screening (LifeScan), established a newly built NFPA 1851-compliant PPE cleaning and inspection facility, and is actively working towards advanced rehabilitation and resiliency efforts through cold-water immersion and sauna protocols.

This is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking, high-performing organization committed to excellence, innovation, and service.

I challenge you to take a closer look at what TFD has to offer and join a growing team proud to serve the City of Tulare.

About Tulare Fire Department (TFD)

The TFD was established in 1882. The department has an outstanding history, tradition, and connection to the community of Tulare. Today, the TFD strives to evolve each day to meet the demands of the citizens, visitors, organizations and companies who live, learn, play, work, worship, and prosper in Tulare.

TFD is comprised of 52 full-time sworn personnel, supported by four non-sworn members, one Fire Marshal, one Fire Inspector, one Management Analyst, and one part-time Fire Inspector. This staffing model ensures comprehensive operational readiness, fire prevention oversight, and administrative support.

TFD operates from three strategically located fire stations, each housing an engine company staffed with up to four personnel on duty per day. In addition, the department operates a ladder company from Fire Station 61, also staffed with up to four personnel daily. Daily staffing levels range from 13 to 17 members.

The department’s highly trained firefighters maintain constant readiness to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, ensuring timely and effective protection for the community. TFD operates advance life support apparatus, non-transport.

TFD is proud to maintain an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 2 rating, reflecting the department’s high level of operational effectiveness and training. This rating contributes to reduced property insurance rates for residents and businesses within the city.

APPLY TODAY

Ready to lead at the next level? If so, we invite you to apply with our department.

To be considered for this position applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills. In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to attach copies of all the required certificates. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application.

The dates associated with the various steps of our recruitment process are outlined in this job posting. Please be sure to make note of the dates and plan now to participate in each phase of the process.

INTERVIEW & ASSESSMENT PROCESS

If we determine that you meet the minimum requirements for the position and that you have attached all of the required items, you will be invited to take part in the Interview & Assessment Center phase to be administered: THURSDAY, JUNE 4th and/or FRIDAY, JUNE 5th. Refer to the "Qualifications/Requirements" section of this posting for a complete list of all the required qualifications and attachments.

The interview and assessment center process will take approximately one- and one-half hours to complete. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, it may take two days for us to assess all of the candidates, but you will only need to report on one of the days.

The interview and assessment center process will establish the eligibility list. Candidates must receive a minimum overall score of 70% to be placed on the list in rank order.

CHIEF'S INTERVIEW

The top five candidates in rank order, will advance to the Chief's interview phase which will occur on: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10th.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general direction, plans, organizes, coordinates and administers all functions and activities of the Fire Suppression division of the City’s Fire Department; conducts immediate response activities and programs; provides highly responsible administrative and technical staff assistance to the Fire Chief in areas of expertise; and performs other duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Fire Chief. Exercises general direction and supervision over assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This mid-management classification assists the Fire Chief in managing activities throughout the City and the surrounding area to provide comprehensive fire suppression and related services. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities and is responsible for providing professional-level support to the Fire Chief in a variety of areas. This classification is distinguished from the Fire Chief in that the latter has overall management responsibility for all departmental functions, staff, and activities. It is further distinguished from the Fire Chief in that the Battalion Chiefs are assigned to a shift and to specific functions such as Training, Emergency Medical Services, Equipment, and/or Dispatch/Communications while the former oversees the Prevention and Divisions and overall Department administration activities.

Examples of Essential Functions

(Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Serves as Duty Officer on a regularly assigned shift; may be assigned staff level supervisory responsibilities, or any other specialized area of responsibility.
• Coordinates the organization, staffing, and operational activities for the assigned functions in the Fire Department including operations and suppression, public education and training, and other related areas.
• Provides command and control to incidents occurring in the City of Tulare area, including responding to fires, extrications, and other hazards, monitoring calls, and participating in providing service.
• Provides command and control on multiple company incidents.
• Provides staff assistance to the Fire Chief; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Assumes role and responsibilities of Fire Chief in his/her absence, including applying departmental policies and procedures regarding personnel issues, department commitments and the Emergency Operations Center and meeting with various entities regarding related issues.
• Administers, manages, and coordinates City Emergency Operations Center and Disaster Preparedness, including planning, organizing, and directing related functions and participating in staff training, emergency plan development, and emergency operations.
• Assumes any of the command functions of the Incident Command System as required; assumes control of an emergency scene; directs and supervises forces in the suppression of fires and in the control of incidents involving hazardous chemicals and other materials as required.
• Manages the resources of the assigned division and programs to assure the emergency response capability of the department is properly trained and equipped for the assigned duties and responsibilities; inspects facilities and equipment for repair, readiness, level of maintenance and supplies necessary to support demand of programs; implements management philosophy and direction and provides feedback to resolve conflicts.
• Determines response jurisdictions for all stations and apparatus within department and review periodically.
• Plans, organizes, and directs operations of various Department programs, including administering and managing program operations and monitoring program success in meeting established goals and objectives.
• Conducts and coordinates contract negotiations for special services, including drafting contracts and proposals and meeting with related entities in developing contracts.
• Supervises, plans and coordinates Fire Department operations and activities in conjunction with Fire Chief, including recommending, developing and implementing procedural and policy improvements, coordinating events and activities as assigned, providing technical data and research information for presentations and reports, preparing, administering, and overseeing related budgets, and directing and participating in personnel management.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the division’s and/or department’s budget; forecasts funds and specifications needed for staffing, apparatus, equipment, supplies, and facilities; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments.
• Participates in the development and administration of the assigned budget; forecasts additional funds needed; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with Department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Ensures captains have all the necessary information to assist them with their efficient and effective management of their duties; oversees special projects assigned to division.
• Serves as training officer, ensuring that all personnel are adequately trained, and certifications are current and up to date.
• Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Evaluates existing conditions and Federal, State, and local codes applicable to assigned divisions and programs; recommends policies, procedures, and ordinance revisions as necessary.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the assigned function; identifies resource needs; recommends and implements policies and procedures.
• Administers the enforcement of fire codes, ordinances, and laws as established by the City and State.
• Prepares, maintains, and reviews a variety of records, forms, reports, schedules, recommendations and other administrative records related to operations, support services, administration, training, or other special programs as assigned.
• Responds to and resolves difficult inquiries and complaints.
• Coordinates assigned services and activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations.
• Ascertains the need for and type of additional equipment necessary to handle emergencies; makes technical decisions as to the best methods of extinguishing fires after observing the fire and receiving reports from company officers.
• Assists in preparing specifications for apparatus and equipment.
• Facilitates care of personnel and vehicular or operational safety while operating on incidents.
• Supervises the rendering of emergency medical services.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other Fire Department personnel within and outside of the City; works closely with a variety of public and private organizations, community groups, and other City, County, and State officials in developing programs and implementing projects for fire prevention, fire code enforcement, and administration.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations to City employees and the public regarding fire safety and related issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of municipal fire administration, including suppression, prevention, inspection, investigation, damage control, and modern fire suppression techniques and delivery methods.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles, practices, procedures, equipment, and apparatus used in firefighting, rescue, and various other emergency responses.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Municipal budget development and financial accounting practices.
• Geography of the City, including locations of streets, hydrants, sprinkler and standpipe hookups, and alarm panels.
• Practices and techniques of hazardous materials response, containment and clean-up.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and ordinances.
• Safety practices and equipment related to the work.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Supervise, select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient fire suppression and prevention services.
• Plan, direct, and review fire suppression, inspection, fire and life safety code compliance, emergency medical service, and hazardous material emergencies operations and activities.
• Analyze situations and identify pertinent problems/issues; collect relevant information; evaluate realistic options; and recommend/implement appropriate course of action.
• Identify and respond to community and City Council issues, concerns, and needs.
• Perform fire suppression and associated rescue and salvage work in a safe and effective manner.
• Deal with hazardous materials incidents in conformance with department procedures.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Prepare and maintain a divisional budget.
• Establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized record keeping and project management systems.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the possession of a two-year degree in fire science or related field, Bachelor’s degree is desirable, and at least seven (7) years of firefighting experience of which at least three (3) years of responsible administrative and supervisory experience as a Fire Captain.

License:

• Possession of a valid Class A or B driver’s license or a Class C driver’s license with a Fire Fighter “F” endorsement, and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a valid EMT-B certification or valid EMT-P issued by a California Emergency Medical Services Authority
• Possession of a California State Fire Training Fire Officer or Company Officer Certification.
• Possession of a California State Fire Training Chief Officer or California State Chief Fire Officer Certification. At a minimum, applicants’ must submit proof that all of the required course work for the OSFM Chief Fire Officer certificate has been completed and within 12 months of hire, they must submit their original capstone task book to State Fire Training to receive their CSFM Chief Fire Officer certificate.
• Possession of a valid healthcare provider CPR Certification.
• Possession of Hazardous Materials First Responder Operator Certification.
• Ability to obtain within 12 months Hazardous Materials Incident Commander certification.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; mobility, physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and use emergency apparatus and equipment; perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to discern colors and assess emergency situations, including medical incidents, to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. This is partially a sedentary, partially a field classification that requires operating in emergency situations and to identifying and assessing problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, operate standard office equipment, and to operate above-mentioned apparatus and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites, and push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, objects, and individuals necessary to perform job functions.

Environmental Elements

Employees partially work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. The work also involves work in the field with exposure to loud noise levels, extreme temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, substantial heights, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Empty heading WORKING CONDITIONS

Required to work on evenings, weekends, and holidays and monitor radio traffic on 24-hour shifts as assigned.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.7% at 57) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 3.0% at 55 formula with single highest year.
  
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
  
• Term Life insurance - Based on Annual Salary.
• Two complete sets of uniforms are provided and $900 per year is paid thereafter as a uniform allowance.
  
• 10 working days vacation per year plus holiday credit. Additional days based on years of service.
  
• 12 days sick leave per year.
  
• A long-term disability insurance program is available.
  
• Education incentive program.
  
• A mandatory wellness/fitness program.
  
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
  
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
  
• Bilingual certification - an additional 2% of base salary for successful completion of city administered bilingual certification test.

Closing Date/Time: 5/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$124,281.60 - $151,065.00 Annually