Battalion Chief (Training / Safety Officer)

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Associates in Fire Science or two years of college preferred.
• Ten years of experience in fire or emergency medical service work, two years of which must have been equivalent to the officer level or higher.

• Extensive knowledge of modern fire suppression and prevention and emergency medical services principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Extensive knowledge of first aid and resuscitation techniques and their application as demonstrated through State EMT license.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, departmental standard operating procedures and regulations.
• Ability to train and supervise subordinate personnel.
• Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
• Ability to effectively give and receive verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors and the public; and ability to meet the special requirements listed below.
• Ability to meet the special requirements listed below.

• No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories within the past seven years.
• Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.
• Must be able to read and write the English language.
• Must be able to meet Department physical standards.
• Residency requirement: See personnel rules Sec. 2.56.1030, City of Hobbs Fire Department Administrative Policy on residency requirements
• Must be in compliance with City of Hobbs Fire Department Certification and Licensure Policy.

• Must possess IFSAC Fire Officer I Certification.
• Must possess IFSAC Fire Service Instructor I Certification.
• Must possess IFSAC Fire Officer II Certification, or obtain within one year of appointment to the position
• Must possess National Registry AEMT, state equivalent or higher. Must possess or obtain HazMat Technician Certification (within one year from the date of appointment)
• Must obtain and maintain an active State Fire Academy Adjunct Instructor status within one (1) year from date of appointment.
• Must possess or obtain Blue Card Instructor Train the Trainer within one (1) year from the date of appointment.
• Must possess or obtain BLS Instructor Certification within one year from date of appointment. This certification must be maintained, including all updates by AHA.
• Ability to complete Incident Safety Officer and Health and Safety Officer Certifications
• Must possess or obtain a valid New Mexico class E driver’s license (or state equivalent upon hire.)
• Must posses or obtain IFSAC Fire Service Instructor II Certification within one year of appointment to the position.

Under the general supervision from the Deputy Chief and/or his/her designee, performs a variety of administrative, supervisory and technical work in planning, coordinating, directing and delivering training activities in the areas of Fire, EMS, Haz-Mat, ARFF, Rescue and other specialized areas. Maintains proficiency of job knowledge and skills through training and personal/professional development.

Essential Duties

• Regular attendance is required to perform the duties of this position.
• Reviews, evaluates, develops, implements and documents Fire and EMS training sessions, safety meetings and programs.
• Maintains current Fire, Haz-Mat, ARFF, Safety and other specialized certification records and training session records. Assists with maintaining EMS records and training sessions.
• Responds to emergencies as required; may assume command and/or safety officer role as needed.
• Adheres to all applicable Federal, State, County and Local regulations in regards to safety, training and management of training programs.
• Develops preventative/corrective actions to reduce workplace incidents.
• Conducts fire and EMS related training/safety drills in order to reinforce classroom-learned skills.
• Coordinates and instructs recruit training academies.
• Develops plans for special assignments such as emergency preparedness, communications, training programs, safety, firefighting, EMS, hazardous materials, and emergency aid activities.
• Creates training plan and submits at the start of each new year.
• Presents programs to the community on safety, medical, and fire prevention topics.
• Assists the Fire Chief with budget preparation and administration of State Fire Protection Funds.
• Assists in the preparation of apparatus and equipment specifications, including fire and EMS apparatus.
• Acts as Deputy Chief or Fire Chief during their absence as assigned.
• Monitors and observes activities to ensure that conduct and performance conform to department standards.
• Directs work of Captains; supervises through subordinate officers all operational duties, including emergent and non-emergent functions.
• Prepares a variety of reports and records regarding the department’s activities including personnel records, EMS, fire, training, and requisitions.
• Performs performance evaluations and disciplinary actions on assigned personnel
• Assists in reviewing, evaluating, developing and implementing programs, policies and procedures for various departmental operations.
• Cooperates with other municipal and rural fire personnel and various law enforcement officers as appropriate where activities and incidents demand.
• Assists in preparing a variety of reports and records regarding the Department’s activities.
• Assists in reviewing, evaluating, developing and implementing programs, policies and procedures for various departmental operations.

The duties listed above 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.

Non-Essential Duties

• May serve on various employee committees, as required and assigned.
• Performs the duties of subordinate personnel as needed.
• Attends conferences and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field.
• Represents the City Fire/EMS Department in a variety of local, county, state and other meetings.
• Coordinates activities with other supervisors or other City departments and exchanges information with officers in other fire departments.
• Maintains contact with general public, department officers and other City officials in the performance of fire department activities.