Career Opportunity – Battalion Chief – Laguna Beach Fire

The Battalion Chief will report directly to the Fire Chief and supervise sworn fire suppression personnel, including Fire Captains, Fire Engineers, Firefighters and Reserve Volunteer Firefighters. This position is also responsible for supervising civilian personnel assigned to the Fire Department, including, but not limited to, the Administrative Assistant and part-time fire prevention personnel.

The City’s online application, a resume, cover letter and certificates serving to verify required qualifications must be received by the filing deadline of January 9, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.

A preliminary screening assessment will be performed and a limited number of applicants will proceed to an evaluation process designed to predict successful job performance. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee participation in this process.

Selected applicants will engage in an interview panel, emergency simulations exercises and an administrative writing exercise. Other evaluation components may be utilized as well.

The appointing authority will further review the job related qualifications of those deemed desirable for hire before making a selection decision.

Coming Changes to PERS Retirement Benefits

The City of Laguna Beach participates in the CalPERS retirement program. Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired sworn fire management employees who are new CalPERS members, as defined by the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (“PEPRA”), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% at 57 defined benefit plan and, effective July 1, 2013, contribute at least 50% of the plan’s total normal cost (currently estimated at approximately 10.5% of salary but subject to change). Under PEPRA, after June 30, 2013, the City cannot pay any new members’ CalPERS contributions.

Successful job applicants who are currently enrolled in CalPERS or are otherwise CalPERS “classic members” will participate in the City’s 3.0% at 55 defined benefit plan and the City will pay the 9% employee-paid member contribution.

The City does not participate in Social Security, however employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare.

This position responds to fire alarms occurring during tour of duty; deploys personnel and firefighting equipment for most effective fire scene management; manages technical rescue responses such as remote area rescues, high and low angle cliff rescues, building collapses, landslides and major storm/flood events; manages hazardous material incidents; manages ocean rescue incidents working in unified command with lifeguard command staff personnel; and manages major medical responses including vehicle extrication.

The Battalion Chief may be required to attend meetings or functions on behalf of the Fire Chief.

This position makes thorough and regular inspections of all engine companies, their personnel and equipment; assumes responsibility for cleanliness of quarters, apparatus and equipment and for the operation of all fire equipment and appliances. Personally supervises drills and instructs in advance phases of firefighting methods; maintains discipline; enforces all rules and regulations and any special orders; assigns personnel for special duty or detail; attends staff meetings, advises on training and drill programs, scheduling, firefighting techniques, coordination of drills, apparatus and equipment maintenance and repair.

Answering requests for information, serving as a public speaker, or in other public relations capacities will be required. Specialized assignments that require considerable public contact and a high degree of diplomacy are included in the duties of this position. This may include community presentations and City Council meeting presentations.

This position will be responsible for the disciplinary process of lower level employees up to and including termination.

This position may also be required to participate in in-county and out-of-county strike team responses.

The Fire Battalion Chief presently works a 9/80 work schedule with Duty Officer/On-Call Incident Commander coverage during evenings, weekends, and/or holidays for emergencies in the Laguna Beach area.

The City requires the Battalion Chief and Division Chiefs to live within a response pattern that provides the ability to maintain chief officer coverage during emergency events. The residence of the selected candidate shall not exceed a twelve mile, driving distance response from Fire Station 2 which is located at 285 Agate St. Laguna Beach 92651. Until response requirements are met the candidate may stay at a fire station for a period not to exceed six months.

Education: Minimum educational requirements include the equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by a minimum of 60 college units. A Bachelor or Master’s Degree is highly desirable.

Experience: At least eight years of fire service experience in a full-time career municipal fire department, including four years of experience in fire suppression serving in the capacity of Fire Captain. Reserve, volunteer, or part-time experience is not considered qualifying experience.

Also Required: Demonstrated ability and experience performing responsible staff-related or administrative assignments, i.e., personnel, budget, special projects, operations, fire prevention, EMS Officer duties and training, supervison and/or management.

Highly Desirable Experience: Managing private and public helicopter resources in a wildfire environment and remote rescue situations. Experience working in a municipal EOC or DOC. Experience working in unified command situations with fire, law enforcement and municipal public works departments.

License/Certificate Requirements:

The minimum required certifications for the position shall include current EMT and the possession of Fire Officer Certification from the California Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Certifications – Highly Desirable:

Chief Officer

Completion of the following California Incident Command Certifications and/or NWCG courses: Strike Team Leader, Safety Officer, S-290 and S-270.

Knowledge of, or certifications in, California State Fire Marshal Rescue Systems 1 and 2

Knowledge of, or certifications in, Swift Water Rescue and ocean rescue management

Due to the performance of field duties which require the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid California Class B (Limited Fire Service-manual endorsement) driver’s license, or a valid class C license with a firefighter endorsement and a good driving record are required.

The principles, practices and procedures of modern fire prevention and inspection, firefighting and of the saving of lives and property; rules and regulations of the Fire Department; operation and maintenance of the types of apparatus and the equipment used by the Fire Department coupled with the ability to direct the efficient use of such apparatus and equipment; principles and practices involved in training Fire Department personnel; water mains, fire hydrants, geography and major fire hazards of the City; first aid and resuscitation practices.

Ability to:

The ability to participate in a team approach to problem solving within the Fire Department and with all other City Departments.

Administer first aid and operate resuscitation equipment; lead personnel effectively and maintain discipline; maintain records and submit reports; plan, organize and conduct an effective training program; project a strong leadership and management presence; independently manage and complete multiple projects; perform as a problem-solver and team player who is willing and able to provide viable alternatives and solutions; utilize effective oral and written communication skills and make professional presentations to City Council, commissions, boards and committees, and local civic groups; establish positive working relationships with City management, staff, community groups, residents and members of the business community.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus and read gauges, documents and street maps. Must be able to operate heavy motor equipment at maximum operating efficiency consistent with needs, safety, and mechanical limitations of the equipment; work at heights greater than ten feet; and perceive red, yellow, and blue colors to recognize hazards identified by fire diamonds.

Must be able to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing job duties; work for long periods of time, requiring sustained physical activity and intense concentration; rely on sense of sight and hearing to help determine the nature of an emergency and make operational decisions; comprehend and make inferences from material written in the English language.

Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the outdoor elements; work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others; and make fine, highly controlled muscular movements to adjust the position of control mechanisms such as operating levers, pedals, and valves.

The incumbent must be able to learn job-related material through structured lecture and reading and through oral instruction and observation (this learning takes place in both a classroom setting and in an on-the-job training setting); and observe or monitor objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.

Additional requirements include the ability to bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to perform emergency medical services, or perform duties on the fire ground; and perform duties requiring frequent pulling of 40 pounds or more, such as removing hose from apparatus, pulling ceilings, starting power equipment, and opening doors on the apparatus.

The incumbent must be able to understand apparatus limitations as related to apparatus response and fire suppression activities; lift arms above shoulder level to cut vent holes with an axe or to force entry into automobiles using specialized tools; and use Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and protective clothing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials and infectious diseases.

Must be able to lift and carry 25 pounds of weight (in addition to one’s own body weight) while ascending/descending stairs and fire department ladders; to operate at higher elevations in relation to the ground, and do so with mobility and flexibility without jeopardizing the safety of self or other members; and to perform physically demanding activities during sustained operations.

Employees in this position must perform tasks requiring strength and stamina, such as dragging objects weighing up to 165 pounds a distance of 70 feet; sitting, standing, walking on uneven or slippery surfaces; kneeling, bending, twisting, turning, stooping, squatting, grasping and crawling; ascending and descending stairs and ladders; working both inside and outside with exposure to extreme weather conditions, odors, dust and pollen; working in situations which may result in exposure to chemicals, skin irritants, fumes and solvents; frequent hand and arm motion. Hand and finger dexterity must be sufficient to use small tools; the incumbent must be able to turn and bend his/her neck. Additional requirements include the ability to communicate verbally, including projecting a voice that can be heard in a noisy environment and the ability to hear and distinguish various sounds, such as alarms, voices of co-workers and warning horns or sirens in both quiet and noisy environments.

The ability to stand, walk, bend and reach at, above or below shoulder height for extended periods of time is also required. The incumbent must be able to have sustained concentration and prolonged commitment to job tasks; interpersonal skills sufficient to work closely with others on a team; and high level cognitive, interpretive or judgment skills. Employees holding this position must have the ability to demonstrate flexibility in work environments, and perform a variety of frequently changing tasks. The ability to plan, negotiate, direct, control and monitor other’s activities and the ability to work alone effectively under stress in situations dangerous to self or others is necessary. Additionally, an incumbent must have the ability to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

website: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/lagunabeach/default.cfm?action=viewjob&JobID=566255&ViewSupp=Yes&headerfooter=1&WDDXJobSearchParams=

Republished 12/21/12 2150 Hours PST