Description
The City of Visalia is recruiting for the position of Fire Battalion Chief. Please
click here for the recruitment announcement.
THE DEPARTMENT
For more than 150 years, the Visalia Fire Department has provided protection and service to the residents of Visalia. The Department is an all-risk agency operating out of six fire stations, staffing five engines, two trucks and two paramedic squad units. All apparatus provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) and are staffed with at least one paramedic. Fire stations are strategically located to provide service to the approximate 145,000 residents and the many visitors stopping on their way to the Sequoia National Park and other events. The well-trained, professional personnel of the Visalia Fire Department respond to more than 17,000 calls for service each year to include Fire, EMS, Rescues and Hazardous Materials. The Visalia Fire Department is the host agency of the Tulare-Kings County Interagency Hazardous Materials Response Team and responds and trains in coordination with adjacent agencies. The Fire Prevention Division is staffed with a Fire Marshal and three inspectors and is responsible for fire prevention, public education, inspections and investigations. The Training Division operates out of Fire Station 55 with a dedicated classroom and a two-story training building equipped with propane burning capabilities. The nearly 80 operations personnel of the Visalia Fire Department dedicated to protecting all through excellent service.
Examples of Duties
THE POSITION
The Battalion Chief will perform supervisory, managerial and administrative duties in support of the mission of the Visalia Fire Department. The Battalion Chief will also provide leadership, mentorship and direction to an assigned shift to ensure operational readiness of the Department objectives. Examples include organization of shift training, incident command, incident report review, policy review, budget preparation, daily staffing, performance evaluations, personnel development, community relations, fire prevention and other related duties as required.
Qualifications / Requirements
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and experienced individual who demonstrates a strong background in fire operations, emergency response management and leadership within a fire department. The individual will have a proven ability to lead, mentor and inspire fire personnel in both routine and high-pressure situations. The ideal candidate will possess good decision-making skills and a history of fostering a positive, efficient work environment. The ideal candidate will have strong verbal and written communication skills for collaboration with other departments and agencies and be capable of delivering clear and effective directives. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to safety, innovation and the highest ethical standards with the ability to adapt to new challenges while remaining mission focused.
Experience And Education
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skill and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skill and abilities would be:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Fire Technology, Public Administration or related field.
- Two (2) years of experience as a Fire Captain or comparable position, with experience in the development and administration of programs within a fire department and with demonstrated ability to make effective contributions to a management team.
- Qualified to act as a Battalion Chief or equivalent.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License upon hire.
- Possession of a current EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certification.
- Haz Mat IC/Scene Manager (CSTI) Certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment.
- CSFM Chief Officer or Chief Fire Officer Certification is desirable.
Please click here for a detailed job description.
Additional Information
PHYSICAL STANDARDS
Lift and carry heavy equipment and people; endure long periods of extreme heat and physical exertion; enter burning areas and other hazardous life-threatening situations; and may sit for long periods of time.
SELECTION PROCESS
Application and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be most qualified will be invited to participate in a job related interview and/or examination process. Successful candidates may be required to pass a background, physical examination, and/or drug screen.
Compensation And Benefits
The City of Visalia offers a competitive total compensation package that includes:
Monthly Salary: $10,851 - $13,641
CalPERS retirement program
Health, Dental and Vision InsuranceOnsite City Health and Wellness Clinic (no out of pocket expenses)
Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick LeaveLongevity Pay
Tuition Reimbursement and much more...
Review the Benefits tab for more information.
Community Overview
If work-life balance is important to you, consider living in a thriving community that offers the most affordable housing in California with a typical commute time of less than 20 minutes. With a population of over 145,000, Visalia offers small town charm with metropolitan amenities. Visalia has a world class health care system, our own Sequoia Symphony Orchestra, a flourishing arts community, a minor league baseball team, a downtown convention center, and numerous fine dining establishments.
As the Tulare County seat, Visalia is the principal retail center in the region, and home to several large industrial employers. Visalia has a vibrant downtown district, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, institutions for higher learning, and low cost of living. The City has many community parks, organized team sports, a municipal golf course and private country club, a multi-sport family-oriented regional sports park, and numerous outdoor and recreational activities.
Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, Visalia offers easy access to the nearby mountains, national parks, lakes and rivers which provide year-round opportunities for sports and recreation within an hour or less. Visalia was ranked as the top Central Valley community and one of seven California cities in the top 25 of Gallup Sharecare's latest State of American Well Being Index. Our strong sense of community and social well-being keeps Visalians happy, healthy and moving forward. Come discover all Visalia has to offer!
The City of Visalia is an equal opportunity employer.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. Please refer to the Compensation and Benefit Summary for further information.
Bargaining Unit: Employees in this class are unrepresented.
Salary Policies: The salary range for the job is stated on the job announcement. Candidates are normally hired at the minimum of the salary range. Salary increases are given based upon employee work performance, up to a maximum of 5% per fiscal year.
Longevity Pay: Excluding Police Captains, Confidential/Unrepresented employees are eligible for longevity pay based on all years of full-time service with the City of Visalia as a percentage of base wages at the following intervals: 2.0% at 5+ years, 10+ years, 15+ years, and 20+ years. Police Captains are eligible for longevity pay based on all years of full-time service with the City of Visalia as a percentage of base wages at the following intervals: 2.5% at 5+ years, 10+ years, 15+ years, and 20+ years. Prior full-time law enforcement officer experience may be counted toward years of service in determining longevity pay for Police Captains.
Fire Battalion Chief Shift Coverage Pay/Strike Team Assignment: Fire Battalion Chiefs are provided an annual shift coverage stipend of $1,250 paid in the paycheck covering the first pay period in November. In addition, when a Battalion Chief is required to cover an extra shift, they receive $1, 250 for coverage of shifts lasting 12-24 hours and $625 for shift coverage lasting 6-12 hours.
Police Captain POST Certificate Pay: Police Captains who hold and maintain POST certificates will be compensated as a percent of base pay rate as follows: a) Intermediate – 3%; b) Advanced – 2%; c) Supervisory – 1%; d) Management – 1%.
Bilingual pay of $900 per year, pro-rated per pay period, is available to those who qualify.
Uniforms and Uniform Maintenance: For Fire Battalion Chiefs, the City currently provides the necessary uniforms, boots, and safety equipment as needed to perform the job. The City also currently provides uniform cleaning. Police Captains receive an annual uniform allowance of $1,100 for the provision and maintenance of appropriate uniforms and equipment. Police Captains are responsible for acquiring, cleaning, and replacing uniforms as necessary. The uniform allowance is calculated and paid bi-weekly as part of regular payroll.
Holidays: Regular full-time City employees receive 11 paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year. In lieu of holidays and floating holidays recognized by the City, Fire Battalion Chiefs on shift (48/96 schedule) will receive holiday pay equivalent to 6 shifts (144 hours) per year, prorated and paid in the pay period the designated holiday falls.
Vacation: Regular full-time employees earn 10 days per year. After 2 years, employees are eligible for 11 days; after 4 years, 14 days; after 9 years, 17 days; and after 16 years, 20 days of vacation per year. Employees are eligible for vacation usage after six (6) months of service. Employees hired from another governmental agency may be entitled to receive years-of-service credit for their vacation accrual rate for such previous employment and applies only to the government agency the employee was employed with immediately prior to employment with the City of Visalia.
Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees earn 96 hours of sick leave per year. Battalion Chiefs on shift (48/96 schedule) receive one day (24 hours) per two months of service. Employees are eligible for sick leave usage after three (3) months of service.
Annual Sick Leave Buy Back: For employees covered under the Sick Leave I provision of the policy, the City will automatically cash out all sick leave hours over 480 hours at 50% of the employee's base rate of pay.
Administrative Leave: Employees classified as FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime pay) currently receive 56 hours of administrative leave per calendar year credited in January. Any unused administrative leave hours are automatically paid out on the first paycheck in December.
Compensatory Time Off: Regular full-time employees classified as FLSA non-exempt (eligible for overtime pay) receive 16 hours compensatory time off per calendar year credited in January.
Health Insurance: The City provides employee health insurance which includes medical, dental, and vision care. Employee contribution rates are determined by employee's bargaining unit and plan selected. Health benefits are also available for an employee's dependents for an additional contribution rate. Eligibility for health insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire. Contribution rates are reviewed for adjustment annually.
Life Insurance: The City pays the premium for a life insurance and accidental death or dismemberment policy of $30,000. A supplemental life insurance policy may be purchased and paid through payroll deduction. Eligibility for life insurance benefits begins on the first of the month after the date of hire.
Retirement: The City of Visalia is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). New employees are covered under the 2% @ 62 plan. [Employees with previous CalPERS qualifying service (Classic employees) may fall under the 2% @ 60 plan.] Each pay period, the employee pays an employee contribution at the CalPERS established rate. The City pays an employer contribution towards the retirement benefit and employees are responsible for contributing 4% of the employer contribution in addition to the required employee contribution.
Safety employees (Police Captains & Fire Battalion Chiefs) are covered under the 2.7% @ 57 plan. [Employees with previous PERS qualifying service (Classic employees) may fall under the 3% @ 55 plan.] Each pay period, the employee pays an employee contribution at the CalPERS established rate. The City pays an employer contribution towards the retirement benefit and employees are responsible for contributing 3% of the employer contribution in addition to the required employee contribution.
Social Security/FICA: City employees are not subject to regular Social Security (FICA) deductions. However, Federal law requires that the Medicare portion of the FICA is deducted.
Section 125: The City offers a voluntary Section 125 program whereby tax free contributions are put into a trust account and are available for withdrawal with documentation of an unreimbursed healthcare or dependent care expense (i.e. premium, dependent care, medical care).
Long Term Disability: Regular full-time City employees are eligible for disability insurance (up to 2/3 of their salary) in the event they are disabled for more than ninety (90) days. LTD premium cost is paid by the employee.
Worker's Compensation: Full-time and hourly employees who sustain an occupational injury or contract occupational illnesses receive standard Worker's Compensation benefits as prescribed by law.
Other Benefits: The City also offers additional benefits such as an employee assistance program (EAP), a pre-tax deferred compensation plan, education assistance up to $2,500 per fiscal year, as well as a City-sponsored clinic staffed by clinicians 6 days per week available to all full-time employees and covered dependents. Services include general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.
As a potential applicant, you are about to participate in a series of events collectively called the employment process. Because the goal of the employment process is to obtain the most qualified candidates to fill City positions, examinations are administered to qualified applicants. These examinations are conducted in a variety of ways (written, oral, practical, and/or performance), yet they share a common purpose - to test applicants based upon the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job.
The employment process occurs in several stages which are described below:
Application: Perspective employees must submit a City of Visalia application and other documents required as outlined in the announcement by the closing time specified on the final filing date. Final filing dates and times are listed on the front of each announcement. Separate original applications must be submitted for each recruitment/position applied for.
Examination: Applicants will be evaluated and applicants who clearly appear to be more qualified in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be invited to take an examination or combination of examinations. Written, practical, oral, and/or performance examination scores, or a pre-determined combined examination score, will determine standing on the eligible list.
Exam Accommodations: If you are most qualified for the job, but need reasonable accommodations to take the exam, contact the Human Resources Division at least five (5) days prior to the exam. We want to work with you to design a fair and effective means by which you can demonstrate your ability to perform the essential functions of this job. Be prepared to furnish proof of the need for accommodation. Such proof should normally be a signed statement on letterhead by a professional who is qualified to make a diagnosis.
Eligible lists: Eligible lists contain names, in descending order of score, of applicants who have obtained passing scores. Eligible lists are maintained for no less than six (6) months and no more than one year unless otherwise determined by Human Resources. The City retains the authority to reestablish an eligible list for a specific job opening when deemed necessary. Separate eligible lists are established for each recruitment.
Selection: A departmental interview is conducted with the top candidates from the eligible list. The number of candidates interviewed depends on the number of vacancies.
Background Review: Depending on the position, prospective employees will be subject to clearing a background investigation which may include, but is not limited to, a reference check, credit check, criminal history review, social security verification, DMV record check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation.
Post Offer Medical Examination: Prior to starting work, all prospective employees are required to take a drug/alcohol screening administered by the City's medical provider and/or pass a medical examination. Candidates are cautioned not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.
Probationary Period: Employees appointed to a new position through an open or promotional process are required to serve a twelve (12) month probationary period in their newly appointed position. An employee may be terminated without recourse for any reason and at any time during the probationary period.
Immigration Law: Prior to employment, applicants will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, alien registration, or authorization to work in the United States at time of appointment, and complete an I-9 form. Failure to do so within three (3) days from date of hire may be cause for termination. Once hired, failure to maintain authorization to work in the United States may be cause for termination of employment.
Driver's License: Some City positions may require possession of a valid California Driver's License. Employees may also be required to submit a DMV printout with proof of automobile insurance as some positions may require the use of your vehicle on the job. Additionally, employees may be required to drive City vehicles or equipment.
Non-Smoking Policy: A non-smoking ordinance adopted by the City provides a smoke-free environment.
Drug-Free Workplace: The City is a drug-free workplace and has adopted a comprehensive substance abuse policy.
Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy: A zero-tolerance discrimination and anti-harassment policy adopted by the City provides employees and volunteers with a professional work environment in which they are not exposed to harassment and illegal discrimination of any kind.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
01
Describe your experience as a Fire Officer. Discuss any special assignments, project responsibilities, and administrative duties you have been responsible for, including the functions you performed and length of time you performed these functions.
02
Describe your management style and skills, including your experience in planning, directing, training and evaluating the work of assigned personnel. Indicate the size and level of the staff you manage.
03
Describe the types of reports you have prepared and to whom you submitted the information. List examples of those reports and include any presentations you have made.
04
Describe your educational achievements as it relates to the position of Battalion Chief. Include any college degrees, technical training, and/or professional certifications (e.g. Fire Officer, Chief Officer, etc.).
05
Are you currently approved by your agency to act as a Battalion Chief?