Summary Description
THIS IS A CLOSED PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR CURRENT CITY OF SAN MARCOS EMPLOYEES ONLY
The City of San Marcos Fire Department is currently accepting qualified applications for the Fire Battalion Chief Position.
The City Of San Marcos Fire Department Is Participating In The 2025 North Zone Regional Fire Battalion Chief Test. Several Agencies Within The North Zone Will Be Participating In This Joint Assessment Process. Currently, The Agencies Participating In This Joint Assessment Process Are
- City of Carlsbad
- North County Fire Protection District
- City of Oceanside
- City of San Marcos
- City of Vista
- City of Escondido
Applicants interested in applying to multiple agencies participating in the 2025 North Zone Regional Fire Battalion Chief test must apply to
each agency separately through their specific job announcement and submit complete applications to each agency by their respective closing date. Candidates who apply with multiple agencies will be required to go through the assessment center only
once. Assessment scores will be shared among the agencies that invite the same qualified candidates to this testing process. Agencies may require additional assignments depending upon their departments' process.
The 2025 North Zone Regional Fire Battalion Chief's Assessment Center will include: a pre-assigned Oral Presentation, Simulations and a Technical Oral Interview. Once the application period has closed, the most qualified candidates will be invited to the selection process and testing date/time will be confirmed. Candidates will be emailed the Oral Presentation instructions after the application deadline closes.
City of San Marcos Fire Department Application and Exam Process:
Application Period Opens: March 26, 2025
Application Period Closes: 5:30pm, May 1, 2025
Oral Presentation Submission Deadline: 5:30pm, May 5, 2025
Exam Process: May 15 , 2025
Chief's Interview: TBD
- Instructions to complete the Oral Presentation will be sent to the candidates in a separate email after the application deadline.
- A copy of your Oral Presentation should be emailed to Stacy Armacost at SArmacost@san-marcos.net by the deadline date/time as outlined in the BC application job posting.
Position
This position reports directly to the Operations Division Chief and is a member of the Fire Department Management Team. Under general direction, performs management, technical and administrative work in commanding and coordinating fire emergency operations, EMS procedures, training, fire prevention, public education, disaster preparedness, communication, facility/equipment maintenance, and other related programs and services; provides responsible and technical staff assistance; implements program goals and objectives; oversees and supervises assigned staff.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a self-starter, highly motivated, capable of embracing innovative management principles, and enjoys the challenge of blending traditional fire service values with modern business practices. Candidates should possess qualities of leadership, integrity, and competency to safely deliver the highest level of customer service. The ability to develop cooperative relationships with other City Departments and community organizations is crucial in fulfilling the responsibilities of the Fire Battalion Chief. Qualified candidates must possess well-developed analytical skills and have sound decision-making abilities while working in a command role at all types of emergency incidents. Persons hired for this position must be dedicated and self-disciplined, assuring that the Department's high operational standards are maintained.
Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to, those listed in the below Representatives Duties section and the Fire Battalion Chief's job description. At times, this position will be required to provide duty chief coverage, both on and off duty, to maintain appropriate Fire Department administrative support.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
56-HOUR BATTALION CHIEF
Functions as a Shift Commander, with primary responsibility to assure that assigned personnel, apparatus, equipment, and facilities are maintained in appropriate readiness to respond to a variety of emergency calls for service.
Directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of assigned shift within the Fire Department including operations, training, facility/equipment maintenance, EMS, fire prevention, disaster preparedness, public education, and related programs.
Serves as Duty Chief for assigned shift; responds to emergency incidents as required by departmental policy and assumes command of incident unless relieved of command by a superior officer.
May be assigned management responsibility for assigned programs and activities including operations, training, facility/equipment maintenance, EMS, disaster preparedness, public education, grant awards and related programs and services.
Coordinates assigned activities with other shifts, divisions, departments, and outside agencies.
Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for departmental programs and services; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned shift; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; trains fire personnel as needed, reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
Participates in the selection and evaluation of assigned personnel; prepares performance evaluations of Company Captains and reviews evaluations for shift personnel as assigned; implements discipline and termination procedures.
Participates in the development and administration of the Department's annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
Assists in the purchasing, maintenance, and inventory of all fire related equipment, vehicles, and property including communication equipment, vehicles and related equipment, and safety equipment.
Trains fire personnel in the use of a variety of fire equipment, station equipment and communication equipment as necessary.
Prepares a variety of public information materials; conducts or has subordinates conduct public information/education classes related to fire prevention, hazardous materials, disaster preparedness and other department activities.
Serves as the liaison for assigned shift to other shifts, divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention, suppression, training, disaster preparedness and EMS.
Prepares and maintains accurate reports, data, and records.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Performs Other Related Duties As Required.
40-HOUR BATTALION CHIEF
Responds to emergency incidents as required by departmental policy and assumes command of incident unless relieved of command by a superior officer.
May be assigned management responsibility for assigned programs and activities including operations, training, facility/equipment maintenance, EMS, disaster preparedness, public education, grant awards and related programs and services.
Coordinates assigned activities with other shifts, divisions, departments, and outside agencies.
Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for departmental programs and services; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; trains fire personnel as needed, reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
Participates in the selection and evaluation of assigned personnel; prepares performance evaluations and reviews evaluations for staff as assigned; implements discipline and termination procedures.
Participates in the development and administration of the Department's annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
Assists in the purchasing, maintenance, and inventory of all fire related equipment, vehicles, and property including communication equipment, vehicles and related equipment, and safety equipment.
Trains fire personnel in the use of a variety of fire equipment, station equipment and communication equipment as necessary.
Prepares a variety of public information materials; conducts or has subordinates conduct public information/education classes related to fire prevention, hazardous materials, disaster preparedness and other department activities.
Serves as the liaison for assigned division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention, suppression, training, disaster preparedness and EMS.
Prepares and maintains accurate reports, data, and records.
Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Qualifications
Performs other related duties as required.
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge Of
Command functions at all types of emergency incidents; firefighting and EMS procedures and equipment; fire ground tactics and strategy; emergency incident management, specifically the Incident Command System (ICS); principles of incident safety; automatic and mutual aid agreements; hazardous materials incident management; confined space and technical rescue techniques; hazardous materials, fire prevention procedures and related codes; rescue operations and procedures; California vehicular laws related to operation of various firefighting and rescue apparatus; principles and practices of program development and administration; principles and practices of training program development and implementation; fire science theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of emergency service operations including fire suppression, fire prevention, and fire investigation; operational characteristics of fire apparatus and equipment including Code 3 driving techniques; modern fire loss and fire prevention principles, methods and practices; principles and practices of Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Management, and Homeland Security program development and administration; geography and street layout of the City and surrounding area; laws and regulations pertaining to fire and emergency medical services operations; personal protective equipment; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases; departmental Policy and Procedures, Manual of Operations; principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration; principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; algebraic and arithmetic computations; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; principles and practices of customer service.
Ability To
Oversee and participate in the management of fire suppression, prevention, emergency medical services, training and disaster preparedness program services and activities; perform competently in dynamic, highly stressful situations; command fire department staff and operate vehicles and radios; work extended hours and days to meet operational needs; oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff; select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; effectively work with contractors and manage contract agreements; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; participate in the development and administration of department goals, objectives and procedures; prepare and administer large program budgets; prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports; meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public in all types of situations; collect, analyze and evaluate data and be able to prepare and deliver clear and concise written and oral management reports; react quickly and calmly in all types of emergency situations; speak effectively before public gatherings; research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques; operate modern office equipment and computers; interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations; demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education And Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Fire Science, Fire Administration, Public Administration or a related field is highly desirable upon appointment.
Experience
Seven years of full-time fire service experience in an agency providing a full range of urban fire protection services including three years administrative and supervisory responsibility at the level of Captain.
License or Certificate
The following license and certifications are required to be maintained
Throughout Employment And Are Not Subject To Waiver
- Valid California Driver License – Class C with Firefighter Endorsement
- State of California/National Registry EMT-B License
- San Diego County EMT- B Accreditation
- Current CPR Certificate, BLS-C
- Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Fire Officer Certification issued by the State of California
- FEMA IS-700 and IS-800 Certification
- Hazardous Materials Incident Commander Certificate
Copies of the above documents must be submitted with your application package .
Required By Time Of Appointment
- Completion of Battalion Chief Position Task book
- Strike Team Leader Course Completion Certificate and CICCS/ROSS Trainee Status
Special Requirements: All fire service employees hired after July 1, 1992, shall remain non-smokers throughout their employment as a member of the San Marcos Fire Department.
Federal or State Felony Convictions: Must have no convictions.
Work Schedule: Currently the Battalion Chief position is a 56-hour workweek. Successful candidates may be required to work a 40 hour workweek based on departmental business needs.
DMV: Must maintain a satisfactory driving record.
Vehicle: Based on assignment, Battalion Chief's are provided an emergency vehicle to assist in the performance of their duties.
Residency Requirement: Must live within the Department residency boundary within one year of appointment. At a minimum, residency must be maintained in order to achieve a 45 minute emergency callback time.
