DEFINITION/SELECTION PROCESS
THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN ONLY TO CURRENT REGULAR FULL-TIME OR REGULAR PART-TIME (BUDGETED) EMPLOYEES. THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE VACANCIES. Interested applicants must submit on-line application -- NO paper applications will be accepted.
If you forget your password, have application login problems, or get an error message during the application process, please call the NeoGov helpline at 1-855-524-5627 for assistance.
Incentives Available
- Education Incentive - Up to 5% with proof of certification & approval from Fire Chief
- USAR - 2% with proof of required certifications
Under direction of the Fire Chief on an assigned shift, the
Battalion Fire Chief is a sworn division management position with broad administrative responsibility of assigned department-wide functions, such as operations, emergency services, emergency medical services, fire prevention, training, or general administration. The Battalion Fire Chief has administrative charge of daily staff and equipment deployment, incident command authority, budgeting authority, and other related responsibilities as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: Positions in the class of
Battalion Chief serve as the administrator in charge of an assigned department-wide function and take command of department operations during an assigned shift (in the absence of the Chief), particularly during emergency scene operations. Positions are subject to rotation.
EXAMINATION PROCESS: Based upon screening of the
City application, résumé, and
responses to supplemental questions, applicants whose qualifications best meet the requirements of the position will be invited to the examination process. This process may include, but is not limited to panel interview, oral presentation, and/or written exercise, which consists of an evaluation of some of the essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and job-related experience listed below. Those candidates who pass the examination process are placed on an eligibility list from which the final selection will be made.
SELECTION PROCESS: Candidates who pass the examination process are placed on an eligibility list that is valid for six months up to a maximum of one year from the date established, from which the final selection will be made. Subsequent screening may include a Chief's interview. The Chief may promote any candidate on the list, regardless of his/her ranking on the list. The Chief will at their discretion take into consideration the following criteria: candidate's past participation in department programs; current and past evaluations; education; experience; examination raters' comments and scores; and other relevant information. As authorized by City policy, applicants being considered for hire in this position are subject to fingerprinting for purposes of investigating criminal history background, as part of the employment screening process. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination (based upon job-related physical standards) by a City-designated physician.
Failure in any one part of the examination or selection processes will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.
Essential Functions/Examples Of Duties
The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the 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.
- Assumes administrative responsibility for assigned department-wide administrative functions.
- Plans, organizes, and implements fire department programs.
- Makes or recommends decisions regarding hiring, promotions, terminations, discipline, or other changes in status.
- Conducts fire, safety, health, and related inspections, issues notices of violation, and follows-up inspections.
- Reviews and recommends modification of codes, regulations, and ordinances.
- Directs and participates in public information programs, plans, organizes, and implements staff training programs presented by the department.
- Schedules, develops, and presents training programs for personnel.
- Conducts drills.
- Prepares operational budget components.
- Purchases budget items.
- Prepares budget recommendations.
- Directs the maintenance of buildings and equipment.
- Prepares administrative studies and reports.
- Assumes control of emergency scenes, making decisions and giving directions on strategies and tactics.
- Assumes responsibility for the operation of the department on an assigned shift.
- Prepares personnel performance evaluations.
- Responds to citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Develops and implements community relations and information programs.
- Receives, reads, and prepares department/division directives.
- Assumes the duties of the Fire Chief, as assigned.
- Participates in the Department's Battalion Chief Certification program.
- Performs related work as required.
If you are unable to perform the essential functions of the position for which you are applying, either with or without reasonable accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (805) 875-8208.
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position.
Education
- Graduation from high school or equivalent
- AS/AA degree from a recognized college with work in Fire Science, Fire Protection Engineering, Business and Management is highly desirable
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized four (4)-Year College or university with major course work in Fire Science, Fire Protection Engineering, Business and Management, Public Administration, or related field is highly desirable.
- California State Fire Chief Officer Certification is highly desirable.
EXPERIENCE:
- Five (5) years of increasingly responsible fire suppression experience.
- Two years of the five at a Fire Captain rank or higher.
License/Certification Required
- Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver's License; and
- Valid California Emergency Medical Technician Basic or Paramedic; and
- Completion of the Lompoc Fire Department Succession Task Book for Battalion Chief. Task book shall be required for all internal candidates and required 6 months after appointment for external candidates
Knowledge Of
- Principles of fire administration and general management and organization
- Modern fire suppression and prevention principles, methods, practices and techniques
- Principles of personnel development, supervision and training
- Principles of hydraulic and construction engineering
- Emergency medical techniques
- City geography and water systems
- Principles of correct English usage, grammar, and composition
- Basic mathematical and mechanical procedures
- Fire codes, standards and investigation procedures
- Building construction methods
- Hazardous materials and products
ABILITY TO:
- Perform responsible administrative work
- Assume responsibility for strategies, tactics, and decision-making at the scene of an emergency
- Supervise and evaluate supervisory level and shift personnel
- Conduct inspections
- Determine code and other requirements and enforce such requirements
- Prepare and present concise written and oral reports
- Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS: The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical: Strength category: Very Heavy- exert force over 100 pounds rarely, over 50 pounds rarely, or over 20 pounds occasionally to lift, carry, push pull or move objects when called upon to respond to an emergency. When working in the office, the strength category is Light-exert force to 20 pounds occasionally, or 10 pounds frequently, or negligible force constantly to lift, carry, push pull or move objects. May involve significant standing, walking, pushing and/or pulling, typing, sitting. Occasional standing, walking, bending. Rare to occasional stooping, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, twisting at the waist, handling, gripping, grasping, reaching at, above and below shoulder level, extending neck upward, downward and side to side. On rare occasions, crouching, crawling, kneeling, climbing ladders.
Vision: visual acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed.
Hearing: effectively hear/comprehend oral instructions and communication and equipment noise.
Mental/Psychological: Work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public, without exhibiting extreme responses; respond appropriately to criticism from supervisor; utilize complex reading, math and writing skills; understand, remember and carry out complex job instructions; respond quickly to changing situations under emergency pressures; maintain mental and emotional control in the face of extremely stressful situations; communicate effectively orally; work under pressure; work within deadlines; supervise other workers; train other workers.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Work in extremely hazardous conditions. Works both indoors and outdoors. Depending on the day’s assignments and the number and nature of emergency responses in a day, rarely to frequently is exposed to extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors, flames, solvents, grease, oil, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, electrical energy, and chemicals. Rarely to occasionally works at unprotected heights and in confined spaces. Occasionally works around machinery, uses a computer, drives motorized equipment/vehicles. On rare occasion works with explosives. Works both alone and with others. May be exposed to biohazards including blood borne pathogens and infectious diseases.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Employees in this classification may be required to utilize respirators in the course of their job duties or under emergency circumstance and thus must comply with California Code of Regulations Title 8 General Industry Safety Order 5144. Employees shall not wear beards, mustaches, sideburns, facial hair or other conditions in such a manner that may prevent or interfere with establishing and maintaining a proper seal of the respirator facemask. This requirement is implemented to ensure the safety and health of the employee.
The information herein does not either constitute an expressed or implied contract. These provisions are subject to change without notice.
Benefits
Job classes in this unit are subject to the City's Personnel Rules, Procedures, Policies, and the Management, Supervisory & Confidential ("MS&C") Compensation Plan. Benefits include the following:
Bilingual Pay: Individuals determined to be in an eligible position and qualified by the City will be eligible for $150 per month bilingual. Employees with both oral and written bilingual skills shall receive $190 per month bilingual pay.
Deferred Compensation: The City encourages and supports employee enrollment in either MissionSquare or CalPERS deferred compensation plan. Employees may contribute up to the maximum amount according to the IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits.
Dental Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following date of hire, employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents.
Health Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following date of hire, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents. Employees can select from four (4) Blue Shield plans including the Safety PPO plan.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employees are eligible to receive EAP services administered by Anthem Blue Cross. Employee, spouse, and eligible dependents are entitled to receive five (5) sessions per family member, per incident. Services include counseling for various reasons/needs.
Holidays: Thirteen (13) days per year including one floating holiday.
Life Insurance: The City provides life insurance in the amount equivalent to two years' annual salary up to a maximum of $300,000. The premium is paid entirely by the City. Employees are eligible for enrollment after the first day following six (6) months of continuous employment. Additional employee coverage is available at group rates.
Long-Term Disability Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following six complete months of employment, the employee is eligible for insurance. The City pays 100% of the premium.
Retirement: Third Tier -- Employees hired
after January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2.7% at age 57 safety retirement formula. Employees pay 50% of the normal cost of the member's contribution as prescribed by PEPRA. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.
Second Tier -- Employees hired
after November 19, 2011 and
before January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 3% at age 55 safety retirement formula. A nine percent (9%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.
First Tier -- Employees hired
prior to November 19, 2011 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 3% at age 50 safety retirement formula. A nine percent (9%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.
Social Security: As a City of Lompoc employee, your earnings are not covered by Social Security. Under the Social Security law, there are two ways your Social Security Benefit amount earned under previous employers may be affected, "Windfall Elimination Provision" and "Government Pension Offset Provision."
FOR MORE INFORMATION, please visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov. You may also call 1-800-772-1213 or for the deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778, or you may contact your local Social Security Office.
Section 125 Tax Deferral: Program used for out-of-pocket health premiums, medical costs not covered under health plan, and day care/elder care.
Sick Leave: Commencing at the time of appointment, sick leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate and the employee is eligible to use those benefits reflected as their sick leave balance; accrual rate is 12 days/year with unlimited accrual.
Tuition Reimbursement: The City will provide tuition reimbursement for college courses in accordance with Personnel Procedures Manual Chapter 43 "Tuition Reimbursement for College/University Courses." In addition, the City will provide community college students up to 100% tuition reimbursement and 100% reimbursement for required course books per semester. (Course syllabus and receipts identifying books purchased are required for books).
Uniform Allowance: For the cleaning and replacement of uniforms.
- Battalion Fire Chief -- $750 annual allowance
Vacation: Commencing at the time of appointment, vacation leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate based upon length of employment. Employees are eligible to use vacation leave following completion of six months employment and accrue 18 days each year, increasing to 28 days after 15 years (includes 8 days per year of management leave). For more benefit information, please review the Management, Supervisory & Confidential ("MS&C") Compensation Plan
here:
01
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration. "See Resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.
- Yes, I understand and agree
- No, I do not agree
02
Please acknowledge that you understand that a copy of your resume is required to apply for this position and that you've attached or will forward this mandatory documentation to Human Resources, at hr@ci.lompoc.ca.us prior to the closing date of this recruitment. Failure to do so by the closing date will result in disqualification from this recruitment.
03
What is the highest level of degree you possess; SPECIFICALLY in relating to Fire Science, Fire Protection Engineering or a related field?
- No Degree
- Associate Degree NOT related to Fire Science
- Bachelor's Degree NOT related to Fire Science
- Master's Degree NOT related to Fire Science
- Associate Degree / related to Fire Science
- Bachelor's Degree / related to Fire Science
- Master's Degree / related to Fire Science
04
Indicate how many courses of the California Fire Service Training and Educational System (or an equivalent agency) Chief Fire Officer Certification program you have completed.
- None
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Completed program and received certification
05
Indicate your level of increasingly responsible full-time professional fire suppression and/or fire prevention experience in a supervisory capacity.
- No experience
- Less than five (5) years
- Five (5) years
- Six (6) to seven (7) years
- Eight (8) to nine (9) years
- 10-11 years
- 12-13 years
- 13+ years
06
Indicate your level of experience as a suppression Fire Captain.
- No experience
- Less than one (1) year experience
- One (1) year to less than two (2) years
- Two (2) years to less than three (3) years
- Three (3) years to less than five (5) years
- Five (5) + years
07
Indicate if you have experience as an appointed suppression Battalion Chief.
08
Have you successfully completed the Department's Acting Battalion Fire Chief (or another agency's) certification program?