General Overview of the Position
Position Summary
The Battalion Chief is responsible to supervise and direct assigned staff, operations, and services of a 48-hour shift and perform fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, and emergency services duties. Responds to emergencies as the Incident Commander. This position will also be responsible to plan, organize, and direct activities relating to assigned program areas as well as assist the Fire Chief in administrative functions. Responsible for performance evaluations, provides mentoring and assist employees with professional development. Performs other duties consistent with achieving organizational excellence.
HOURS OF WORK
The Battalion Chief will be assigned to a 56-hour work week, generally scheduled as 48/96 shifts. Flexibility to this schedule will be necessary to accommodate meetings, departmental business, schedule substitutions, and emergency recalls that occur outside normal business hours. The schedule for this position may be altered by the Fire Chief.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to the Fire Chief
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Direct supervision over Fire Captains, Fire Lieutenants, and line personnel.
Examples of Essential Duties
The Battalion Chief Will Be Required To
General
- Responsible for all operational and administrative matters for the assigned shift.
- Successfully leads and manages personnel while maintaining a positive attitude and work environment; champions a culture of excellence that encourages and embraces new ideas, develops department personnel, and welcomes diverse perspectives.
- Ensures behavior and actions, and those of department personnel, align with the City and department mission, vision, and values.
- Performs analyses by utilizing organizational performance measures and data reporting tools to identify trends, opportunities, or other information to enhance service delivery.
- Function as the Fire Chief or Deputy Chief in their absence.
Field Work
- Act in accordance to the City of New Berlin Employee Handbook, the New Berlin Fire Department Policies and Procedures and the current version of the IAFF Local 4724 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Respond to all-hazards incidents as needed, and perform as the Incident Commander (IC) utilizing the Incident Command System in order to manage the incident as appropriate and necessary.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Station Work
- Ensure complete documentation and data entry into the department’s appropriate software programs related to all assigned functions including run reports; employee recognition; training; inspections; attendance; evaluation and review; and corrective action.
- Perform basic office work functions, such as copying, scanning, typing, filing, writing memos and sorting.
- Research, review and recommend equipment and programs that will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the delivery of services. Prepare purchase orders and/or budget requests as necessary.
- Coordinate, conduct and/or participate in shift briefings with other officers and line personnel regarding shift activities.
- Conduct employee performance evaluations and recommend discipline and commendations when warranted.
- Ensure completion of daily housekeeping, routine inspections, maintenance and/or inventory of buildings, grounds, vehicles, supplies and equipment.
- Support and uphold Continues Improvement Processes (CIP) for all department programs to maintain a high level of service to the community.
- Assist with the development of short and long-term planning strategies.
- Perform other administrative duties as assigned.
WORK EXPECTATIONS
Work Ethic
- Must be self-motivation and enthusiasm.
- Must have pride in the organization and self.
- Consistently displays honesty, trustworthiness and accountability.
- Maintain high ethical and moral standards.
- Must work well with other City of New Berlin departments and various external county and state agencies.
- Must continually deliver a high level of customer service to internal and external customers.
- Must exhibit fair and non-judgmental treatment when coaching and disciplining personnel.
- Successfully manage confidential, difficult, and sensitive issues using tact and diplomacy, taking into account the organizational culture, climate and/or politics.
- Uphold a high level of accuracy and confidentiality concerning personnel matters.
- Must maintain personal health and wellness, encouraging an atmosphere of physical and psychological fitness amongst members of the department.
Time Management
- Must be punctually for work and scheduled appointments.
- Adapt to a variable schedule, as often as necessary in responding to emergencies or details with very short, or no notice.
- Must be able to set and meet deadlines, as well as manage the time of others as needed to support the mission at hand.
Teamwork and Customer Relations
- Interact with the public in a positive and professional manner.
- Create ideas that improve production, organizational performance or result in cost or time-savings for the department. Use critical thinking to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approach to problems.
- Develop strategies to cope with stressful situations involving various personality types and expectations.
- Develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with internal employees and external county and state agencies and organizations.
- Be actively involved in decisions affecting work detail, set a high standard.
Professional Development
- Actively participate in ongoing education that is offered by the department and outside training that is requested or required.
- Maintain licenses and certifications.
- Continually seek education to develop and enhance personal executive leadership, knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Research and recommend educational offerings for the various levels of the department that will assist with the professional and personal development of its members.
- Consider working towards a credential designation as a Chief Fire Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and/or the Executive Fire Officer Program offered by the National Fire Academy.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION
- Five (5) of experience in the rank of Company Officer or above with the New Berlin Fire Department or similar sized department.
- The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Computer literacy in Microsoft Office programs as well as Fire and EMS reporting software systems.
- Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with various external agencies, other city departments, NBFD personnel and the public.
- Perfecting Leader Certification (Cities and Village Mutual Insurance Company) or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.
- All “Minimum” requirements as listed in the Shift Captain Job Description.
Preferred
- Credentialed Chief Fire Officer (Center for Public Safety Excellence)
- Executive Fire Officer (National Fire Academy)
- Master’s Degree
Position Specific Information
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.
- While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to: stand, walk, balance, sit, kneel, crouch, stoop, climb, bend, crawl; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and ladders; and be able to traverse unstable surfaces. The position requires mobility in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities as well as outdoor environments.
- Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 100 pounds on a regular basis, such as boxes, office equipment, specialized medical equipment, etc., and occasionally weighing over 100 pounds.
- Manual dexterity and coordination are required approximately 75% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, telephone, motorized vehicle, instruments and tools used in the delivery of emergency medical care.
- At times the employee will be required to operate in conditions where noise levels are elevated and hearing protection may be required. The noise level in the work environment is typical of most office environments.
- In the course of duties, the employee may encounter hazardous materials, blood-borne pathogens, and/or other hazardous environments.
- Part of the work period may be spent in other environments which may expose the employee to inclement weather, hazardous materials and other extreme and/or dangerous environments where personal protective equipment may be required.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus with or without corrective measures.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
- This position requires the ability to utilize and operate the following types of specialized equipment. This list should not be considered “all-inclusive”, as other specialized types of equipment may be required, but will include all equipment carried on NBFD fire and EMS apparatus.
- Firefighting, specialty, medical transport vehicles and staff cars
- Firefighting and rescue tools and equipment to provide service, mitigate emergencies and protect the public
- Department issued Personal Protective Equipment and accessories
- Portable and/or mobile radios
- Computers: Mobile Data Terminals, patient care reporting laptop, desktops and tablets
- Patient transport devices – cot, stair chair, etc.
- Basic and advanced life support equipment
- Other department issued equipment related to the position
DISCLAIMER
The information provided in the job description is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an incumbent within this position. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all functions, responsibilities, duties, qualifications, working conditions and physical demands required of employees assigned the position. Management has the sole discretion to add, modify and/or designate functions, responsibilities, duties, qualifications, working conditions and physical demands at any time. All job descriptions will be reviewed annually and adjusted as needed in accordance with the department’s vision, mission and values.
Position will be posted until filled
FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE
Benefits 2025
- Please note that these descriptions are general statements, and all benefits will be determined by the applicable plan documents in effect. Benefits are subject to change and may not be enrolled without meeting qualifying event deadlines and necessary eligibility.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Employees have the option of enrolling in the health insurance plan offered by the City. The effective date of coverage is the employee's start date.
EmployeeCityTotalSingle$128.12$726.02$854.14
Family$333.63$1,890.85$2,224.18
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
The city's health insurance is an HSA plan. The city contributes to the employee's Health Savings Account with a monthly total of $125 for those on an individual plan and $250 for those on a family plan. For 2025, the City will contribute a one-time contribution for those on the health insurance plan effective February 1st of $100 for single and $200 for family
HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT
The City has a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) in place for staff participating in the health plan. This reimburses staff for incurred eligible medical and pharmacy expenses over a set limit.
HERO Program
The City offers a voluntary spousal health reimbursement program for employees who are currently enrolled in another group health plan.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Employees have the option of enrolling in Delta Dental with employee premiums paid entirely by the City. Employees can choose to purchase coverage for Spouse or Dependents at the listed rates. Dental coverage would be effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
EmployeeCityTotalEmployee$0$33.34$33.34
Employee + 1$34.72$33.34$68.16
Family$92.04$33.34$125.48
VISION INSURANCE
Employees have the option of enrolling in Delta Vision/Eyemed Network with employee premiums paid entirely by the City. Employees can choose to purchase coverage for Spouse or Dependents at the listed rates. Dental coverage would be effective the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
EmployeeCityTotalEmployee$0$5.30$5.30
Employee + 1$4.80$5.30$10.10
Family$10.54$5.30$15.84
LIMITED PURPOSE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS
This plan allows you to make pre-tax payroll contributions to use for the reimbursement of qualified out-of-pocket dental and vision expenses. The 2025 contribution limit is $3,300. Coverage begins on the first of the month following the date of hire.
DEPENDENT CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS
This plan allows you to make pre-taxed payroll contributions to use for reimbursement of your dependent care expenses. The IRS allows you to contribute up to $5,000 per year from your paycheck for child and/or elder care. Coverage begins on the first of the month following the date of hire.
LIFE INSURANCE
Life Insurance is provided to each City employee at no cost. Coverage is one times the annual salary rounded up to the next thousand with double indemnity for accidental death. Life insurance policies go into effect on the first of the month following the date of hire.
SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE
You may choose to elect dependent life insurance for your spouse and/or eligible dependents. Employees pay the full premium cost for dependent life insurance. Coverage will begin the first of the month following the date of hire.
Voluntary Worksite Benefits
City of New Berlin offers supportive voluntary benefit options for Accident Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance. These benefits help pay for unexpected medical costs and other expenses. Each offering is ala carte so you can select the plan that is right for you and your family. Payroll deductions for the Voluntary Supportive benefits are only offered as after-tax deductions, so any benefits received under these plans are tax-free.
WISCONSIN RETIREMENT SYSTEM (WRS)
As a full-time employee, you will automatically be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System. This pension is administered by the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.
You will be required to pay the employee’s share of contributions to the fund, while City of New Berlin contributes the employer’s share. Employees are vested in their portion of contributions immediately and after five years of creditable service for the employer contribution.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION (Section 457 Plan)
The City of New Berlin offers access to a 457 Deferred Compensation program that allows you to save and invest for retirement through payroll deduction. This completely employee funded. Participation is voluntary and employees can enroll at any time. Employees may contribute on a pre-tax or Roth basis.
FREE RECPASS
City of New Berlin employees are able to receive a complimentary Gym and Track RecPASS! RecPASS is a membership that allows for unlimited visits to any drop-in programs at the New Berlin Activity and Recreation Center. Drop-in programs currently include the walking track, open gym, open pickleball, open volleyball and cardio & strength equipment.
ELECTRONIC DIRECT DEPOSIT
Employees will be required to have their paychecks electronically deposited into the financial institution and account of their choice. Participants will receive a statement of earnings each payday as opposed to a payroll check.
Worker's Compensation
As an employee of City of New Berlin, you are protected under the Worker’s Compensation Act, which provides for hospital, medical, surgical care, and income loss payments for work-related injuries and illnesses.
JURY DUTY
In the event you are subpoenaed for jury duty you will be eligible for paid leave.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
City of New Berlin offers access to a free confidential Employee Assistance Program for all employees and members of their household. The program provides a helping hand with such problems as stress, family & relationship concerns, alcohol or drug dependency, workplace conflicts, work life balance, depression and anxiety, parenting concerns, grief or loss, crisis situations, child or elder care resources, and convenience resources. Participants can receive up to six (6) visits in person or telephonically with an EAP Provider per clinical issue per 12 months at no cost.
HOLIDAYS
If a holiday falls on a Sunday, following Monday is observed as a day off. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as a day off.
New Year's DayThanksgiving DayGood FridayDay after ThanksgivingMemorial DayChristmas EveIndependence DayChristmas DayLabor DayNew Year's Eve
VACATION
Regular Full-time eligible employees are allocated vacation "up-front" calculated on a fiscal year basis (January 1 - December 31). Employees will earn vacation on the first full month of employment and then on 1/1 of each year thereafter. Vacation will be prorated based on the first day of work for the first year.
After one (1) year of employment12 daysAfter three (3) years of employment13 daysAfter five (5) years of employment15 daysAfter seven (7) years of employment17 daysAfter ten (10) years of employment20 daysAfter fourteen (14) years of employment23 daysAfter fifteen (15) years of employment24 daysAfter nineteen (19) years of employment27 daysAfter twenty (20) years of employment29 days
SICK TIME
An employee will earn 8 hours of sick time per month assuming they work the majority of the workdays in that month.
FLEX TIME
Individual departments may use a flex time work schedule subject to the conditions outlined in the FLSA policy.
COMP TIME
Comp time may be accrued per FLSA Policy.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Employees May Attend Funerals With Pay For The Following
Immediate family: Up to 5 days with pay (includes spouse, child, stepchild, parent, brother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law)
Close Family: Up to 3 days with pay (includes grandparent, grandchild, stepbrother/stepsister)
Relative: 1 day with pay (includes brother-in-law, sister-in-law, uncle/aunt)
