Battalion Chief: Clear Spring Fire Rescue -

More Information

The Battalion Chief is a command-level officer responsible for the leadership, supervision, and management of assigned personnel, stations, and resources within Clear Spring Fire & Rescue. This position serves a critical role in overseeing daily shift operations, coordinating emergency response, and ensuring readiness and performance across all functions of the department. The Battalion Chief directly supervises Captains, Lieutenants, and Firefighters, providing guidance, mentorship, and operational direction in both routine and emergency settings with a strong and decisive command presence.

Battalion Chiefs are also responsible for managing all emergency operations, fire prevention, inspection, equipment maintenance, and facility readiness activities within their battalion. They support training initiatives and ensure that operational practices align with departmental standards and safety protocols.

In addition to operational leadership, the Battalion Chief plays an essential administrative and strategic role. This includes assisting in budget preparation and oversight, managing personnel matters, coordinating special projects, and contributing to long-term planning. The role requires a high degree of managerial, fiscal, and policy-making responsibility.

As stewards of public trust and representatives of Clear Spring Fire & Rescue, Battalion Chiefs are expected to consistently demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and effective interpersonal communication. They are instrumental in fostering a positive, inclusive, and mission-focused organizational culture that supports recruitment, retention, and strong community relations.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to the Fire Chief or designee.
Reports to other Officers in the Chain of Command.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Through the Battalion Chiefs own efforts, and in coordination with others, the Battalion Chief accomplishes the following essential functions:

1. The Battalion Chief is responsible for the effective supervision, management and coordination of Clear Spring Fire & Rescue employees and volunteers on assigned shifts, including prioritizing and assigning work, performance management, employee relations, and related activities.

1. Promote and maintain a harmonious working atmosphere in which our priorities of life safety, property conservation, and incident stabilization can be maintained at a high level of efficiency.
2. Direct and supervise fire and emergency operations on the scene of emergency responses, including medical emergencies, fire ground operations, hazardous material spills and other special details and emergencies.
3. Supervise, conduct, participates in, and evaluate training, drills, and exercises in coordination with the Command Staff and the assigned training officer.
4. Direct activities utilizing practices consistent with the Incident Command System while responding to alarms.
5. Directly supervise, train and mentor Shift Lieutenants and Captains to ensure they are able to assume command in the Battalion Chief’s absence.
6. Maintain and enforce departmental rules and regulations,
7. Manage training and daily delivery of services dealing with all phases of fire suppression, prevention, inspection, medical and rescue, hazardous materials response and completion of pre-fire plan surveys, hose testing, hydrant testing and building inspections as assigned
8. Provide thorough level of expertise in various types of fire and rescue activities; may assist in creating plans of potential target hazards or special operations for pre-incident purposes.
9. Maintain certifications, time, and attendance records; reviews daily and monthly reports; performs work using computers and appropriate approved software.
10. Implement department goals and objectives, establish work priorities, schedules, and coordinate work to be accomplished per shift.
11. Ensure proper documentation is completed in a timely fashion for emergency calls, reports, injuries, hydrant testing, hose testing, and fire inspections.
12. Provide first-line supervision and coordinate the daily activities of assigned crew in delivery of fire/rescue services, training, maintenance, fire prevention, public education, inspection, and codes enforcement programs delivered by department personnel.
13. Provide training, mentoring, coaching, and developing assigned subordinates to provide career development and proper succession planning.
14. Ensure that fire and rescue operations, training, and general work practices adhere to all applicable department, federal, state, and local codes, regulations, statutes, ordinances, and laws.
15. Offer suggestions on tactics to Chief Officers/incident commander or other firefighters.
16. Participate in analysis or critique of firefighting or other emergency activities.
17. In the Deputy Chiefs absence, perform the duties of the Deputy Chief.

2. The Battalion Chief controls and extinguishes fires and responds to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk as needed.

Lay and connect hose, holds nozzles, and directs water streams, raises and climbs ladders and uses fire extinguishers, tools, appliances, ropes and knots, air monitors, imaging equipment, and medical equipment at the scenes of emergencies.
Perform fire attack, search and rescue, extinguishment, exposure control, salvage and overhaul, and ventilation operations.
Force entry of premises for firefighting, rescue, and salvage operations, uses chemical fire extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines, and other equipment.
Remove persons from danger, administers first aid and CPR to injured persons.
Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings.
Carry charged hose line into structure for fire extinguishments.
Rescue victims from vehicles, drowning, accidents, fire, and other harmful conditions; communicates with dispatch, emergency room physicians and staff, police, fire officers and related personnel for the accurate and efficient dissemination of information.
Supervise salvage operations after emergency situation is controlled and/or suppressed.
Ensure that personnel adhere to PFD policies and procedures.
May volunteer for or be assigned to special assignments which will call for special abilities and knowledge attained through experience or specialized training.

3. The Battalion Chief proactively ensures the department is ready to respond to emergencies.

Maintain knowledge of Clear Spring Fire & Rescue to include streets, hydrants, public utilities and potentially hazardous materials or substances.
Ensure that all assigned personnel, apparatus, and equipment are in a constant state of readiness at all times.
Direct and assist assigned shift personnel with general station cleaning and maintenance.
Maintain inventory of Station equipment.
Ensure that items in need of repair are reported and/or repairs are made in a timely fashion with regards to apparatus, equipment, building, station, and hydrants.
Evaluate needs and makes recommendations for the purchase of fire/rescue apparatus and related equipment.
Ensure all PPE is maintained and follow procedures that ensure that they are replaced as needed.

4. The Battalion Chief actively engages in performance management and training activities.

Assign, coordinate, monitor and evaluate work activities/assignments, providing counseling, coaching, and training.
Participate in or direct the investigation and reporting of employee misconduct and or/injuries and near-misses, making recommendations for improvement and disciplinary action as needed.
Prepare and facilitate performance evaluations and assist the Fire Chief in managing the annual performance evaluation process including the administration of merit raises.
Adhere to the Problem Resolution policy and works toward constructive resolution of perceived issues and facilitate appropriate responses to employee grievances.
Complete and deliver annual personnel performance evaluations for assigned personnel in coordination with Command Staff.
Plan daily training activities; conduct training sessions regarding proper fire safety techniques and methods; provides instruction in CPR; etc.
Identify training needs of subordinates and take corrective actions / training and documentation in coordination with the Battalion Chief.
On an ongoing basis, attend mandatory service training and conferences as directed by the Fire Chief in order to stay abreast of current trends, modern firefighting and management methods and other competencies.
Participate in various research, development, and purchasing committees as assigned.
The Battalion Chief supervises and participates in daily physical fitness and firefighter training with their assigned crew each shift.

5. Battalion Chiefs participate in community education, recruitment and fundraising activities.

Conduct tours of the station for scouts, school, day care, and other groups.
Conduct demonstrations and presentations on fire safety, fire prevention, first aid, and other subjects to the public.
Leads and participates in public education and community outreach programs.
Participate in community events and recruitment activities.
May volunteer for or be assigned to special assignments which will call for special abilities and knowledge attained through experience or specialized training.
Follows and role-models appropriate behavior in an effort to advance a positive culture of respect and one that is conducive to recruiting and retaining personnel.
Adhere to the Clear Spring Fire & Rescue phone etiquette guidelines when answering the phone.
Employ effective conflict resolution skills when interacting with the community.
Adhere to HIPAA Compliance and Confidentiality guidelines.
Adhere to the Clear Spring Fire & Rescue uniform guidelines policy for designated/various events.
Effectively communicate orally with the public, employees, volunteers, peers, government officials, and customers in one-on-one and group settings as well as on the telephone.

6. Battalion Chiefs ensure the safety of all external and internal stakeholders.

Recognize and report unsafe conditions and maintenance problems to the Command Staff and intervene immediately as needed to ensure safety. (i.e. Blocks access to wet floors, etc.)
Adhere to infection control procedures on an ongoing basis.
Ensure buildings are secured and locked at appropriate times.
Observe appearances and conditions of premises and equipment: reports needed repairs, safety hazards or conditions requiring outside vendor services.
Use all equipment and chemicals in a safe manner and according to directions and/or as trained and/or specified in the Standard Operating Guidelines and SDS sheets.
Employ proper lifting techniques to prevent injury to self or others.
Wear proper clothing (i.e. Slip resistant, closed toe shoes) at all times to ensure safety.
Request assistance from coworkers as needed to ensure safety (i.e. Lifting, etc.) and provides assistance to others as needed.
Report/document injuries and near-miss incidents immediately, adhering to our Incident Reporting guidelines.
Must pass annual physical exam and fitness for duty exams as needed.

7. Demonstrate excellent customer service skills and represents Clear Spring Fire & Rescue in a professional manner in and outside of the Fire Department.

Work effectively with coworkers and supervisors to accomplish goals.
Listen and respond to verbal orders from fire officer/incident commander at an emergency scene.
Maintain good working relationships with subordinates, colleagues, and Command Staff.
Work and get along with others in a community living situation.
Communicate with fire officer/incident commander or other Battalion Chiefs using the radio.
Offer suggestions on tactics to fire officer/incident commander or other Battalion Chiefs.
Participate in analysis or critique of firefighting or other emergency activities.
Provide training and mentoring as needed to new employees and colleagues.
Request and provide assistance to coworkers as needed.
Inform supervisor when tasks need to be reprioritized and/or when assignments or schedules need to change, or when assignments cannot be completed.
Adhere to the Problem Resolution policy and works toward constructive resolution of perceived issues.
Employ effective interpersonal skills (social awareness, self-awareness, empathy, self-management, and non-defensive communication).
Follow orders, rules and regulations and show respect toward those with more experience or those in positions of authority.
Request and provide assistance to coworkers as needed.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Participate in any investigations, including the need to write statements and/or participate in interviews orally.
Perform routine station chores, including cleaning the station and bay; cleaning and waxing vehicles and equipment; mowing lawns; collecting trash; cleaning laundry; painting; weed eating; landscaping, etc. and general station upkeep.
Adhere to all policies and procedures, including those prescribed in the Clear Spring Fire & Rescue Department Member Handbook and Standard Operating Guidelines/Procedures.
Assist and back up Fire Marshals as needed with inspection of buildings/structures. May perform building surveys, code enforcement and fire drills. Become familiar with potential fire hazards, conduct building surveys, and identify code violations under the direction of Fire Marshal(s).
Prepare and process various reports and records including daily reports, payroll information, inspection forms, pre-fire plans, evaluations, training reports, work orders, fitness reports, etc.
Perform miscellaneous office tasks such as work with computers, maintain files, take notes, talk on the phone, and schedule meetings or other activities.
Other job duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Technical Expertise: Demonstrates working knowledge of modern principles, practices, methods, and equipment employed in modern firefighting. Understands, follows, and enforces established PFD policies and procedures. Understand the concepts and operational and legal requirements of all local, county, state, and federal emergency operation plans and a knowledge of how to access and activate each level. Thorough knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Unified Command.
Knowledge of Building Fire Extinguishment Systems - Knowledge of the various extinguishing systems found in buildings (standpipes, sprinklers, etc.) as well as knowledge of how to supply these systems.
Knowledge of First Aid and Emergency Care - Knowledge of techniques for providing first aid, stabilizing victims, and providing first responder care before hospital transport.
Knowledge of Department Policies and Procedures - Knowledge of the fire department’s operating procedures for a variety of work situations (emergency response procedures, station rules, chain of command, paperwork, etc.
Knowledge of Fire Behavior - Knowledge of fire behavior, fire chemistry, physics, hazards, causes, etc.
Knowledge of National Incident Management System - Knowledge of the basic terminology associated with the Incident Management System, as well as the ability to carry out the functions of an incident commander at small scale incidents.
Knowledge of Firefighting Tactics - Knowledge of firefighting tactics such as extinguishment, forcible entry, rescue, safety, overhaul, etc.
Knowledge of Department Policies and Procedures - Knowledge of the fire department’s operating procedures for a variety of work situations (emergency response procedures, station rules, chain of command, paperwork, etc.).
Writing Ability - The ability to write legibly and to express oneself clearly and accurately in writing, using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Reading Comprehension - The ability to read and understand written materials such as reference manuals, training materials, and correspondence.

COMPETENCIES:

Competencies are a combination of observable and measurable knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal attributes that contribute to enhanced employee performance and ultimately result in organizational success. The competencies for a Battalion Chief include but are not limited to the following:

Supervision: Knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures, and skilled in planning, organizing, assigning, directing, and evaluating the work of assigned crew members. Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, supervisors, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit.
Leadership: Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communication. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to staff so that they know whether their performance levels are acceptable, in need of improvement, or if disciplinary action is necessary.
Interpersonal Skills: The ability to relate well and get along with others and respond to people in an appropriate manner. Uses non-defensive communication to minimize conflict. Employ effective interpersonal skills (social awareness, self-awareness, empathy, self-management, and non-defensive communication) when communicating with others.
Ability to Train and Instruct - The ability to provide formal or informal instruction, training, or guidance to firefighters and others through demonstration and explanation.
Decision Making and Decisiveness - The ability to develop and consider alternatives for dealing with situations, and to readily make a decision or render a judgment.
Communication: Excellent high-pressure oral communication skills for communications with co-workers during emergency situations, and for vital communications with victims, other emergency personnel, and the public. An ability to effectively express oneself orally, non-verbally and in writing, tailoring the content of speech to the audience and using proper English sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar.
Ability to listen and receive, understand, and carry written and verbal orders. Ability to communicate effectively when preparing reports, logs, and the use of radio communications including appropriate channels and basic radio communication codes.
Adaptability: Adapt to evolving community economics, demographics and culture, and to municipal political developments and department policies and procedures. Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment. Ability to operate with limited supervision and demonstrate independent judgment and initiative while remaining within organizational policies and guidelines.
Diagnostic Information Gathering & Problem Solving: The ability to identify the information needed to clarify a situation, seek that information from appropriate sources, and use skillful questioning to draw out the information, when others are reluctant to disclose it. Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Anticipates, identifies, and evaluates potentially dangerous, unusual or deviating situations and exercises appropriate judgment to establish priorities and take prompt action for problem resolution
Stress Management: The ability to keep functioning effectively when under pressure and maintain self-control in the face of hostility or provocation.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & REQUIREMENTS:

Valid South Carolina driver license required.
Must pass SLED background check and drug screening.
Emergency Medical Technician Certification must be acquired in the designated timeframe and maintained in good standing throughout employment.

GENERAL PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

GENERAL WORKING HOURS: Various hours including days, evenings and weekends as assigned. Battalion Chiefs generally work in a fire station on 48-hour shifts.

WORKING FROM HOME: This job cannot be completed working from home.

TRAVEL: Travel via fire apparatus to emergencies and events is ongoing. Overnight travel generally not required but may on occasion for extreme emergencies or training events.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical activity for the Battalion Chief position is:

Climbing. Ascending or descending ladders of various heights including 10 feet, stairs, and ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms while wearing equipment and carrying necessary tools, ie. hoses.
Balancing. Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling and walking, standing and crouching on narrow and slippery surfaces.
Stooping. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
Kneeling. Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
Crouching. Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
Reaching. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
Standing for sustained periods of time.
Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks.
Pushing. Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward. of objects and materials in full turn out gear. Distances and times are unquantifiable due to the unpredictable environments. Must have the ability to gain forcible entry such as penetrating a locked door, breaching a wall, ceiling pull etc. Must be able to exert in excess of one hundred fifty (150) pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of seventy-five (75) pounds of force frequently.
Pulling. Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion. Must have the ability to drag/pull a charged/uncharged hose as needed.
Lifting & Carrying: Must raise objects from a lower to a higher position or move objects horizontally from position to-to-position. Routinely lifts objects as part of regular duties (i.e., hoses or tools). Occasionally will require lifting over shoulder height. May include lifting persons including when they are in distress or unconscious. Weights range up to 200 pounds, but routinely weigh 10 to 50 pounds. May occasionally require the ability to carry persons down a ladder or with a fireman’s carry unassisted.
Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
Manual dexterity that allows the use of hands and fingers to operate equipment including an ability to carry hoses and properly and quickly secure gear/uniforms and PPE.
Feeling. Must be able to perceive attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
Talking and hearing. Able to express and exchange ideas by means of the spoken word. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make the discrimination in sound. Talking and hearing occur in various conditions where loud sounds from the environment are present and must be overcome.
Repetitive motions. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.

Physical requirements for the Battalion Chief.

Heavy work. Exerting up to 100 lbs. 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.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic to complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to the job of Battalion Chief.

The visual acuity and olfactory requirements for the Battalion Chief including color, depth perception and field vision). Required to have visual acuity to operate heavy equipment and vehicles including a fire apparatus. Visual acuity required to make general observations of facilities or structures.

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors, or shades of colors, sounds, depth, and visual cues or signals. Vision requirements include being able to read small prints such as maps.

Must be able to detect and differentiate odors which assists in assessment of an appropriate response to emergency situations.

The Battalion Chief will be subject to the following conditions in this position:

Battalion Chiefs are exposed to extreme heat (temperatures above 100 degrees for periods of over an hour), extreme cold (temperatures below 32 degrees for periods of over an hour), wind and humidity, smoke, hazardous chemicals, and falling materials.
Subject to hazards which includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, and exposure to chemicals.
Performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions which may involve extreme exertion under such handicaps as smoke and small spaces.
Performs duties requiring bending, crouching, stooping, climbing, and crawling in buildings or close quarters that may be filled with smoke.
The noise level may require Battalion Chiefs to shout in order to be heard.
Exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body when operating equipment including hoses.
The Battalion Chief is required to wear a respirator and other PPE to protect themselves from hazards such gas smoke, dust, fumes, gases, and poor ventilation.
The Battalion Chief must function in narrow aisles and passageways.

Completed applications along with a Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and training records should be sent to [email protected] by June 26, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Battalion Chief: Clear Spring Fire Rescue

Contact Information

More Information