Battalion Chief (F17)

Salary: $90,777.00 - $170,217.00 Annually
Location : Annapolis
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: 11/6/2026 4:00 PM Eastern

Job Summary
The City of Annapolis is seeking an exceptional, experienced fire and rescue command officer to serve as Fire Battalion Chief. Operating under the general direction of the Deputy Fire Chief, this executive-level operational position directs and coordinates all emergency medical services (EMS), fire suppression, rescue operations, tactical planning, and specialized emergency incident responses across the battalion.
The Fire Battalion Chief manages multiple City fire and rescue stations during an assigned shift, or serves in rotational leadership assignments directing specialized teams or administrative divisions. Responsibilities encompass incident command at major alarms, strategic planning, station and equipment readiness, personnel coaching, fire investigations, and serving as Acting Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Chief when assigned.

Essential Job Functions

• Incident Command & Emergency Operations:
  
  • Responds to alarms and assumes operational command of complex fire suppression, rescue, and multi-casualty incidents within the Incident Command System (ICS).
  • Directs on-scene tactical operations, establishes incident safety parameters, and oversees emergency medical care and technical rescue extractions.
  • Assumes the role and responsibilities of the Deputy Fire Chief and/or Fire Chief during their absence.
• Battalion Administration & Station Readiness:
  
  • Directs and coordinates daily operational activities across all fire and rescue stations located within the City during an assigned shift.
  • Conducts regular station visits, inspecting personnel, facilities, apparatus, and equipment for readiness and compliance; prepares daily and monthly operational reports.
  • Inputs and reviews shift payroll, leave requests, apparatus inventory logs, and departmental personnel records.

• Specialty Teams & EMS Division Leadership:
  
  • Provides management and operational oversight to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division, developing strategic operational plans and departmental directives.
  • Directs specialized operational teams, including Technical Rescue, Marine Incident Response, Fire and Explosives Unit, Hazardous Materials Team, ASET Medics, and Bike Medics.
  • Coordinates and directly delivers training evolutions for specialized team members and ensures operational readiness.
• Investigations & Code Compliance:
  
  • Investigates the circumstances of fire incidents to determine origin, cause, and source, estimating property and contents loss.
  • Coordinates fire prevention and investigation activities across the assigned shift and conducts life-safety building inspections for fire hazards.
• Personnel Leadership, Coaching & Performance:
  
  • Directly supervises shift officers and firefighters, evaluating performance ratings and ensuring fair, constructive counseling.
  • Fosters a positive, professional, and team-oriented working environment; resolves personnel conflicts and conducts regular performance standard evolutions.
  • Provides active coaching and career mentorship to company officers and firefighters to enhance operational capability.
• Departmental Support & Public Relations:
  
  • Assists senior leadership in drafting departmental policies, standard operating guidelines, and division budgets.
  • Serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the department during incidents or special events as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Command & Incident Strategy: Comprehensive knowledge of modern firefighting, rescue, and EMS principles; ability to establish command, maintain discipline, make rapid decisions, and remain calm under extreme operational stress.
• Specialized Systems & Logistics: Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of modern fire apparatus, specialized rescue tools, marine vessels, and hazardous materials containment equipment.
• Geography & Local Architecture: Considerable knowledge of the geographic layout, street networks, water distribution infrastructure, and building construction across the City of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.
• Managerial & Supervisory Principles: Knowledge of administrative, supervisory, and managerial practices, including performance evaluations, progressive counseling, conflict resolution, and budget administration.
• Fire Investigation & Inspection: Knowledge of origin and cause fire investigation techniques, evidence preservation, and municipal fire prevention codes.
• Communication & Representation: Ability to communicate clearly, tactfully, and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to author formal investigative reports, executive memos, and operational guidelines.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Possession of an Associate degree (or completion of at least 60 college credits) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Fire Science, Emergency Health Services, Public Administration, Business Management/Administration, or a closely related field.
• Annapolis Fire Department Service Requirement: A minimum of five (5) years of uninterrupted, progressive, and responsible service with the Annapolis Fire Department, of which at least one (1) full year must be at the rank of Fire Captain in the Annapolis Fire Department.

Mandatory Certifications & Licensures:

• Active certification as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) or higher.
• Pro Board or IFSAC certification as a Fire Officer III (FO III).
• Pro Board or IFSAC certification as a Fire Instructor II.
• Documented completion of National Incident Management System courses: ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400, IS 700, and IS 800.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License.

Special Requirements & Conditions:

• Safety-Sensitive Designation: This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive. Incumbents are subject to pre-employment and mandatory random drug and alcohol screenings consistent with Federal, State, and City guidelines.

Employment Conditions

Employment Conditions & Physical Demands

• Physical Classification: Heavy work requiring the exertion of up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, up to 50 lbs. frequently, and up to 20 lbs. constantly to maneuver objects, equipment, and victims.
• Physical Capabilities: Sufficient body equilibrium and agility to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding; balance on narrow, slippery, or moving surfaces; crawl through confined spaces; and stoop, kneel, reach, pull, and lift heavy equipment.
• Sensory Requirements:
  
  • Visual: Acute visual ability to operate emergency vehicles by day and night, navigate smoke-filled environments, evaluate emergency scenes, inspect premises for fire hazards, and read fine reports and technical schematics.
  • Auditory & Speaking: Clear hearing to discern voice communications over background sirens/radios, and speaking ability to convey urgent command orders clearly and concisely.
• Work Environment & Risk: Exposed to high-stress, dangerous crisis conditions involving smoke, toxic fumes, extreme temperatures, collapse hazards, hazardous materials, and catastrophic emergencies where comma

Summary of Benefits for Civil Service
Work Hours: Minimum 35 hour work week, depending upon department operations.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays per calendar year.
Personal Leave: 3 personal days per calendar year (cannot be carried over).
Sick Leave: 15 days sick leave per calendar year, with unlimited accumulation.
Final sick leave balance is eligible for additional service credit towards retirement once eligibility requirements
have been met.
Annual Leave: Annual leave accumulates per calendar year as noted below (may carry over to the next calendar year 5 days of annual leave per year of service up to a maximum of 30 days).
Years of Service Days of Annual Leave
1 through 2 15 days
2 through 9 18 days
10 through 19 20 days
Longevity Leave: Longevity leave is in addition to the annual leave noted above. It cannot be paid out or carried over and must be used before your next anniversary:
Years of Service Days
20 through 24 1 day
25 through 29 2 days
30 or more 3 days
Health Insurance Plans (75% City Paid and 25% Employee Paid, unless otherwise noted):

• Medical and Prescription Drug (HDHP, EPO, Core, Plus)
• Dental (Core and Plus)
• Vision (Core and Plus)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (HDHP only)
• Short-Term Disability (100% City paid)
• Long-Term Disability (100% Employee paid)
• Core Life and AD&D Insurance for Employee (100% City paid)
• Optional Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse and Dependents (100% Employee paid)
• Legal Benefit (100% Employee paid)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - up to 3 confidential visits with a counselor for the employee, spouse, and their dependents
• VEBA/RMSA: A Retiree Medical Savings Account (RMSA) is an individual investment account held in Trust to help employees save for Retiree Health Care costs (can be used after retirement or separation of employment with the City).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - up to 3 confidential visits with a counselor for the employee, spouse, and their dependents

Retirement Plans: 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans with MissionSquare, Nationwide Retirement Solutions or Voya Financial
Maryland State Retirement System (Civil Service):

• 7% employee contribution
• Full vesting rights after 10 years of service credit
• Full Service Retirement - Rule of 90 (sum of Age and Eligibility Service must equal 90 or Age 65 with 10 Years Eligibility Service

Employee Rewards & Recognition program
Eligible to join the State Employees Credit Union (SECU)
Please Note: This document is intended to be a brief summary only. Please refer to the individual plan documents, Collective Bargaining Agreements, and the Rules and Regulations of the Personnel System for additional details specific to your benefits.
REVISED 2023-08-24
01

Which of the following options best describes your completed education from an accredited college or university?

• Associate degree (or higher) in Fire Science, Emergency Health Services, Public/Business Administration, or a closely related field
• Completion of at least 60 college credits in Fire Science, Emergency Health Services, Public/Business Administration, or a closely related field
• High School Diploma or GED with less than 60 college credits
• None of the above

02

Do you have at least five (5) years of uninterrupted, progressive, and responsible service with the Annapolis Fire Department (AFD)?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have at least one (1) full year of service at the rank of Fire Captain within the Annapolis Fire Department?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess an active certification as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) or higher (e.g., CRT-I, Paramedic)?

• Yes, EMT-B or higher
• No

05

Do you possess Pro Board or IFSAC certification as a Fire Officer III (FO III)?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you possess Pro Board or IFSAC certification as a Fire Instructor II?

• Yes
• No

07

Have you successfully completed all of the following National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS training courses?(ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400, IS 700, and IS 800)

• Yes, I have completed all listed courses and can provide documentation.
• No, I have not completed all of these courses.

08

Do you possess a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

09

This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive and requires pre-employment and random chemical substance testing. Do you consent to chemical substance screening consistent with Federal, State, and City guidelines?

• Yes, I consent.
• No, I do not consent (Understanding this will result in disqualification).

10

This position involves command operations at fire and rescue incidents, including heavy physical exertion (lifting up to 100 lbs.), high-risk environments, and serving as Acting Deputy Chief or Acting Fire Chief when required. Are you able and willing to perform all physical, command, and operational requirements of this role?

• Yes
• No

11

Please select the operational divisions, specialized programs, and administrative functions where you possess direct experience leading or managing (Select all that apply):

• Serving as Incident Commander at complex working structural fires or mass casualty incidents
• Technical Rescue Team (Trench, Confined Space, Rope, Structural Collapse) operations
• Marine Incident Response / Dive Rescue operations
• Hazardous Materials (HazMat) emergency response operations
• Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit / Cause and Ori