Fire Battalion Chief

Salary : $139,179.60 - $177,632.36 Annually
Location : Selma, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-21
Department: Fire Department Operations
Opening Date: 10/16/2026
Closing Date: 11/12/2026 3:00 PM Pacific

Description

Candidates who possess at least five years of continuous experience at the rank of Fire Battalion Chief or higher in a fire service position may advance directly to the Chief's interview and may not be required to participate in the assessment portion. Acting time will not be considered toward the five-year requirement.

PURPOSE
Under limited direction, plans, organizes, and manages technical work involved in commanding and coordinating fire suppression, prevention, and emergency activities; performs professional administrative and managerial duties involved in the operations of the Fire Department; assumes command of the department in the absence of the Fire Chief; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The classification of Battalion Chief is a management-level sworn classification populated with multiple incumbents. A Fire Battalion Chief serves as the highest-ranking officer on-duty on a 24-hour basis and is responsible for administering the day-to-day activities and operations of the Fire Department within an assigned shift. Incumbents may have direct oversight over the Fire Departments scheduling, safety and personnel, training, emergency medical services, logistics, disaster preparedness, and serve as Incident Commander.

The classification Fire Battalion Chief is distinguished from the next higher-level class of Fire Chief in that the latter performs at an executive level and is responsible for the administration and management of all services and operations of the Fire Department. It is further distinguished from the lower-level class of Fire Captain in that the latter performs at a supervisory-level and typically has shift responsibility for a station, which only includes the supervision of Fire Engineers and Firefighters.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Incumbents work under limited direction and exercise considerable independent judgment subject to departmental regulations and general administrative review.

Employees in this class typically report to the Fire Chief and have direct supervision of Fire Captains and non-sworn subordinate personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Specific duties will depend upon work assignment. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Responds to emergency incidents, deploys personnel and equipment, and when applicable assumes command of an emergency in the absence of the Fire Chief.
2. Prepares written and oral reports and technical documents relating to emergency calls, fire protection services, fire department operations and new procedures.
3. Assists the Fire Chief in planning and budgeting and proposes recommendations for improvements.
4. Plans, coordinates and implements training programs for Fire Department staff, covering all facets of modern fire service operations, emergency medical services, and specialized rescue.
5. Administers overall operations of all fire suppression personnel, paramedic personnel, and fire stations on an assigned shift.
6. Monitors, supervises, and evaluates assigned personnel while providing mentoring, coaching and professional development opportunities.
7. Ensures the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards of fire management programs and systems.
8. Functions as a Shift Commander performs technical work in commanding and coordinating emergency and non-emergency calls.
9. Handles grievances from officers and firefighters, maintains departmental discipline and the conduct and general behavior of personnel.
10. Represents the city at local and regional meetings, interacts with other agencies and coordinates interagency programs.
11. Performs related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

1. Methods, practices, and techniques of fire and life safety, fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency medical response, emergency planning, and other fire service-related activities.
2. Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
3. Principles, practices, and techniques of Fire Department administration.
4. Advanced methods and techniques of modern firefighting, fire inspection and fire prevention.
5. Laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and codes affecting the work of the Fire Department and coordination with other firefighting agencies.
6. Operation and maintenance of modern firefighting equipment and firefighting apparatus.
7. Geography, types of building construction, major fire hazards, water supply, fire and building laws and regulations of the City.

Ability to:

1. Assist in planning, organizing, and directing managing the work of the Fire Department.
2. Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
3. Develop, plan, and instruct in-service training programs.
4. Assist in the development and implementation of department policies and practices.
5. Help establish and maintain department morale and discipline.
6. Establish and maintain effective relationships with governmental officials, employees, and the general public.
7. Operate modern apparatus and equipment used in fire suppression and rescue activities.
8. Assist in ensuring the readiness of the Fire Department to meet the fire and medical emergency needs of the City.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:
Six (6) years of full-time progressively responsible firefighting experience including at least two (2) years at a level higher than or equal to the City of Selma class of Fire Captain.
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate degree.
An Associate degree in a program in Fire Science, Fire Technology, Fire Administration, or related field is highly desirable.
Substitution:
Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-to-year basis.?
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver's License with a Firefighter's endorsement, and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a valid Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
• Ability to obtain a valid CCEMSA EMT Certification or Paramedic License within thirty (30) days of appointment.
• Possession of Company Officer certificate from the California State Fire Marshal at time of appointment.
• Ability to obtain a Chief Fire Officer certificate from the California State Fire Marshal within twenty-four (24) months of appointment.
• Possession of the Fire and Emergency Services Instructor (FESI) I Certification from the California State Fire Marshal is highly desirable.

Certification from other associations may be deemed acceptable at the discretion of the Fire Chief.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Medical Examination / Drug Test
If considered for appointment, candidates may be required to pass a medical examination and a drug test.
Background
If considered for appointment, candidates may be required to pass a background investigation, which may include a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, psychology exam and drug use history.

WORKING CONDITIONSThe conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical DemandsWhile performing these job duties, incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in an office setting operating office equipment and respond to emergency situations requiring emergency apparatus and equipment. The incumbent is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear; use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. Incumbents must have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures while viewing a computer screen. This is partially a sedentary, partially a field classification that requires operating in emergency situations and identifying and assessing problems or hazards. While performing these job duties, incumbents require sufficient mobility to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis; ability to maneuver a 200-pound individual in need of assistance.
Mental DemandsWhile performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information, and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; observes and interprets people and situations; learns and applies new information and skills; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing deadlines, constant interruptions, and multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.?
Work EnvironmentThe employee works primarily in an office environment and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings. Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Employees may be called for field work and may be exposed to extreme noise, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, substantial heights, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances, and fumes.? Employees may interact with upset staff and members of the public in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Selma will offer the following retirement benefit (2.7% at 57) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.0% at 50 formula with three (3) years final compensation.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Life insurance - $100,000 per employee.
• Short and long term disability insurance.
• 12 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 16 holidays annually: 13 city observed holidays, two floating holidays plus one birthday credit.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.

01

Do you possess a valid Class C California Driver's License with a Firefighter's endorsement?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid Healthcare Provider CPR Certification? If yes, IT MUST BE ATTACHED TO THIS APPLICATION. Failure to attach will result in disqualification from the recruitment.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a valid California Paramedic or EMT License? If so, IT MUST BE ATTACHED TO THIS APPLICATION.

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a Company Officer certificate from the California State Fire Marshal? If so, please attach it to your application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question