Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y? Respect. Equity. Accountability. Diversity…YOU!!!

This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the below employee benefit enhancements:

Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
Language Incentive
Referral Bonus
Tuition Assistance Program

Description

This position is part of the Promotional Process for Fire and Emergency Services. Only INTERNAL CANDIDATES will be considered.

The purpose of this class is to plan, develop, organize, and direct activities related to Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) within the Department. Activities include emergency Fire and EMS response; supervising prevention and inspection routines of an assigned shift; training; and other administrative duties as assigned by an Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, or Fire Chief. The Battalion Chief keeps the Deputy Fire Chief and/or Fire Chief actively informed on all functions and important communications concerning the Department.

Under the direction of a Deputy Fire Chief or other supervisor, performs administrative and supervisory work, which includes the management and accountability of personnel; facilities and equipment; and development, implementation, and evaluation of Department policy.

Work also involves responding to and dealing with man-made and natural disasters that pose a threat to public safety.

A Battalion Chief exercises judgment in accomplishing the goals of a number of work groups. Incumbents establish methods and procedures within the framework of standard Department policy.

Though the Battalion Chief will generally be assigned to supervise a battalion geographical area in the Operations Section, the incumbents may also serve in non-battalion assignment areas such as Support Services, Business Services, Administration, Safety Unit, and the Office of Emergency Management.

Supervision Exercised/Received:

Exercised: This classification typically supervises other employees.
Received: This classification typically reports to a Deputy Fire Chief.
Note: Other reporting relationships may apply.

Duties include but are not limited to

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Performs Human Resources Management functions by supervising all personnel under assigned division/battalion as outlined in Department policies, procedures, and practices
Performs Human Resources Management functions by coordinating the assignment and scheduling of personnel and maintains minimum staffing requirements
Performs Human Resources Management functions by coordinating or managing directly the training and development of Department employees
Performs Human Resources Management functions by developing procedures and recommendations for the new-hire process to include the probationary element of orienting, training, and evaluating newly hired employees
Performs Human Resources Management functions by evaluating employee performance, both orally and in writing, at specific, designated intervals; providing career and personal counseling to subordinates when necessary or requested
Performs Human Resources Management functions by developing programs and procedures and making recommendations for promotional processes
Performs Human Resources Management functions by facilitating, promoting, and encouraging employees to participate in training, educational, and development programs that will assist employees in reaching their full potential.
Performs Human Resources Management functions by conducting conflict resolution, where indicated, between personnel assigned to their division/battalion
Performs Human Resources Management functions by administering and managing activities, personnel, resources, and operations of the Department, and assisting in developing and implementing Department policies, procedures, and practices.
Performs Community and Government Relations functions by developing efficient and effective programs to reduce community risk by proposing strategies to minimize vulnerability to unintentional injury or death from preventable causes.
Performs Community and Government Relations functions by reviewing customer concerns based on service quality in his/her assigned division/battalion and initiates the appropriate action
Performs Community and Government Relations functions by interacting constructively with other agencies as directed on special projects
Performs Community and Government Relations functions by representing the Department at community, governmental, and emergency services related meetings as directed
Performs Administrative functions by participating as a member of the management team for planning, implementing, and evaluating Department goals and objectives, as appropriate
Performs Administrative functions by developing and administering a division/battalion level budget, including completion of all required documentation necessary to request new resources
Performs Administrative functions by developing and administering division/battalion level fiscal accountability practices
Performs Administrative functions by overseeing the acquisition of physical resources including the specification, bid solicitation, purchasing, and bid awarding elements
Performs Administrative functions by directing the use of and maintenance of the Department records management system
Performs Administrative functions by analyzing and interpreting information from the records management system and prepares reports on the organization or a portion of the organization's performance
Performs Administrative functions by developing plans to effectively utilize resources in/on their assigned division/battalion
Performs Administrative functions by reviewing current policies, procedures, and practices, then evaluating the need for and supervising the development of new or revised policies, procedures, and practices to address organizational needs.
Performs Administrative functions by researching and evaluating projects, training requirements, facilities, and building needs such that organizational needs are met
Performs Administrative functions by planning and administering preventative maintenance programs, supervising equipment repairs
Maintaining control of supplies
Purchasing materials and equipment for assigned division/battalion
Performs Inspection and Investigative functions by overseeing pre-incident planning for facilities and target hazards in the Department
Performs Inspection and Investigative functions by coordinating the investigation of the cause and origin of fires or the unauthorized release of hazardous materials.
Performs Inspection and Investigative functions by (given hazards found in the City of Richmond) developing or modifying programs to reduce hazards including drafting legislation for appropriate changes to the applicable Fire Code.
Performs Emergency Service Delivery functions by assuming command of general staff positions at emergency incidents or planned events as the situation dictates
Performs Emergency Service Delivery functions by developing plans, programs, and criteria for response to incidents and events that involve multiple agencies.
Performs Emergency Service Delivery functions by serving as a strike team/task force leader for resources from the Department sent to assist other jurisdictions.
Performs Emergency Service Delivery functions by supervising all personnel at the scene of an emergency unless relieved by a Deputy Fire Chief or the Fire Chief
Performs Emergency Service Delivery functions by developing and conducting post incident analysis, including the collection of records and drafting appropriate reports
Performs Health and Safety functions by monitoring the fulfillment of management's responsibility under applicable Department safety policies, procedures, and practices in their assigned division/battalion
Performs Health and Safety functions by maintaining his/her personal, physical, and emotional stamina and conditioning and facilitating the same for those that he/she supervises
Performs Emergency Management functions by representing the Department and fulfilling appropriate emergency support functions in the Emergency Operations Center or Agency/Department Operations Center as directed by the Deputy Fire Chief or Fire Chief and in accordance with the City of Richmond Emergency Management Plan
Establishes and maintains a safe and healthy work environment
Maintains a working environment free of harassment and/or discrimination and identifies and corrects potentially illegal discrimination
Establishes and maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Evaluates employee work habits and work product for efficiency and effectiveness
Plans and organizes their work and the work of others
Meets schedules and timelines
Utilizes appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
Communicates orally and in writing at a level that would be acceptable in conducting business in a local government
Reads, interprets, applies, and explains rules, regulations, policies, procedures and practices
Analyzes situations accurately and adopts an effective course of action.
Demonstrates interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
Demonstrates a willingness to represent the values of the Department
Operates a "command" type vehicle under emergency response and incident scene circumstances
Operates in command and general staff positions in the incident management system
Operates as a member of Department leadership
Manages appropriate portions of the Department's budget
Manages Department programs and projects as assigned
Formulates, develops, and implements policies, plans, and goals in a local government
Fire and Emergency Services Department
Manages the activities of a division/battalion of the Department when required
Assists a Deputy Fire Chief in planning and organizing diversified programs
May be assigned to act in a higher classification including, but not limited to, an Assistant Chief (Shift Commander) or Deputy Fire Chief position

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

General Requirements:

Virginia State Driver's License without restrictions/revocation that prohibits personnel from operating department vehicles and Yearly Valid Compliance Summary
Pass an annual medical assessment consistent with national standards as well as random screens for prohibited substances.
Successful completion of the City and Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) background check/requirements.
No disciplinary action within the last 12 months resulting in suspension, reduction in rank, or reduction in pay.
No more than 1 at-fault accident or property damage within the last 12 months
No criminal conviction in the last 12 months at the time of application
Must be compliant on all required Fire and City trainings
At least “Meets Standard” on the most recent performance evaluation.

Required time in rank:

At time of application, 2 years of uninterrupted service at the promoted rank of Fire Captain

Required Accredited Education:

High School Diploma or GED and a Bachelor’s Degree at the time of application

Preferred Accredited Education:

Building Construction for Fire Protection
Fire Prevention
Fire Protection Systems
Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival
Fire Behavior and Combustion

Training Certifications (Must possess the following at the time of application):

Valid Virginia or National Registry EMT Certification
Fire Officer III (NFPA 1021)
ICS 400 Certification
USFA O305 or an equally accepted certificate
NFA, VDFP, or FDSOA Incident Safety Officer
Completion of RFD Acting Battalion Chief Task-book/Process

Personnel promoted after July 1, 2025, will be required to complete the following by January 1, 2027. Starting on January 1, 2027, the following will be a requirement prior to promotion.

NFA Health and Safety Program Manager

Preferred Training Certifications prior to or accepted into and expected to successfully complete at least two of the below opportunities within 3 years following promotion:

NFA Managing Officer Program
Virginia Fire Officer Academy
Virginia Chief Officer Academy
Northern Virginia Fire Officer Leadership Development Institute
Executive Development Institutive
Management of Emergency Medical Services
NFA Executive Fire Officer Program
Metro Richmond Public Safety Leadership Academy
Emergency Medical Services Quality Management

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: These are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.

Demonstrates proficiency of National Incident Management System
National Response Framework
National Preparedness Guidelines
National Fire Protection Association Standards
Human resource management principles including selection, training, development and equal opportunity
State codes and administrative rules on Occupational Safety and Health
Emergency management principles and practices
Basic principles of Fire and Emergency Services organization administration
Fire and Emergency Services organization policies, procedures and practices
Principles and practices of modern fire suppression strategies, tactics and procedures
Principles and practices of mass casualty strategies (ODEMSA medical response plans, tactics, and procedures
Principles and practices of hazardous material strategies, tactics, and procedures
Principles and practices of technical rescue strategies, tactics, and procedures
Government budgeting and financial practices
Fire apparatus and equipment specification processes
Oral communications including public speaking
Technical and business writing skills
English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
Principles and practices of administration, management, and supervision
Technical aspects of field of specialty
Department strategic and work plans and
Geography and street locations

*The following official documentation MUST be uploaded with this application as attachments. Failure to submit required documents will result in not progressing through the application and promotional process.

Fire Officer III (NFPA 1021)
ICS 400 Certification
USFA O305 or an equally accepted certificate
NFA, VDFP, or FDSOA Incident Safety Officer
Official University/College transcript(s) or degree(s)

When uploading attachments, please use the following format for naming each document: Document/Certification Title_Last Name, First Initial

Examples:

Fire Officer III NFPA 1021_Smith, J
USC Official Transcript_Smith, J
ICS 400_Smith, J
FDSOA Incident Safety Officer_Smith, J
USFA O305_Smith, J

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Jessica McKenzie, Human Resources Manager by email at Jessica.McKenzie@RVA.GOV.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Richmond Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company.

The City of Richmond is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.