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Battalion Chief
Description of Duties
This is a supervisory position in a fire district responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the personnel, stations, equipment and emergencies for their assigned battalions and shifts. Duties include commanding and directing emergency scenes either independently or until arrival of superior officers, assisting in determining long-range goals and objectives, preparing and monitoring service area budgets, and directing or conducting special studies and projects. Work is performed in accordance with the policies and objectives outlined by the Board of Fire Commissioners and/or Fire Chief. This position differs from Fire Captain by virtue of having a broader scope of managerial, fiscal, policy and decision-making responsibility and acting as the commanding officer at fire scenes. This position differs from Assistant Fire Chief by virtue of performing more technical duties versus administrative and assuming responsibility for directing the operation of emergency service delivery at fire/emergency incidents for a particular shift. The employee reports directly to, and works under the general supervision of a Fire Chief with wide leeway allowed for independent judgment while responding to emergency situations. General supervision is exercised over Fire Captains.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements on or before the date of the written exam:
Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma plus EITHER:
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree plus one (1) year paid full-time or its part-time equivalent** experience in a fire district as a Fire Captain or higher rank; OR,
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree plus three (3) years volunteer* experience as a Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief or similar rank; OR,
- An equivalent combination of experience defined by the limits of (A), and (B) above.
*Volunteer experience, for the purposes of these minimum qualifications, must be documented by submission of a signed letter from the chief/director of the participating district or department stating the title(s) of the positions and months and years of volunteer service.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at any level* issued by the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services at the time of appointment.
*EMT, EMT-Intermediate (AEMT-1), EMT-Critical Care (AEMT-CC), EMT-Paramedic (AEMT-P)
If you are appointed, you will be required to have a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State or otherwise demonstrate your capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test for employment with Monroe County Government.
Anticipated Eligibility – Age and Educational Requirements:
According to Civil Service Law, section 54 which became effective September 4, 2024, applicants who are within 12 months of meeting the minimum age or attaining the minimum educational requirements following the date of examination, may take the civil service exam, but will be restricted from certification until such a time that the minimum age or educational requirements are met. Candidates will be required to provide proof of qualifying education and/or age within 12 months of exam date in order to be eligible for appointment from a certified list.
