Fire Battalion Chief

This position is part of the promotional process for Fire and Emergency Services and is open to internal candidates only. The Battalion Chief is responsible for planning, developing, organizing, and directing fire and emergency medical service (EMS) activities. Duties include emergency response, supervision of prevention and inspection programs, personnel management, training, and various administrative responsibilities. The Battalion Chief keeps senior leadership informed on all operations, issues, and communications affecting the department.

Assignments generally involve supervision of a battalion in the Operations Section but may also include roles in Support Services, Business Services, Administration, Safety, or Emergency Management.

Supervision :

Exercised : Supervises employees in assigned areas.

Received : Reports to a Deputy Fire Chief (other reporting structures may apply).

Key Responsibilities :

Manage and supervise all assigned personnel, facilities, and equipment.

Oversee staffing, scheduling, and training while ensuring compliance with policies and performance standards.

Conduct evaluations, provide counseling, and support professional development.

Assist in hiring, probationary training, and promotional processes.

Direct emergency operations, assume command at incidents, and coordinate multi-agency responses.

Conduct post-incident analyses and oversee fire investigations.

Develop and manage battalion-level budgets, procurement, and fiscal accountability practices.

Oversee records management systems and prepare performance reports.

Develop, review, and implement policies, procedures, and operational strategies.

Represent the department at community, interagency, and governmental meetings.

Promote community risk reduction initiatives and address service concerns.

Ensure compliance with health, safety, and emergency management policies.

Maintain effective working relationships and a respectful, harassment-free environment.

Serve as Acting Assistant Chief or Deputy Chief as assigned.

General Requirements :

Valid state drivers license in good standing.

Annual medical assessment and random substance screenings.

Successful completion of required background checks.

No disciplinary action within the past 12 months resulting in suspension, reduction in rank, or pay.

No more than one at-fault accident or property damage in the past 12 months.

No criminal conviction in the past 12 months.

Compliance with all required trainings.

At least Meets Standard on the most recent performance evaluation.

Required Time in Rank :

Two (2) years of uninterrupted service at the promoted rank of Fire Captain.

Required Education :

High School Diploma or GED.

Bachelors Degree at the time of application.

Preferred Education :

Building Construction for Fire Protection

Fire Prevention

Fire Protection Systems

Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival

Fire Behavior and Combustion

Required Training / Certifications :

Valid Virginia or National Registry EMT Certification

Fire Officer III (NFPA 1021)

ICS 400 Certification

USFA O305 or equivalent

Incident Safety Officer (NFA, VDFP, or FDSOA)

Completion of Acting Battalion Chief Task Book / Process

Additional Requirement (Effective July 1, 2025) :

NFA Health and Safety Program Manager (must be completed by January 1, 2027; required prior to promotion starting in 2027).

Preferred Training / Certifications (completion of at least two within 3 years of promotion) :

NFA Managing Officer Program

Virginia Fire Officer Academy

Virginia Chief Officer Academy

Northern Virginia Fire Officer Leadership Development Institute

Executive Development Institute

Management of Emergency Medical Services

NFA Executive Fire Officer Program

Public Safety Leadership Academy

EMS Quality Management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Proficiency with NIMS, NRF, and National Preparedness Guidelines.

Strong understanding of NFPA standards and fire / EMS policies, procedures, and strategies.

Expertise in fire suppression, mass casualty, hazardous materials, and technical rescue operations.

Knowledge of human resource management, training, and equal opportunity practices.

Familiarity with emergency management principles, safety codes, and OSHA regulations.

Skills in budgeting, procurement, and resource management.

Strong written / oral communication, technical writing, and public speaking abilities.

Leadership and administrative skills to manage personnel, projects, and department goals.