Battalion Chief

Job Summary

OPEN ONLY TO CITY EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR INITIAL PROBATIONARY PERIOD.

Directs and supervises activities of assigned Fire divisions. Assists with the general administration of the Fire Department.

Representative Duties

Directs and supervises activities of assigned Fire Department sworn and non-sworn staff.

Enforces departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Responds to alarms and assumes command.

Assigns, schedules, supervises and trains assigned staff.

Conducts facility, uniform and equipment inspections and recommends replacement or repair of items.

Reviews operations, manages programs, writes reports and maintains records.

Analyzes data and makes recommendations.

Coordinates special detail activities.

Investigates Fire Department matters.

Assumes the duties of the Fire Chief and/or Deputy Fire Chief in their absence, as assigned.

Acts as Strike Team Leader for responses outside of the City limits.

Attends staff meetings and serves on committees.

Reviews annual employee performance evaluations.

Performs other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

Fire Department administration and organization

Technical and operating principles, practices and problems in fire suppression and prevention

Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations

Principles and practices of employee supervision and training

Principles and techniques of effective customer service

Ability to:

Analyze problems

Make recommendations and provide alternative solutions to issues related to the Fire Department

Select, supervise, motivate, and train staff, including scheduling, prioritizing, and evaluating the work of others

Implement policies and procedures

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Prepare written and oral reports

Maintain records

Provide effective customer service

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public

Work with persons from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

Remain calm in emergencies.

Make decisions under pressure including life threatening situations

Assess emergency situations and determine the proper course of action

Skill in:

Leadership, management, and supervision

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience:

Three years of recent, paid work experience as a Fire Captain with the Santa Monica Fire Department.

Education and Certifications:

An associate’s degree from an accredited college or university or completion of the Fire Officer Certification Program through the Office of the State Fire Training.

Possession of a valid Class C driver license with Firefighter endorsement must be maintained throughout employment in this classification.

Within two years of appointment as a Battalion Chief, must be able to obtain, and maintain, certification as Hazardous Materials Incident Commander.

Effective January 1, 2027, the following licenses and certifications shall include:

Completion of the following classes through the California State Fire Training (SFT):

Possession of Chief Fire Officer 3A: Human Resource Management for Chief Fire OfficersPossession of Chief Fire Officer 3B: Budget and Fiscal Responsibilities for Chief Fire OfficersPossession of Chief Fire Officer 3C: General Administration Functions for Chief Fire OfficersPossession of Chief Fire Officer 3D: Command of Expanding All-Hazard Incidents (2019)

Completion of the following California Incident Command Certification System (CICCS) Strike Team Leader Curriculum:

Possession of Intermediate ICS (I-300)Possession of Basic Air Operations (S-270)Possession of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior Certification (S-290). The online S-290 course does meet the requirement for this position.Possession of FIRESCOPE All-Risk Task Force/Strike Team Leader (AH-330)

CA-219 Wildland Firefighting Firing Operations Course must be completed within one year of hire into this classification.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

Copies of your college level transcripts, diploma and/or certifications must be attached to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.

Selection Process:

All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing will consist of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:

Assessment Process (Please reserve January 12, 2026 to January 22, 2026 as testing may be administered over several days.)
Writing Project - 10%
In Basket Exercise - 20%
Tactical Exercise - 30%
Panel Oral Interview - 30%
Seniority - 10%

Note: Applicants must have completed an initial probationary period by the filing date and have permanent status with the City of Santa Monica.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three workdays prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 10/20/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• City of Santa Monica

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