Fire Battalion Chief

Job Type

Full-time

Description

The Battalion Chief is an appointed supervisory command-level position responsible for the administrative and daily operational functions of all assigned shift personnel, response vehicles, and fire stations. This position reports directly to the Deputy Chief.

At the scene of an emergency incident, the Battalion Chief will conduct a size-up, control, and direct all fire suppression and/or rescue and EMS operations. The Battalion Chief is the highest level of authority on the scene of an emergency incident until relieved or transfers command to another officer of equal or greater rank.

The Battalion Chief works to mitigate emergencies in a safe and effective manner. The role of the Battalion Chief requires the ability to work independently and to make quick and professional decisions with limited information.

The Battalion Chief also must be able to perform the duties of a firefighter and participate in multiple, complex, and high-risk procedures and techniques while responding to fire and non-fire and non-fire emergencies.

Requirements

Essential Job Functions

The essential job duties below are equally of importance and must be performed in order for the incumbent to be successful. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In addition to those listed below, the essential job functions and expectations of a Battalion Chief are the same as those of a Fire Lieutenant and Firefighter.

Serves as the Shift Commander. Ensures mental and physical readiness and competency of assigned personnel. Assigns, coordinates, evaluates and supervises both emergent and non-emergent activities of his assigned personnel.

Coordinates the response and distribution of personnel and equipment to and during emergency incidents to ensure maximum effective performance.

Responds to and takes command of major incidents and personally directs the activities associated with such incidents; determines and directs proper deployment of personnel until relieved by a superior officer.

Provides for firefighter safety and survival; protecting, removing and providing care for endangered occupants. Ensures property conservation during and after fire suppression operations as well as investigation of cause and origin.

Confers with and advises Lieutenants and Firefighters in matters of department discipline, morale and specific issues confronting the Fire Department and / or the Village of Mundelein. The Battalion Chief is ultimately responsible for the performance of his subordinates in their areas of involvement or responsibility.

Participates in recommendations for and implementation of certain Fire Department budget programs.

Responsible for supervising, coordinating, and evaluating the performance of the Lieutenants assigned to them.

Responsible for providing input to and / or completion of monthly probationary evaluations, annual performance evaluations and career path analysis of all assigned shift personnel.

May function as the Fire Department representative when dealing with the general public, civic groups, and the media. Completes press releases as required.

Keeps the Deputy Chief informed of the conditions and needs of the Shift / Fire Department and makes recommendations for improvement.

Is a key member of the Fire Department's Administrative Command Staff. Attends regularly scheduled Fire Department staff meetings and operational meetings with the Deputy Chief and participates in the decision-making process as directed or required.

Possesses thorough knowledge of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and all Village of Mundelein and Fire Department operational guidelines / policy statements that effect the personnel assigned to them.

Completes the daily roster. Accurately documents work hours, assignments, overtime and leave status. Insures staffing at predetermined manning levels.

Other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief or Deputy Chief.

Regular and reliable attendance is required. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Competencies

In addition to those listed below, the knowledge, skills, and abilities for a Battalion Chief are the same as those of a Fire Lieutenant and Firefighter.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of Fire Department rules, regulations, operating guidelines/policy statements, Village of Mundelein Employee Handbook, Collective Bargaining agreement (CBA), and organizational goals, objectives, and plans.

Ensures adherence to federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations through effective operations, record keeping and reporting.

Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting tactics and strategies, manpower and apparatus utilization and placement, residential, commercial and industrial firefighting operations.

Thorough knowledge of street and water supply locations, building construction, fire protection and detection devices, building uses and special hazards within the community.

Thorough knowledge of in-place automatic and mutual aid agreements.

The ability to maintain discipline, a solid chain of command, and promote continuity, harmony, healthy relationships and cooperation with officers and personnel across the entire Fire Department, with members of neighboring agencies, and with members of the Village of Mundelein.

Ability to calmly and effectively command multiple companies during emergency operations.

Ability to lead and exchange ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to speak and deal tactfully, diplomatically and effectively with people.

Ability to build consensus within a group, especially amongst the members assigned to their shift.

Ability to achieve daily objectives with well-trained, qualified personnel by keeping abreast of changing fire and EMS technology and techniques to ensure maximum operational proficiency.

Ability to meet such physical requirements as may be established by departmental policy. Required Education and Experience

Must be a member in good standing and have a minimum of five (5) years with the Mundelein Fire Department with at least three (3) years of experience in a supervisory capacity (Fire Lieutenant or higher).

Must maintain EMT-P certification with the State of Illinois and Condell Hospital EMS System.

Bachelor's Degree preferred.

If the candidate possesses an Associate's Degree at the time of appointment, they shall then attain a Bachelor's Degree within three (3) years of appointment. Five (5) years if they do not possess an associate degree.

Must attain Fire Officer II / Advanced Fire Officer (or its equivalent) certification through the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) as soon as the classes are available.

Must attain Incident Safety Officer (ISO) certification through the OSFM within two (2) years of appointment or as soon as the class is available.

Must attain Public Information Officer (PIO or its equivalent) certification through the OSFM within two (2) years of appointment or as soon as the class is available.

Must attain Chief Fire Officer (CFO) certification through the OSFM within three (4) years of appointment or as soon as the class is available.

Work Environment

The Physical demands and working conditions for a Battalion Chief are essentially the same as those for a firefighter. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high and precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, extreme heat and cold, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment may be loud or excessive at times.

Physical Demands

The physical abilities for a Battalion Chief are essentially the same as those for a firefighter. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and or talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and use their hands to handle, or reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance, vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

SALARY AND BENFITS

The salary range for this position is $149,626 to $161,834, with the starting salary dependent on qualifications.

The Village offers a generous benefits package, which includes a pension plan, personal time off, and coverage of the majority of the monthly premium for medical insurance. Additionally, dental, vision, basic life, and AD&D insurance are fully covered by the Village. Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits begin on the first day of employment. There are also other ancillary voluntary benefits available.

Applications will be accepted until January 9, 2026.

Village of Mundelein is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Village of Mundelein does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.