Skip to main content
Tallo logoTallo logo

Find Jobs

Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location

Skip to job details
Apply for this opportunity

To apply for this job, you'll continue to an external website or email application.

Dorchester County

BATTALION CHIEF (INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

Career Insights for Fire Chief / Marshal

See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.

Scorecard

Based on South Carolina data

Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?

Were these scores useful?

What they do

A Fire Chief manages the operation of a fire station and leads teams of firefighters at the site of a fire. A Fire Marshall leads safety inspections of buildings to ensure compliance with local fire codes, and leads investigations to determine the cause of a fire.

$74,308 / year median in South Carolina

+7% projected growth

Explore Career

Job Description

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
The base annual wage is generated from a base hourly rate of $26.95 per hour under the standard shift schedule of 48 hours worked and 96 hours off. Built in overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate for all hours worked in excess of 106 hours in a 14 day pay cycle. Therefore, the base annual wage is $71,040.50. Additional overtime opportunities for shift coverage may be available per departmental policy. These opportunities would provide pay in excess of the base annual wage. The purpose of the class is to supervise and perform administrative work in supervision of the fire suppression and emergency rescue activities of multiple fire stations during an assigned shift. This class determines plan of action for the various fire companies in the event of a major emergency; prepares and administers disciplinary procedures; and performs command level work. This class reports to the Deputy Fire Chief and supervises the daily operations and functions of a shift working 24 hours on and 48 hours off in the Dorchester County Fire Department. Supervision of shift operations includes but is not limited to: directing, instructing, assigning, reviewing and planning work of assigned full-time, part-time, and temporary employees as well as volunteer staff; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; providing and allocating resources; responding to problems, complaint and, inquiries; and monitoring execution of proper laws, regulations, procedures and service. This class works within general policy and organizational guidelines, conducts independent planning and implementation and reports progress of major activities through periodic conferences and meetings.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Commands all firefighting, lifesaving and fire prevention operations in an assigned district; sets up command post at fire or accident scenes; may set up or assume multiple command posts at a single incident; and supervises overhaul and salvage operations.
  • Supervises the daily operation and functions during shift operations; oversees workload and schedules of assigned full-time, part-time and temporary employees as well as volunteers; ensures station and equipment are maintained properly; and makes sure appropriate levels of supplies are maintained
  • Assists with the evaluation and preparation of work schedules; ensures any and all legal requirements are met.
  • Periodically reviews and evaluates state and federal laws/requirements; ensures departmental compliance and implements changes.
  • Assists with the review of current operations to modify procedures, standards and quality to control.
  • Supervises assigned staff. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; recommending and approving employee discipline; and recommending discharge as appropriate.
  • Reviews the work of assigned staff for completeness and accuracy; offers training, advice and assistance as needed. Conducts volunteer training; meets with volunteer members as needed.
  • Instructs company officers in all aspects of their work; enforces departmental regulations; and makes regular inspections of company personnel, quarters, equipment and records.
  • Responds to emergencies, inquiries and complaints from citizens, advocacy groups, government entities, media, etc.
  • Oversees fire investigations and work of fire inspectors, including arson investigations when assigned to fire prevention as the Assistant Fire Marshal. Reviews incident reports for the 24-hour shift and ensures that all reporting is completed and correctly documented.
  • May inform general public of crisis conditions, emergency response, life and death situations, on scene updates, etc. through press releases; performs interviews with television, radio and print media in the absence of the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief.
  • Supervises administrative details; grants leaves; administers discipline; makes daily staffing assessment for all stations in district; rotates personnel as needed; and files payroll reports.
  • Receives reviews; prepares and submits various records and reports including invoices, purchase orders, budget documents, cost spreadsheets, maps, training material, memos, etc.
  • Approves request for equipment, supplies and repairs. Inspects, test and evaluates new types of firefighting equipment, recommends types, kinds and quantities of each for future procurement; and establishes standard methods of use for equipment.
  • Supervises the receiving and transmitting of fire alarms as well as other emergency messages; and the dispatching of fire equipment and personnel.
  • Plans, coordinates and conducts test and trial emergencies to prepare staff and volunteers in crisis conditions; develops appropriate training schedules.
  • Ensures appropriate certifications and paperwork are processed for staff and works effectively and efficiently; meets necessary staffing requirements, guidelines, expectations and goals of the department and state.
  • Performs semi-annual/annual assessments of all shift personnel and volunteers; determines changes needed; and assists with developing plans for implementation.
  • Performs other related job duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Associate degree in related field. Requires at least five (5) years of work experience as a firefighter or equivalent including supervisory experience.
Special Qualifications:
Must possess a valid state Class E, Class B CDL or equivalent driver's license. Must have National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Firefighter II; and National Incident Management System (NIMS-ICS) Incident Command training or equivalent including Incident Command System (ICS) 300 and 400 as well as IS 700 and 800. Must obtain within one (1) year of hire: Instructor Fire Officer I or equivalent; Fire Inspector certification; and other education as deemed necessary.