City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: 08/24/2009 Item Number: C-4
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: Approval of the Revised Classification
Specification for Battalion Chief.
Contact Person/Dept.: Amy Webber Phone Number: 310-253-5640
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [X] No [] Date: _08/05/2009_________
Civil Service Commission
Public Notification: Culver City Fire Management Group (08/19/2009); Meetings and
Agendas – City Council (08/19/09)
Department Approval:
Serena Wright (8/13/09)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (08/19/09)
Chief Financial Officer Approval:
Jeff Muir (by M. Noller) (08/19/08)
City Manager Approval:
Mark Scott (08/19/09)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve the revised classification specification
for the position of Battalion Chief.
BACKGROUND:
As part of the routine examination preparation procedure, the Fire Department and
Human Resources staff have reviewed the Battalion Chief classification
specification. This review included the Fire Department’s standards, mutual aid
agreements, and standard classification specification language. All three items were
compared with the existing classification specification and resulted in the proposed
revised classification specification for the position of Battalion Chief (Attachment 1).
DISCUSSION:
The classification specification was reviewed to ensure consistency with actual
operations and to clarify the duties associated with the three specific assignments
within the classification: Fire Platoon Supervisor, Assistant Fire Chief, and Fire
Marshal.
The Essential Job Duties section was revised to eliminate redundant language and
to incorporate marginal duties routinely performed by all three assignments into
essential duties. In addition, minor changes have been made to align language with
other similarly situated classifications. City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
The Training and Experience section has been revised to reflect changes instituted
by Area ”A.“ The City is a party to several mutual aid agreements, one of which
authorizes and obligates Culver City to provide emergency fire response service on
a state wide level. For purposes of this particular mutual aid agreement, Culver City
is assigned to Region 1, Area ”A,“ which is comprised of fire departments from the
cities of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Culver City. When responding to a state
wide mutual aid request, Area ‘A’ is required to send a strike team comprised of five
(5) engines and one (1) Strike Team Leader. The responsibility of sending a Strike
Team Leader and the engines rotate amongst Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and
Culver City. As part of this rotation, the city providing the strike team leader sends
one engine and the other two cities send two (2) engines each.
In order for operations to run smoothly and consistently, Area ”A” sets standards for
each level of responders as personnel on scene are not all from the same agency.
One level of responder is “Strike Team Leader” which is equivalent to Culver City’s
Battalion Chief classification. Strike Team Leaders from Area ”A” are required to
possess the educational qualifications for the California Incident Command
Certificate System (CICCS) Strike Team Leader certification. This requirement has
been added in the Training and Experience section.
The revised classification specification has been reviewed by the affected bargaining
unit (the Culver City Fire Management Group). It has also been considered by the
Civil Service Commission at their meeting of August 5, 2009 where the Commission
recommended the City Council approve the revised classification specification.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the approval of the revised classification
specification for Battalion Chief.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Classification Specification for Battalion Chief
2. Organizational Chart for Fire Department FY 09/10
3. Meeting Minute Excerpt for Item A-2 from Civil Service Commission meeting on
08/05/2009
MOTION:
That the City Council:
Approve the revised Classification Specification for Battalion Chief.
MEETING DATE: 08/24/09
AGENDA ITEM: 1) Approval of the Revised Classification Specification for
Battalion Chief.
ATTACHMENTS
Pages
1. Classification Specification for Battalion Chief 1 - 4
2. Organizational Chart for Fire Department FY 09/10 5
3. Meeting Minute Excerpt for Item A-2 from
Civil Service Commission meeting on 08/05/2009 6 - 7 ATTACHMENT 1
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
November 1998
Revised April 2005
Revised August 2009
BATTALION CHIEF
DEFINITION
The occupants of theise positions classification are in the classified service. Theise classification, an
upper level management positions, serves as a fire platoon supervisor with responsibility for
coordinating or and directing emergency incidents and the routine duties of a battalion. Occupants of
this classification may be assigned as Assistant Fire Chief with the responsibility of the general
supervision of divisions within the Fire Department, the fire scene work of a group of fire stations
including engine, truck and rescue companies or if assigned as Fire Marshal with the responsibility of ,
directs, supervisinges, and directing coordinates the City’s comprehensive Fire Prevention and Arson
Investigation Bureau programs. The positions assigned to this classification may also function as an
Assistant Fire Chief.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
The positions within this classification report to the Fire Chief or Battalion Chief/Assistant Fire Chief and
supervise the work of Fire Captains and may supervise the work of other professionals, technical and
Assistant Fire Marshal, Firefighter/Inspectors, Fire Prevention Specialists, Communications
Technicians, or clerical staff.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
The following duties are essential for this position. Any single position may not perform all of these
tasks or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.
1. 6. Keeps abreast of fire suppression issues problems and hazards within the City and exercises
initiative in finding workable solutions to these problems.
2. 7. Identifies methods ways to improve and streamline fire suppression, training and equipment
maintenance operations and programs.
3. 9. Projects a positive image to individuals and groups as a professional, competent and helpful
manager. Communicates effectively and openly with different individuals and groups.
4. Provides technical assistance to Fire Captains and other staff in the completion of their assigned
duties work, and personally handles or directs complex tasks or multi-company firefighting
responses.
5. Marginal Job Duties 1. Assists in preparationing of the annual budget and operations for the Fire
Chief anticipating the resources required for the Fire Department to provide satisfactory and
responsive protection for the residents of the City.
6. Marginal Job Duties 2. Assists the Fire Chief and/or the Assistant Fire Chief with Administrative
tasks, such as reports, projects and surveys.
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Battalion Chief
7. Marginal Job Duties 3. Researches and develops projects from conception to completion including
written correspondence and reports and policies.
8. Maintains a competent and motivated work force through work assignments, performance
evaluation, counseling, training, and disciplinary action.
9. Plans and directs the operations of fire stations including the establishment of response standards
to ensure personnel are productively utilized and acceptable quality standards are maintained.
10. Maintains clear, timely, and accurate communications between fire suppression, inspection, and
other organizational units so that activities are coordinated and achieve fire control objectives.
11. Identifies and assesses the nature of problems impacting the effectiveness of fire service delivery,
and takes corrective action in consultation with the Assistant Fire Chief.
12. Keeps the Fire Chief and fire management personnel adequately informed of problems or issues
which need to be addressed, and proposes alternative solutions for consideration.
The following essential duties are specific to the designated assignment.
If assigned as a Fire Platoon Supervisor:
8. Supervises and coordinates the activities of fire companies.
9. Responsible for effective and efficient use of apparatus, equipment, and personnel in extinguishing
fires and performing other emergency rescue work.
Assistant Fire Chief:
10. Establishes operational objectives for the Fire Department in conformance with goals set by the Fire
Chief.
11. Acts as the Department’s Personnel Officer.
12. Assures compliance with departmental policies, rules and procedures as well as modern
firefighting, prevention, and equipment maintenance techniques.
13. Assures the services for which the Battalion Chief is responsible are performed in a competent and
efficient manner.
If assigned as Fire Marshal:
13. 1. Plans, organizes and directs a program of fire prevention inspections program of buildings and
installations throughout the City.
14. 2. Initiates the investigation of any fire in which the cause, origin, and/or circumstances are of
suspicious nature, in which substantial property damage has been incurred, or in which a fatality or
major injury occurred.
15. 3. Makes iInterpretations of existing policies and regulations; and recommends new fire prevention
ordinances and revisions of existing ordinances.
16. Checks building plans for conformity with Fire Prevention codes.
17. Reviews reports of inspections and complaints and follow up complaints to see that hazards are
eliminated. Supervises the development of and is responsible for the maintenance of inspection
records.
18. Collaborates with recognized law enforcement and fire suppression agencies in all matters relative
to violation of fire laws, and cooperates with the City Attorney or District Attorney in the prosecution
of violations of fire laws.
19. As Public Information Officer, gathers all information on major fires or other unusual occurrences
and releases this information to the proper sources at the appropriate time. Confers with the Fire
Chief before contacting other city or State authorities on controversial fire prevention matters.
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Battalion Chief
20. Approves permits for the sale, use, storage, and transportation of explosives and flammable
materials and approves permits for hazardous processes, public assemblies and related matters.
21. Prepares the annual budget and operations reports for the Fire Prevention and Arson Investigation
Bureau and submits the information to the Fire Chief.
MARGINAL JOB DUTIES
The following duties are typically performed by individuals in this classification but are considered less
than essential.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY
Knowledge of:
• Problems, issues, philosophies, principles, and tactics associated with firefighting, fire prevention,
inspection, and equipment maintenance.
• Modern management, planning, organization, motivation, budgeting, and communication
techniques.
• Departmental policies and regulation.
• Municipal government operations.
• Relevant laws, ordinances, codes, and court decisions that affect fire protection.
• City geography.
• Major fire hazards.
• Water supply system.
• Labor and interpersonal relations.
• Fire causes, fire behavior and its effects.
• Principles of fire and arson investigation.
• Training related to fire prevention and arson investigation programs.
• Mechanical, chemical, and related characteristics of a wide variety of flammable and explosive
materials and objects.
Skill and Ability to:
• Manage the technical aspects of various fire suppression, prevention and training activities.
• Quickly analyze emergency situations and direct the proper course of action.
• Prepare performance evaluations and encourage employee development.
• Plan, schedule, and control work.
• Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.
• Conduct fire protection operation and management systems.
• Read and understand apparatus, building and equipment plans and specifications.
• Prepare comprehensive reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Meet the public in situations requiring tact and poise.
• Develop and present effective public education programs.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATE
Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and possession of an EMT-1 Certificate.
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Battalion Chief
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and
ability would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:
1a) a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any major or
1b) an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college in fire technology and California State
Fire Marshal Training Chief Officer Certificate, and
2) two (2) years of fire suppression, prevention, or administrative experience at Culver City Fire
Department at the rank of Fire Captain, and
3) Completion of the educational requirements for CICCS (California Incident Command Certificate
System) and Area “A” Strike Team Leader.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
• Requires the mobility to stand, stoop, reach, and bend. Requires mobility of arms to reach and
dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects.
• Requires the ability to stand for long periods.
• Requires the ability to walk long distances.
• Performs work which involves the frequent lifting, pushing and/or pulling of objects which may
approximate 75 pounds and may occasionally weigh up to 100 pounds.
• May be required to work in inclement weather without effective protection from sun, cold and rain.
• May be required to work with harsh and toxic substances.
• May be required to wear protective apparel including gloves, goggles, face protectors, aprons,
shoes and oxygen breathing apparatus.
• May be required to work within enclosed spaces or at heights above ground level.
• May be required to work around foul odors.
• May be required to work around loud noise.
• May be required to work around moving mechanical parts. May be required to work around
electrical current.
4 of 7CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER
FIRE CHIEF
ASSISTANT CHIEF
OPERATIONS/EMERG.
PREP. OPERATIONS
BATTALION CHIEF
A SHIFT
OPERATIONS/
SUPPRESSION
CAPTAIN SHIFT A (4)
ENGINEER SHIFT A (4)
FIREFIGHTER/
PARAMEDICS SHIFT A|1010|FIREFIGHTER SHIFT A|1010|BATTALION CHIEF
B SHIFT
OPERATIONS/
SUPPRESSION
CAPTAIN SHIFT B (4)
ENGINEER SHIFT B (4)
FIREFIGHTER/
PARAMEDICS SHIFT B|1010|FIREFIGHTER SHIFT B|1010|BATTALION CHIEF
C SHIFT
OPERATIONS/
SUPPRESSION
CAPTAIN SHIFT C (4)
ENGINEER SHIFT C (4)
FIREFIGHTER/
PARAMEDICS SHIFT C|1010|FIREFIGHTER SHIFT C|1010|COMMUNICATIONS
TECHNICIAN (2)
COMMUNITY SERVICE
OFFICER/RPT (2)
ASSOCIATE
ANALYST
FIRE CAPTAIN/EMS
COORDINATOR
SUPPORTED BY
FIREFIGHTER/
PARAMEDICS (22)
(BUDGETED IN
OPERATIONS
DIVISION)
SECRETARY
EMS
FIRE MARSHAL
FIRE PREVENTION
PERMIT
TECHNICIAN
FIRE INSPECTOR
FIRE PREVENTION
SPECIALIST (2)
SENIOR FIRE
INSPECTOR
FIRE CAPTAIN
TRAINING OFFICER
FIRE DEPARTMENT|1010| 5 FIREFIGHTERS total; numbers vary with shift assignments.|1010| 22 FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDICS total; numbers vary with shift assignments.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
OFFICER/RPT
FIRE CAPTAIN
TELE -
COMMUNICATIONS
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
COORDINATOR
SECRETARY
OPERATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010
5 of 7ATTACHMENT 3
***UNOFFICIAL MINUTES EXCERPT***
REGULAR MEETING OF THE August 5, 2009
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, 7:00 P.M.
CITY OF CULVER CITY,
CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
The meeting of the Civil Service Commission was called to
order at 7:03 P.M.
Present: Chair Sharon Zeitlin
Vice Chair Dan Gallagher
Commissioner Richard Ochoa
Commissioner Sandy Stivers
Commissioner Michael Whitaker
o0o
o0o
Action Items Item A-2
Revised Classification Specification & Recruitment
Bulletin: Battalion Chief
Staff provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion between the staff and the Commission included: a
suggested change to strike the word correspondence from
item 7 on page 2; formal education requirements; the
California State Fire Marshall Training Chief Officer
Certificate; requirements of other cities; the rationale
for not requiring that the Battalion Chief have a
bachelor’s degree; concerns with consistency throughout the
City for upper level management; certificate programs;
ongoing annual training; the uniqueness of the position;
valuing both formal education and formalized training;
educational incentives; concerns with limiting the
candidate pool; the changing culture of the fire service;
components of the examination and weighting; changes to
wording to clarify who the Battalion Chief reports to; and
appreciation for the work of staff.
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MOVED BY VICE CHAIR GALLAGHER, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
OCHOA, AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSION: 1) APPROVE THE REVISED CLASSIFICATION
SPECIFICATION FOR BATTALION CHIEF; AND 2) APPROVE THE
REVISED PROMOTIONAL RECRUITMENT BULLETIN FOR BATTALION
CHIEF.
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