Title
OFD Fire Battalion Chief Classification Change
Recommended Action
Staff Recommendation:
Move to approve the proposed change to the Fire Battalion Chief classification.
Report
Staff Contact:
Greg Wright, Deputy Fire Chief, Olympia Fire Department, 360.753.8466
Nicole Camus, Secretary, Human Resources, 360.753.8213
Background
The Fire Training Officer position is currently an assignment within the Fire Captain classification. The position is currently vacant and the Fire Department is seeking to add to the responsibilities and reclassify the position into an assignment within the Fire Battalion Chief classification. The proposed changes to the Battalion Chief classification add the training officer duties, supervision, and special requirements.
Findings:
The proposed classification changes reflect the departments operational needs for a Battalion Chief to serve in the following roles:
• responsibility of managing the training center complex and all aspects of training fire and EMS staff.
• Supervision of the Captain MSO, Captain ESO, and other officers.
• Assignment to manage hiring, promotions, and career development
Creating a Battalion Chief of Training alleviates a structural error in which a Battalion Chief is assigned work from a Captain. It also aligns the department with other department’s classification of the position. As evident by the minor changes in responsibility, the position was performing Battalion Chief level work and reclassifying the position corrects this error.
Policy Reference:
City of Olympia Civil Service Rule II, Classification