Position Title: Battalion Fire Chief
Salary: $82,000 annually (Salaried Position)
Benefits: Assigned take-home emergency response vehicle, health insurance, KPPA Hazardous Duty retirement, paid leave, and a comprehensive benefits package
Status: Full-Time / Exempt / Salaried
Reports To: Deputy Fire Chief or Designee
Position Summary
The Warren County Fire Department is seeking an experienced, motivated, and professional leader to serve as Battalion Fire Chief. This key leadership position plays a vital role in managing, coordinating, and supporting the operations of the County’s combination volunteer and compensated fire service system.
The Battalion Chief oversees daily operations, supervises personnel, coordinates emergency responses, and ensures compliance with departmental policies, procedures, and performance standards. This position requires strong leadership, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills, along with the ability to foster teamwork and maintain a positive, forward-leaning organizational culture.
As a member of the department’s command staff, the Battalion Chief will be expected to respond to emergency incidents, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays, as part of an on-call rotation.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Direct, supervise, and evaluate assigned company officers, firefighters, and support personnel.
- Provide leadership in the delivery of fire suppression, rescue, and emergency services.
- Coordinate, monitor, and ensure daily staffing and operational readiness across assigned stations and companies.
- Respond to emergency incidents to assume command or provide support within the established Incident Command System (ICS).
- Assist in the development and implementation of departmental policies, standard operating guidelines (SOGs), and training programs.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as departmental standards and safety practices.
- Participate in planning, budgeting, and resource allocation processes.
- Conduct performance evaluations and promote the professional development of assigned personnel.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all operational areas.
- Represent the department in meetings, committees, and community events as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
- Kentucky or IFSAC Fire Officer I certification required (Fire Officer II preferred).
- NIMS/ICS 300 and 400 certifications required.
- Certified Kentucky or IFSAC/Pro Board Firefighter II.
- Current Emergency Medical Technician – Basic certification. (KY or NREMT) or another state w/reciprocity to KY.
- Instructor I certification (IFSAC not required).
- Hazardous Materials Awareness, Operations, and Technician certifications.
- Valid Kentucky driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
- Minimum of fifteen (15) years of fire service experience, including ten (10) years in a supervisory or officer role.
- Demonstrated knowledge of modern firefighting principles, incident command, and emergency response management.
- Proven ability to work effectively with both career and volunteer personnel across multiple jurisdictions.
Automatic Disqualifiers
- Applicants will be disqualified for:
- Felony conviction of any kind
- Domestic violence conviction (misdemeanor or felony)
- Dishonorable military discharge
- Falsification of application or credentials
- Failure to pass required background or medical evaluations
Pre-Employment Requirements
- Candidates receiving a conditional offer must successfully complete:
- Comprehensive background investigation
- NFPA compliant medical evaluation
- Drug screening
- SCBA fit and functional competency evaluation
- Oral interview and any additional assessments as required
- Current and Valid Candidate Physical Agility Test (CPAT) Card
Work Schedule & Conditions
This is a full-time, salaried position with after-hours on-call responsibilities. The Battalion Chief will be assigned a county take-home emergency response vehicle for operational and emergency response duties. Standard work hours are 40 hours per week, with flexibility required based on operational needs.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants should submit a completed Warren County application, cover letter, and résumé outlining relevant experience and qualifications to:
Mrs. Jennifer Klinglesmith
Executive Administrative Assistant, Warren County Fire Department
[email protected]
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026 at 4 pm CST
Equal Opportunity Employer
Warren County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.