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06/19/2025

Assistant Fire Chief

Berlin Township Fire Department

Are you a highly organized and motivated individual with experience in the fire service? If so, consider joining our team!

Berlin Township is hiring for the role of Assistant Fire Chief, responsible for overseeing the operations of the Fire Department in cooperation with the Fire Chief.

Berlin Township is located in Delaware County Ohio approximately 5 miles north of the Columbus City limits. The Township is a mixture of commercial, farm and residential properties with a total area of approximately 22 square miles. Centered within Berlin Township is Alum Creek Lake and State Park, a popular recreational area. Our population is approximately 10,000 residents which has been gradually increasing each year due to the popularity of the area, the Olentangy School District and the proximity of the Township to Columbus Ohio. Services provided by the Township include a Roads Department, Zoning Department, Cemeteries and Fire Department.

Required qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as:

• Minimum of five (5) years of extensive experience in firefighting work of a progressively responsible nature with at least two (2) years as a company level (Capt./ LT.) officer;

• Must have and maintain a valid Ohio driver’s license with not more than four (4) points assessed as of the date of appointment and must maintain no more than six (6) points after appointment, and remain insurable under the Township’s insurance policies;

• Possess State of Ohio Safe Boaters certification within one year of appointment;

• Completion of Essentials of Firefighting, Fire Officer training, Incident Command certification, Fire Service Management, and other related courses;

• Possess and maintain State of Ohio Firefighter I & II and State of Ohio Basic EMT-B certifications;

• Ability to comply with NFPA 2500 Chapter 16 Surface Water Search & Rescue at the Operations Level and NFPA 2500 Chapter 21 Watercraft Search & Rescue at the Operations Level within one year of employment;

• Experience in providing training and/or oversight of training.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and coordinate plans for efficient and effective operations within his assigned areas;

• Make recommendations to the Fire Chief relative to the long-term needs for maintaining, and improving effective operations within assigned areas;

• Oversee the administration of assigned areas;

• Annually recommend a proposed budget to the Fire Chief;

• Attend training programs oriented to the duties of the assistant Fire Chief;

• Oversee and provide for Department training at all levels to ensure safe and effective operations;

• Drive fire apparatus and operate pump and other equipment associated with firefighting, rescue, salvage and maintenance;

• Direct as well as participate in fire extinguishment and/or rescue;

• Advance charged and uncharged hose lines and applies extinguishing agents to fires;

• Protect property from unnecessary smoke and water damage by using salvage covers, positive pressure ventilation fans and water vacuum;

• Provide for attendance/membership on all necessary associations, boards, committee's, etc. to insure Department representation;

• Communicate with Township officials, Township officers, Township employees, outside agencies and residents with respect and dignity and in a professional and business-like manner;

• Respond to emergency calls as necessary and may assume command and direct activities (in the absence of the fire chief) under the Department's jurisdiction and authority;

• Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper floors or to accomplish rescue;

• Participate on behalf of management in the preparation for and conduct of collective bargaining negotiations, and in management’s review and adjustment of grievances, concerning the Department;

• Responsible for all Department operations and activities within his assigned areas, and all Department operations and activities in the absence of the Fire Chief;

• Maintain communication among subordinates;

• Establishment of goals, objectives, and priorities for the continued operation of the Department within assigned areas;

• Delegate authority and responsibility for the achievement of areas goals, objectives, and priorities;

• Enforce rules, regulations, codes, and resolutions adopted by the Township;

• Required to attend certification classes and seminars outside of the immediate area, as well as pertinent board meetings;

• Assist with determining and recommending the equipment necessary to execute the functions of the Department;

• Abide by all Township and Department rules, regulations and standard operating guidelines;

• Assist with testing, interviewing, and determining eligible candidates for appointment to and promotions within the Department;

• Communicate with Township officials, officers, employees, outside agencies and residents in with respect and dignity and in a professional and business-like manner;

• Maintains regular, predictable in person attendance at the Township’s work sites and locations;

• Work irregular hours (evenings, nights, weekends, etc.) or overtime as necessary;

• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting methods and techniques and ability to apply this knowledge to various fire control and fire prevention problems;

• Thorough knowledge of the use and operation of a wide variety of firefighting equipment and apparatus;

• Ability to plan, assign, and coordinate the work of a group of employees engaged in fire prevention and fire control activities;

• Considerable knowledge of Township fire administration;

• Ability to maintain discipline, to lead and command effectively, and direct firefighters and equipment under emergency conditions;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside of the Fire Department;

• Ability to timely and professionally write correspondence, memoranda, emails, reports and budget documents;

• Ability to maintain professionalism with dissatisfied members of the public;

• Ability to make decisions in emergency and pressure situations;

• Ability to professionally perform job functions while tending to persons experiencing adverse trauma;

• Ability to perform all essential job functions, with or without a reasonable accommodation;

• Ability to complete written reports of fires, medical emergencies, and inspections;

• Ability to communicate effectively.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS:

• The working conditions and physical and mental demands of this job are as necessary to fulfill the essential job functions of this position, with or without a reasonable accommodation;

• This position requires work indoors and outdoors, in extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, ice and snow, and around excessive noise and moving vehicles. This position requires working with chemicals and around blood or bodily fluids or other substances. Incumbents may be subjected to threats and verbal abuse by members of the public and will be required to work in physically and emotionally stressful situations;

• Individual may, from time to time, as determined by the Board, be required to pass a medical and/or physical examination to determine the individual’s ability to perform essential job- based functions;

• Continuously work in a stationary position for up to the entire workday;

• Continuously engage in repetitive movements;

• Frequently operate office and computer equipment, such as computer, printers, word processors, phones, fax machines;

• Frequently communicate audibly, such by receiving and giving commands in emergency situations, answering questions or interacting with the public or Township officials;

• Frequently move or traverse throughout indoor and outdoor locations in emergency situations, including on uneven or slippery ground, across breaks in elevation and on elevated platforms;

• Frequently ascend or descend ladders, stairs, debris and building materials; occasionally extricate persons from dangerous situations;

• Frequently stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, such as in inspection or suppressing fire or when rendering emergency medical care to a patient;

• Frequently reach above or below oneself to grasp items or administer care;

• Occasionally move objects weighting more than 100 pounds, such as equipment or tools or persons;

• Frequently operate fire vehicles, equipment or apparatus on and off public roadways;

• Occasionally make visual observations of fire scenes and evidence to develop and implement strategies for emergency response or inspection;

• Able to endure heights and confined spaces;

• Able to endure extreme temperatures, heavy smoke conditions, chemical, physical, and mechanical hazards;

• Able to work in protective clothing and equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, smoke-filled or confined space environments while carrying tools/equipment/hose weighing 125 pounds or more;

• Able to occasionally carry, drag, and or maneuver objects/people weighing a 150 pounds or more;

• Able to see at close distances and beyond arm’s reach. Depth perception and peripheral vision are required to safely operate vehicles.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Starting compensation is commensurate with experience and skills. Benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance will be offered.

APPLY TODAY:

The position will remain open until filled. Qualified and interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, completed application, and copy of any certifications to clerk@berlintwp.us. Incomplete application submittals will not be considered. The online application is available at www.berlintwp.us.

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