Comparative Analysis of Watch Commander Duties Management Research

Updated Watch Commander Officer Job Description Compared to Fire Inspector Supervisor
And Battalion Chiefs
Date:
Updated Watch Commander Officer Job Description Compared to Battalion Chief Responsibilities
Battalion Chief Responsibilities

Updated Watch Commander Officer Job Description

Be responsible for the supervision of Fire Inspectors assigned to inspection districts or special hazard sections.

Monitor the status of all fire equipment, emergency units and supervisory personnel. Make move-ups as the need arises to maintain adequate coverage throughout the city. Reports problems with the telephone system to the appropriate vendors. Addresses problems or issues regarding the emergency notification/paging system

Review reports and correspondence of assigned personnel.

Maintain and approve according to Fire Communications SOP’s all personnel records including: sick time, bonus days, vacation days, swap days, sub days, and compensatory time, performance records etc. Maintain an accurate record of personnel assigned to the shift (name, address, driver’s license, telephone number)

Be responsible for the uniform application and enforcement of municipal and fire prevention regulations.


Assign inspections and other duties to assigned personnel.

Maintain shift strength schedules and work position schedules to make sure adequate strength is maintained and all work positions are covered.

Schedule and coordinate work activities and functions on a day- to-day basis.

Monitor all shift activities to make sure all duties are performed effectively and efficiently and supervise the appearance of assigned personnel and adherence to the Operations manual

Direct handling of complaints

Be responsible for the prompt and accurate receipt and transmission of all fire and emergency medical service alarms and maintains portable radio information and fleet information in the CAD system. Additionally, performs portable radio maintenance and exchanges when needed

Supervise program activities under his jurisdiction.


Prepare and submit reports

Use the division Records Management System (RMS) to create reports and events of the daily activities. Oversee the functions of the Office of Emergency Management Weekdays from 1900-0700, weekends, and holidays

Assist in the preparation of prevention programs


Perform other duties as assigned.

Perform other duties when assigned by the Manager of Fire Communications.

Maintain Fire Code Inspector’s Certification from State Fire Marshal’s office.


More Activities performed by Watch Commander Officer Compared to Battalion Chiefs
Oversee one of three shifts in the Fire Communications Service Center.
Be responsible for the receipt and transfer of information concerning problems with all radios, pagers, division telephones, alarm devices, local area networks, records management and computer aided dispatch systems, printers, receivers, transmitters, and other voice and data communication instruments.
Notify proper authorities and agencies as needed on major incidents and per SOP’s.
Conduct shift training to make sure all shift members keep abreast of current memos, SOP’s, orders, directives, and policies. Ensure the department works cooperatively with Fire Training and Air Mask Services to coordinate training and testing activities
Make sure Fire Department records are maintained including; radio logs, incident reports, recording tapes, hydrant records, personnel files, watch logs, street files, and computer information files. Update the telephone system with employee information, various telephone numbers and updates features as necessary
Show fair and impartial treatment of all subordinates; and promptly deal with incompetence, misconduct, and neglect of duty as prescribed herein and by the Code of Ordinances of the City of Memphis. Conduct preliminary and administrative investigations and hearings and determine appropriate disciplinary action
Encourage subordinates to develop new ideas and suggestions for consideration by the Division of Fire Services. Recognize actions for meritorious awards and make appropriate recommendations for citations and awards
Maintain a current knowledge base of the Fire Communications SOP manual and the Divisions Operations Manual. Update response plans in the CAD system as necessary
See that all Officers and Operators assigned under one’s command also maintain a current knowledge base of the Fire Communications SOP manual and the Divisions Operations Manual.
Assists with major projects and contracts as requested by management Make regular personnel inspections to ensure the fire Division standards are met
Acts as liaison between Fire Services and outside agencies/municipalities when the services of the Division are requested.
Submits monthly reports to the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) as required for accreditation and submits applications for re-accreditation to the IAED every three years as required
Schedules classes for Service Center personnel to maintain the 24-hours of CEU (Continuing Educations Units) as required by IAED and administer the re-certification exams every two years to all Emergency Medical Dispatchers as required by IAED
Creates a constructive environment within the shift in which personnel are motivated and challenged to become cohesive team members
Maintain Emergency Medical Dispatcher’s Certification from the National Academy of Emergency Medicals Dispatch.

Watch Commander ...