Training Specialist

Training Specialist

Ready to lead the charge in training the heroes who protect our community? Are you committed to enhancing the skills and safety of your fellow firefighters? Great! The City of Burlington has a Training Specialist position in the Fire Department!

About us: In order to maintain a high degree of readiness, all personnel are required to participate in regular training. The Training Division provides both classes and drills to review life-saving skills and present new information to the members of the Department.

What you will be doing: This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and delivering recruit and in-service training for all Fire Department personnel, from new recruits to experienced staff. The employee supervises and ensures all departmental training standards are met, with a focus on both classroom instruction and hands-on field training. The role also involves supervising new recruits and departmental instructors during training programs. Additional duties include providing technical support in the hiring process, assisting with new employee selection, and managing the Fire Department's training database to ensure compliance with State of NC and ISO requirements.

Examples of Duties

• Develops and Implements Recruit Training Programs: Plans, organizes, and delivers comprehensive training programs for Burlington Fire Department recruits and shift personnel, ensuring clear instruction and effective learning outcomes.
• Provides Instruction and Evaluation: Teaches basic firefighting, rescue skills, and theoretical tactics; evaluates recruit performance through progress reports, tests, and individual conferences to track development and identify additional needs.
• Administers Probationary Testing: Designs and conducts probationary exams for recruits at the end of their six-month probation period.
• Enhances Training Effectiveness: Updates and refines training materials, incorporating state and federal requirements, best practices, and new technologies to improve program quality and compliance.
• Leads Certification Training: Prepares and instructs certification classes, including Firefighter, Emergency Vehicle Driving, and Driver Operator Pumps.
• Researches and Identifies Training Needs: Observes performance, researches fire service trends, and creates instructional materials and demonstrations to meet training objectives.
• Maintains ISO Compliance: Ensures Driver Operator, Hazardous Materials, and Officer Training adhere to ISO standards; reviews and verifies training reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Supports Departmental Operations: Assists with hydrant maintenance, updates maps, and oversees hose testing and equipment repairs, maintaining accurate records for operational readiness.
• Facilitates Promotional Testing: Helps administer and grade promotional exams while recommending equipment purchases to enhance departmental capabilities.
• Oversees Training Facility Operations: Manages training facility property and equipment, conducts monthly inspections, and supports recruit academy graduations.
• Responds to Emergency Incidents: Provides operational support for third alarm incidents or greater as outlined in departmental SOPs and serves within the suppression division when needed.
• Contributes to Continuous Improvement: Evaluates training effectiveness, proposes program improvements, and stays current on technological advancements to maintain departmental excellence.

Qualifications

Key Competencies and Expertise:

• Comprehensive Understanding: Thorough knowledge of firefighting tactics, equipment, hazards and safe procedures
• Mastering the Mechanics: Skilled in operating and instructing the use of firefighting apparatus and tools, including trucks, pumps, hoses, radios, pry bars, axes, nozzles, SCBAs, fans, shovels, rakes, sledgehammers, extrication equipment, defibrillators, and other essential firefighting equipment.
• Social Intelligence: Ability to build strong working relationships with fire department members and the public while representing the department in a positive and professional manner.
• Geography and Spatial Awareness: Thorough knowledge of city geography, street locations, and hydrant locations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Educational requirements will be in accordance with SOP 5.1.5 Educational Requirements for the respective rank and a minimum of one (1) year experience as a fire officer.
• Valid Class B Driver's License from their state of residence.
• Required Certifications:
• North Carolina Firefighter Certification
• North Carolina Driver Operator Pumps Certification
• North Carolina Driver Operator EVD Certification
• North Carolina Firefighter Instructor Certification
• North Carolina EMT – B Certification

Special Requirements:

• Ability to obtain the rank of Captain in accordance with SOP 2.1.0 Promotional Process
• Ability to obtain the North Carolina Firefighter Instructor Qualification within 12 months of transferring to the Support Services Division
• Ability to obtain the North Carolina Driver/Operator Pumps Instructor Qualification within 30 months of transferring to the Support Services Division
• Ability to obtain the North Carolina Driver/Operator EVD Instructor Qualification within 30 months of transferring to the Support Services Division
• North Carolina Driver Operator Aerial Certification within 12 months of transferring to the Support Services Division.
• Ability to obtain the North Carolina Driver/Operator Aerial Instructor Qualification within 36 months of transferring to the Support Services Division.

Supplemental Information

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions:

• Work in this position is heavy work, requiring exertion of in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• This employee must have the visual acuity to be the operator of a truck and other equipment.
• Work in this class is described as strenuous and frequently requires physical exertion to complete tasks and to move objects.
• Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions.
• Employee must have the visual acuity to prepare and analyze figures, do extensive reading, and to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• Employee is subject to hazards including noise, vibration, proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working in high places, exposure to high heat, and exposure to chemicals and may be exposed to blood borne pathogens.
• Employee is subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system and the skin which requires wearing a respirator.
• Employee is subject to contact with oils and greases and is frequently in close quarters and areas that could cause claustrophobia.
• Employee is subject to both inside and outside working conditions.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Inclement Weather Classification: Essential