Fire Training Chief

Primary Purpose

Under limited supervision; plans, develops, coordinates, and delivers training, career development, and maintains licensure and certification records for the life cycle of all City of Joplin Fire personnel in compliance with applicable City, State, and Federal standards.

Essential Job Functions

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

1. Develops, plans and delivers/oversees the annual Fire Operations training plan.
2. Develops, plans, and oversees the training and recertification programs for the Department’s Special Operations division.
3. Directs the presentation of fire, rescue, and hazardous materials training programs; creates and reviews materials for presentation.
4. Conducts periodic audit of certification courses to ensure compliance with national standards.
5. Custodian for all Fire Operations and Special Operations training records; schedules training for recertification for Joplin Fire personnel when required.
6. Maintains and audits for accurate training records for line Fire personnel. Prepare reports and correspondence as needed.
7. Coordinates and schedules instructors as needed to facilitate Departmental training.
8. Serves with the Fire Academy Training Chief assisting with Missouri Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety training and certification programs.
9. Oversee the care, maintenance, and function of equipment assigned to the Special Operations division.
10. Research and assists with budget requests for departmental equipment. Assists with researching, preparing, submitting and administering grants for training or operations divisions as directed by the Fire Chief.
11. Serves as an integral member of the Incident Command System. Able to assist in Command functions as needed. Able to operate as Incident Command when needed.

Other Duties

• Assists with the Total Quality Assurance Program for fire and rescue services.
• Attends and participates effectively at departmental staff meetings.
• Maintains the confidentiality of files, records, reports as required by law, City policy and procedure.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of: Fire suppression principles, methods, techniques, and practices; equipment requirements for effective fire suppression; techniques, purpose and use of various tools, equipment, vehicles and apparatus for fire suppression, and rescue operations to include Swiftwater Rescue, Hazardous Materials, High Angle Rescue, Trench Collapse, and Confined Space; Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with learning management platforms.

Skill in: Developing training curriculum for an adult learner; developing reports and data for dissemination to internal and external customers; organizing and maintaining accurate records in multiple formats; developing policies, guidelines, and protocols in compliance with national and state standards; following complex oral and written instructions, procedures and guidelines; developing and maintaining working relationships within the Department, City, and community partners; Microsoft Office Suite.

Education: Associate’s degree in Fire Science, Fire Services Administration, or closely related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Experience: Five years of professional fire suppression and EMS work experience with at least two years of fire instructor experience.

Licenses and Certifications: Possess and maintain a valid state issued driver’s license; certification from an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard) accredited agency as a Firefighter I and II; Company Officer II, Instructor II, Incident Safety Officer, Live Fire Instructor and licensed as a Missouri EMT-Basic from the State of Missouri is required. Paramedic license is preferred. Hazardous Materials Operations Technician certification as well as Technical Rescuer - Rope Rescue II and Advanced Swiftwater Technician is preferred.

Physical Demands Requirements and Working Conditions

This is primarily an office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Occasional field work may require exposure to unstable building, hazardous chemicals, body fluid, infectious diseases, air, and blood borne pathogens when responding to both emergency and non-emergency incidents. May occasionally be required to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing over 100 pounds.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Occasional field work may be required including response to emergencies which may include exposure to outdoor elements, hot and cold temperatures, and temperature swings. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in emotionally charged environments interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Miscellaneous Requirements

Requires successful post-offer completion of a background investigation, physical exam, and drug test as a condition of employment with the City of Joplin. Work requires wearing of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and confining equipment or gear for an extended period. Must meet and maintain NFPA 1582, and other applicable Federal, State, and Departmental physical fitness and physical training standards established prior to and during employment. Complete and maintain training requirements for Haz-Mat, Department of Homeland Security National Incident Management Systems, and all annual training required by FEMA. Must be 18 years of age.