Functions as the primary training official of the department of Fire & Rescue. Responsible for the daily administration, oversight, and coordination of the delivery of training programs impacting volunteer and career fire and EMS staff, as well as the public. Performs both field and office duties requiring advanced emergency medical and firefighting skills. Utilizing excellent communication and organizational skills. Assists with development and implementation of needs-based training for the Department of Fire & Rescue.
Position is responsible for coordinating additional instructors and personnel as needed to instruct and test practical skills. Position is also responsible for maintaining various training records, associated files, training aids and equipment. Employee may be subject to the usual hazards of emergency response work. Performs related work as directed. Functions under the general direction of the Deputy Chief of the department.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Develops, instills and maintains a strong sense of cooperative effort toward the ultimate goal of providing prompt and professional services to the citizens and visitors of Bedford County.
- Establishes goals, objectives and priorities for countywide training initiatives in accordance with and supplemental to applicable organizations missions.
- Serves as a coach and mentor in the professional development of fire and rescue personnel.
- Participates in all required training and maintains all professional certifications to ensure operational readiness at all times.
- Fosters and maintains good working relationships with other public safety agencies and groups including volunteer fire and EMS agencies.
- Attends and makes presentations at meetings of volunteer Fire and EMS agencies and the public.
- Maintains a clean, safe, and prepared working environment and vehicle.
- Performs fire ground duties as assigned by OIC including but not limited to: interior fire attack, a member of the rapid intervention crew, incident safety officer and when necessary or as requested as incident commander.
- Functions as required within the NIMS and ICS framework in any assigned capacity, including in the Emergency Operation Center.
- Inspects the work location and all equipment for compliance with county, state, and federal safety regulations, and takes action to alleviate discrepancies.
- Assists in specialty rescue operations as trained and required, including rope, trench, confined space, vehicle extrication, and others as appropriate.
- Attends staff and committee meetings and disseminates information as appropriate.
- Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information in accordance with best practices of a managing officer.
- Coordinates, directs, and/or delivers comprehensive training programs for EMT and Firefighter Level I and II using Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) and Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) guidelines and curriculum to emergency services professionals.
- Develops policies and procedures as necessary to provide for a safe and effective training environment.
- Ensures all training coordinated through the department is compliant with applicable VDFP, OEMS, NFPA or OSHA standards.
- Coordinates staffing, materials, and instructional equipment for training programs. Coordinates and schedules additional instructors and personnel as needed to instruct, test, and evaluate practical skills as per OEMS and VDFP requirements.
- Develops and presents reports supporting future program needs and recommendations. Maintains detailed training records for all training programs and fire and rescue personnel.
- Develops and maintains an annual training calendar for all county coordinated programs.
- Previews, evaluates, and recommends educational materials and supplies for potential purchase.
- Prepares and justifies annual budgetary requests with regard to comprehensive training needs.
- Purchases, stores, and maintains necessary supplies and equipment for conducting training.
- Completes all required local and/or state reports in an orderly and timely fashion.
- Attends seminars, conferences, workshops, classes, etc., as required to enhance and maintain knowledge or to gain new knowledge of trends and developments in the field of training and emergency response.
- Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested by management.
- Participates in employee meetings and training as needed.
- Performs special projects as assigned.
- Meets attendance requirements and maintains the highest level of dependability.
- Consistently demonstrates ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs and reprioritizes work as necessary.
Education / Experience:
- Education equivalent to graduation from high school required, Associate’s degree preferred
- Must possess Fire Officer I and Fire Instructor II and maintain an active endorsement as a Firefighter I/II Train-the-Trainer or be able to obtain within 12 months
- Some college level classes in fire administration, organizational leadership, adult learning, or EMS, is preferred
- A minimum of five years’ previous field experience in the delivery of fire and emergency medical services and/or training that includes fire, rescue and EMS work, and documented instructional deliveries in EMS or Firefighting programs is required
Certification at the Paramedic level and endorsement as a Virginia EMS Education Coordinator is preferred.
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Knowledge / Skills and Abilities:
Excellent instructional presentations skills. Strong skills and knowledge levels in all phases of emergency, pre-hospital care, fire services and general provision emergency services. Excellent written and oral communications, organizational and managerial skills are critical. Proven ability to effectively operate and manage computer programs related to the emergency services field. Proven ability to manage staff and deal with complex issues related to planning and management of Emergency Service training operations. Must be able to pass a standard medical physical per NFPA guidelines including drug test, sight, and hearing tests. Must be able to perform all fire and EMS related physical tasks such as interior fire attack, vehicle extrication, lifting and moving patients, and advanced life support. During tenure of employment, must maintain physical condition which allow completion of job requirements including effectively treating, lifting, carrying patients and performing firefighting duties. Must be able to manage electronic reporting software and state compliance.
Certifications/ Licenses:
- Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license, and acceptable driving record.
- Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) Level I, II, and II.
- Must possess Virginia Emergency Medical Technician certification. Advanced life support certification at the Paramedic level is preferred.
- CPR certification
- ACLS, PALS/PEPP (if Paramedic)
- NIMS – ICS 100, 200,700 & 800 certification (NIMS 300 is required within 1 year)
- Virginia Department of Fire Programs Firefighter II or approved alternative
- Virginia Department of Fire Programs Hazardous Materials Operations
- Fire Officer I and Fire Instructor I are required. Fire Instructor II (or higher) is highly preferred. For individuals who do not possess Fire Instructor II, they will be required to successfully complete within 1 year
Advanced training and experience in technical rescue and/or hazardous materials is preferred
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Must maintain all required certifications and/or licenses, as well as be able to achieve and maintain the ability to practice at the BLS or ALS level, as authorized by the Operational Medical Director.
Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
Work can be heavy requiring exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently and up to 20 pounds of force constantly in order to move objects. Work may require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word level; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, peripheral vision, visual inspection involving small defects and /or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work and observing general surroundings and activities.
Ability to mentally and emotionally deal with emergencies that may result in severe injury or the loss of human life.
Environmental Factors:
The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and infectious agents and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.
Special/Additional Requirements:
Subject to a complete criminal history background search and drug screening with acceptable results. Additionally, must be able to pass a psychological and physical assessment with satisfactory results. Candidate must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
