Division Chief of Training

General Purpose Statement        

The Division Chief of Training is responsible for overseeing, directing, organizing, evaluating, coordinating, and implementing all aspects of fire authority training. This position’s areas of responsibility include training in structural & wildland firefighting, hazardous materials, rescue, special and technical operations, apparatus and equipment operation, emergency response, incident command, safety, all-hazard environment, and personnel development. This position will ensure all personnel are adequately trained in state and National standards, and are current with their required certifications.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Deputy Chief the Division Chief of Training, develops curriculum and programs, and coordinates and implements training, in the areas of responsibility
• Responsible for the development, review, and maintenance of the comprehensive records as related to training and certification tracking of all department personnel
• Responsible for oversight and approval of training requests; including supervisor approval and budget management
• Directs, reviews, coordinates, and creates oversight for program implementation from the Training Liaison
• Directs the training of all personnel of the department; makes recommendations to the Deputy Chief regarding training of career and volunteer personnel
• Ensures training meets the standards of the following regulatory agency guidelines, Colorado Division or Fire Prevention, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Incident Qualification System (IQS), National Fire Protection Association and adhere to Authority’s SOG’s
• Ensures consistent training delivery across the Authority
• Works in conjunction with the All-Valley Training Consortium to identify local area needs and collaborate on training topics and delivery
• Assist with local colleges in the development of college Fire courses and Academies
• Works with the Fire Apparatus Standardization Team (FAST) for oversight coordination and training implementation
• Responsible for development, education, and training of special response, ex: swift water, ice, high angle rescues
• Represent the Authority and acts as liaison with other jurisdictional agencies or organizations for training
• Works in conjunction with the Deputy Chiefs for strategic planning, goal setting and objectives for the Authority’s fire training programs within the areas of responsibility
• Advises Authority leadership on new requirements emerging in training; and on new equipment, equipment replacement and failures as they relate to the areas of responsibility
• Responsible for determining the proficiency and skill level of Authority firefighters, engineers, and volunteers prior to allowing then to be signed off for solo duty
• Ensure that the Authority apparatus’ are equipped with required equipment and supplies as required by the Authority and State of Colorado
• Responsible for evaluating and preparing grants for Authority training activities, apparatus and other Authority related needs
• Responsible for purchasing and reporting purchases of all materials, equipment and supplies for training or otherwise as directed by the Deputy Chiefs
• Define and recommends, administers and evaluates certification standards and testing for all Authority personnel within the areas of responsibility
• Develop, maintain, schedule, and monitor new personnel training orientation and academies for all Authority personnel, including career and volunteer
• Works as an officer on call, and responds to fire and medical calls as needed or directed
• Complete trainings necessary to retain and maintain all certifications as required
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Possesses leadership and communication skills to effectively work employees, volunteers, management, boards, and the public
• Knowledge of professional standards, operations, and mandates that govern fire suppression, , hazmat, special operations, emergency medical systems and best practice
• Knowledge of emergency medical services, principles, techniques, laws, regulations and ordinances
• Knowledge of budgeting and resource management techniques
• Knowledge of State and National testing and certification requirements
• Knowledge of Electronic Patient Care Reporting (EPCR) systems and Fire Record Management systems (FRMS)
• Knowledge of regional EMS and health care systems
• Knowledge of special rescue operations in accordance with NFPA standards
• Extensive knowledge of regional emergency medical response system
• Knowledge of fire suppression and the Incident Command Systems
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Knowledge of fire department equipment and vehicles and their uses
• Knowledge of, and the ability to learn various software and internet-based programs and tracking systems
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to speak in front of groups, deliver training material, and ensure understanding
• Ability to meet and deal with the public in a courteous and professional manner and promote a positive image of the Authority
• Ability to plan, assign, and coordinate the work of a group of employees, volunteers, members of the public
• Ability to adapt to participant’s capabilities and resources including equipment, knowledge and experience
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple assigned responsibilities as well as meet imposed deadlines and goals on time and to expectations
• Ability to operate without direct supervision, and to make appropriate and safe decision when required
• Ability to easily adapt to changes and new challenges
• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternate solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
• Ability to work on-call hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion
• Ability to adapt to a flexible schedule based on the needs of the Authority
• Ability to maintain all required certifications and licenses required to perform the position
• Skills to be self-motivated and an innovative thinker
• Skills to use spreadsheets for budgets, tracking and analytical work; PowerPoint/Google Slides for quality and informative presentations, and any other software that provides the position to work as efficient as possible

Minimum Qualifications

An Associate’s degree, preferred bachelor’s degree in fire science, EMS, fire administration, business or public administration or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.   At least seven (7) years in the fire/EMS service with two (2) years in a leadership capacity.  Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Must possess the following:

1. Valid Colorado EMT certification or higher, or National Registry EMT certification or higher
2. Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Fire Firefighter II Certification, or equivalent
3. Colorado, IFSAC, or ProBoard Hazardous Materials Operations Certification, or equivalent
4. Possession of a valid Colorado Driver License, within 30 days of employment
5. BLS Healthcare Provider certification (CPR)
6. ICS 100, 200, 300, 700, and 800 certifications; ICS 400 to obtain within 12 months of hire
7. S-130/190, or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment
8. Colorado, IFSAC, or ProBoard Live Fire Training Evolutions Fixed Facility Instructor I certification
9. Colorado, IFSAC, or ProBoard Fire Instructor I, or equivalent
10. Colorado, IFSAC, or ProBoard Fire Instructor II to obtain within `12 months of employment
11. 21 years of age
12. Colorado FF Proctor to obtain within 12 months of employment

The employee is required to maintain either their EMT, EMT – EMT-Intermediate, or Paramedic certification, whichever certification the employee has at time of hiring or obtains during employment with the Authority.  Maintaining the certification allows the employee to respond to calls and provide patient care should the need arise, which is an essential function of the position.

Hours and Work Schedule

This is a salaried position and is scheduled for 40 hours per week. Because this position may require work and on-call responsibilities outside of normal business hours, the work schedule will be flexible and managed by the supervisor.

NOTE:  Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristic.  The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

Unless the employee has an executed written contract with the Authority, employment with the Authority is terminable at will of either the employee or the Authority, at any time, without notice, cause or any specific disciplinary procedures.