Battalion Chief of Training

Rural Metro Fire•Yuma, AZ

About The Position

The Battalion Chief of Training manages the department’s Training Program in relation to service delivery and employee career development. The role develops, administers, and delivers required training and education unless otherwise delegated or assigned. It supervises certified instructors and training project areas in their instructor duties, and coordinates development programs for firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and support personnel. The position also maintains training records, oversees the training budget and resources, evaluates training effectiveness, and serves as a lead instructor and coordinator for local training. The role requires maintaining current knowledge of departmental policies, safety requirements, fireground tactics, and EMS standing orders. It promotes a safe training environment, may respond to emergency scenes to assess training quality and needs, and works with employees, the public, partner agencies, and regional organizations. The position also reviews reports and supports audits and compliance activities. Work is often indoors, though firefighting, medical service, and rescue duties may take place outdoors in adverse conditions. Work hours may include daytime, nighttime, after-hours, and weekends. Physical demands include walking, climbing, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, operating machinery, and lifting; an annual pack test, physical ability test, or other approved fitness evaluation may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
NFPA Fire Instructor II.
NFPA Fire Officer II or higher.
Arizona EMT and/or Paramedic certification, or ability to obtain it within 60 days.
Operations-level training in technical rescue disciplines, including water, vehicle extrication, and rope.
At least 10 years of active experience in all-hazard service delivery, outlined in a letter of intent or resume.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Comfort with public speaking.
Arizona Driver’s License with no restrictions other than corrective lenses, or ability to obtain it within 30 days.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including lifting and demonstrating job skills in a learning environment; an annual pack test, physical ability test, or other approved fitness evaluation may be required.
Ability to work daytime, nighttime, after-hours, and/or weekend hours as needed.
Maintain a personal record with no compliance-related corrective action notices for two years prior to appointment and throughout the assignment.

Nice To Haves

Arizona Paramedic certification or ability to obtain it within 60 days.
AHA BLS Instructor.
AHA ACLS Instructor.
AHA PALS Instructor.
Public Information Officer qualification.
NFPA 1403 Live Fire Instructor Qualification.
Hazmat Technician qualification.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
10 years of full-time fire/EMS experience, including at least three years at the rank of Captain or higher in a career department.

Responsibilities

Supervise certified instructors and sub-training program project areas in relation to instructor duties.
Coordinate and supervise personnel development programs, including firefighter skill maintenance, engineer development, and company officer programs.
Coordinate entrance and promotional examinations, training drills, classes, academies, and position taskbooks.
Delegate training activities and lead instruction to assigned instructors; monitor and report unsatisfactory training performance to appropriate supervisors.
Participate in regional training activities, including meetings, task groups, and committees.
Maintain employee training files, attendance and performance records, certifications, EMS continuing education records, and ISO training records; conduct periodic audits and submit required audits to Chief Officers.
Develop and maintain training schedules in accordance with the two-year training plan and assign instructors.
Disseminate local and regional training opportunities and manage registration and tuition requirements.
Supervise the training budget, approve expenses, and order, stock, and purchase training resources and materials.
Serve as lead coordinator for local training and attend staff meetings to provide updates and solicit input.
Evaluate training effectiveness and adjust practices based on evaluation results and input from employees, partners, and industry trends.
Maintain and oversee compliance with departmental policies, procedures, SOGs, Health and Safety requirements, and Human Resources policies as they relate to the Training Program.
Maintain current knowledge of fireground safety, tactics and techniques, and EMS standing orders.
Act as lead instructor during drills or shift training unless otherwise delegated, provide quality-assurance follow-up to instructors, and supervise lead instructors during training preparation and delivery.
Foster and enforce a safe training environment.
Report to emergency scenes as needed to observe and assess training quality and identify training needs; scene activity may include mitigation efforts or serving on Incident Command Staff.
Serve as a role model and assist regional partners with professional development.
Lead and communicate training methods effectively; develop, update, and implement beneficial SOGs, policies, and procedures.
Participate in required training, including live-fire drills, performance evaluation drills, skills maintenance, OSHA drills, EMS skills, and other mandatory training.
Communicate professionally and respectfully with the public, employees, coworkers, supervisors, mutual-aid partners, agencies, organizations, and companies; use the chain of command when possible.
Review EMS and fire reports for accuracy and proper process; participate in scheduled and unscheduled onsite compliance audits.
Implement corrective and preventive measures determined by the Corporate Compliance/Audit Committee and cooperate with Internal Audit, Compliance, and HR on recommendations and workflow changes.
Take timely action on compliance concerns in collaboration with the employee’s primary supervisor, union, and HR representation; comply with and enforce policies and procedures and complete required compliance training.
Maintain a personal record free of compliance-related corrective action notices for the two years before appointment and throughout the assignment.
Perform other duties as directed, including duties related to local operational needs or the employee’s professional skill set.