Battalion Chief Training - Internal Candidates Only

Dorchester County • Sc, SC

1d

About The Position

The Battalion Chief – Training plans, develops, coordinates, administers, and supervises training and professional development activities for the Dorchester County Fire Department. The position ensures compliance with federal, state, and local training standards and supports operational readiness through firefighter training, leadership development, certification programs, EMS education, safety initiatives, and special operations training. As a senior command officer, the Battalion Chief works collaboratively with department leadership to ensure personnel maintain the competencies needed to deliver high-quality emergency services. The position works independently under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

This is a full-time, safety-sensitive position, typically working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but the employee must be available during core hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and work 40 hours each week. The employee must be available to work weekends and holidays during emergencies and is subject to random drug testing.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Fire Science or a related discipline.
• Eight years of fire service experience, including supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possess and maintain a valid South Carolina state driver’s license.
• Required certifications: IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter II; Instructor Orientation Workshop; IFSAC/ProBoard Fire Instructor II; Instructor Orientation Workshop; IFSAC/ProBoard Fire Officer II; Instructor Orientation Workshop; NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800; Emergency Medical Responder Instructor; CPR Instructor; Instructor Orientation Workshops (IOW); Pumper; Mobile Water Supply; Aerial; Rescuing the Rescuer; Firefighter Survival.
• Meet all departmental physical and medical requirements.
• Be available during core work hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and work 40 hours each week.
• Be available to work weekends and holidays during emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Perform firefighting functions.
• Plan, develop, coordinate, and evaluate training programs for fire suppression, EMS, rescue, hazardous materials, driver training, officer development, and specialized operations.
• Ensure compliance with South Carolina fire service standards, NFPA standards, OSHA regulations, and departmental policies.
• Supervise training personnel, instructors, and assigned staff, including scheduling, evaluations, coaching, and discipline.
• Develop annual training plans and schedules to support operational readiness and accreditation objectives.
• Coordinate recruit academies, continuing education programs, promotional preparation, and certification courses.
• Maintain departmental personnel training records, certifications, and compliance documentation.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend improvements to curriculum, instructional methods, and operational readiness.
• Assist with developing and implementing departmental policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives related to training and safety.
• Prepare reports, budget requests, grant documentation, and training-related correspondence.
• Coordinate training exercises with mutual aid agencies, regional partners, and outside organizations.
• Conduct incident critiques and identify training opportunities based on operational performance.
• Ensure training facilities, props, apparatus, and equipment are maintained in safe operating condition.
• Respond to major emergency incidents as needed and potentially assume command responsibilities.
• Promote employee development, leadership growth, and a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Perform other related job duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree