Fire Training Officer

City of Columbia•Columbia, SC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides basic and specialized training for existing and new fire personnel and volunteers; maintains training records; responds to fire, rescue, hazardous materials incidents and other emergencies; and performs related work as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision. The work is considered medium-to-heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, lifting, pushing, pulling or raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking. Work environment may involve exposure to fire hazards, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, airborne particles, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, explosives; and involves time spent in physically threatening environments that require life and death decisions for one’s self and others.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Six (6) years of relevant prior experience
Valid South Carolina Class D Driver’s License
S.C. Firefighter I and II, Fire Instructor I, and Basic Rescue and HazMat Response certifications
Have or be able to complete the City of Columbia Fire Captain’s Academy, Fire Officer I, ISFI Live Fire Instructor Credential, and Fire Instructor II within eighteen (18) months from date of hire or promotion
Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates
Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in doing data entry and in the use of Microsoft Office 2000 preferred utilizing all software programs
Ability to coordinate or determine time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities
Ability to counsel or instruct/train others through explanation, demonstration and supervised practice or making recommendations based on technical expertise
Ability to supervise the activities of those operating or repairing complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as fire engines, fire suppression / rescue equipment, etc., or the application of custom or commercial administrative or other complex software or systems; may involve installation and testing
Ability to perform coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem-solving
Ability to read journals, manuals and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, the general public, people in other organizations; presenting training; composing original reports, training and other written materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style
Ability to perform professional-level work requiring the application of principles and practices in a wide range of administrative, technical or managerial methods in the solution of administrative or technical problems; or the coordination of entry-level managerial work; requires general understanding of operating policies and procedures and the ability to apply these to complex administrative problems; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressures
Ability to take action of others, requiring almost constant decisions affecting co-workers or others in the general public; works in a moderately fluid environment with guidelines and rules, but frequent variations from the routine

Responsibilities

Conducts training programs such as basic training for recruits and volunteers, in-service training, and specialized training such as driver training and officer candidate training
Supervises personnel in high risk training and emergency response environments
Builds and constructs repairs to facility, props, and equipment
Conducts agility testing
Assists in developing standard operating guidelines
Assists in developing lesson plans, manuals and study guides
Researches and recommends the procurement of and maintains training aids
Prepares and maintains records and reports related to training
Responds to alarms and performs firefighting, fire rescue, and/or hazardous materials response duties as required
Assists in ensuring the safety of fire personnel and citizens on fire grounds
Interacts with internal and external customers
Attends training, conferences, seminars, and meetings to remain knowledgeable of modern fire suppression, training and prevention methods and administration; maintains required certifications
Performs general administrative / clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, attending meetings, etc.
Remains available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, for emergency response
Performs other related duties as assigned