This position involves managerial and administrative work in the performance and direction of activities to manage the Torrance County Fire Department's ("Department") training program. The primary purpose of this position is to ensure that personnel are trained and competent to effectively, efficiently, and safely execute all responsibilities in accordance with the Department's emergency operating procedures for emergency medical services delivery. The position serves as "third-in-command" of the Department emergency operations/administration and has the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. The primary focus of this position is management of and conducting training, in conjunction with the day-to-day management of the Department by the Fire Chief. This position requires that the employee performs the work outlined below in the highest legal and moral standards of the Department, the County of Torrance, and the State of New Mexico. The philosophy of this employee must be one of public service, compromising their own personal interest for the common good of the public.

Scope:

Work of Assistant Fire Chief of Training is to be performed at a professional level in the field of fire and emergency medical services response; and training for Department staff at all levels of the organization.

Nature:

Under the general supervision of the Fire Chief, the Fire Assistant Chief of Training performs such duties and activities as may be required by the Department's rules and regulations, codes, ordinances, and State statues while exercising independent judgment in performance of such duties and activities to develop, administer, and effectuate management policies.

Fundamental Job Duties:

Administer Department policies and procedures for the management of instructional resources, staff, facilities, records, and reports. Administer a training record system so that the information meets all agency and legal requirements and can be readily accessed. Develop forms and appropriate reports for documentation of training activities for the Department and individual staff members. Develop recommendations for policies to support the training program, so that the training and department goals are achieved, which may include the drafting of policies and development of Department goals Select instructional staff that assists with meeting the Department's policies and instructional goals. Construct a performance-based instructor evaluation plan so that instructors are evaluated at regular intervals. Write training equipment purchasing specifications to support the training program goals. Evaluate findings and conclusions; make recommendations that are unbiased and support and reflect the Department's goals, policies, and procedures. Plan, develop, and implement comprehensive training programs and curriculum. Identify instructional needs by conducting periodic Department analyses. Design programs or curriculums to support: Department's goals; knowledge and skills that are job related and performance based; the usage of adult learning principles; and programs meet time and budget constraints. Modify existing curriculum to achieve learning objectives that meet the requirements of the Department. Write program and course goals that are clear, concise, measurable, and correlate to Department goals. Write course objectives that are clear, concise, measurable, and reflect specific tasks. Construct course content outlines to the Department's structure and reflect current acceptable practices. Develop an evaluation plan to collect, analyze, and report data for program validation and participant feedback. Develop a system to acquire, store, disseminate, and evaluate feedback received to ensure it supports the goals that are consistent with Department policies and federal, state, and local laws. Develop a course evaluation plan to make sure objectives are measurable and follow Department policies. Schedule instructional sessions to make sure those specific training topics are delivered according to Department policy. Formulate budget needs to identify and document the resources required to meet training goals. Acquire training resources according to Department policy within established timelines and budget constraints. Evaluate instructors to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses. Recommend changes to improve instructional style and communication methods. In addition, provide an opportunity for instructor feedback. Create lesson plans to include learning objectives, a lesson outline, course materials, instructional aids, and evaluation plan to ensure job performance requirements for the topic are achieved. Modify existing lesson plans to include learning objectives, a lesson outline, course materials, instructional aids, and evaluation plan to ensure job performance requirements for the topic are achieved. Conduct classes using a lesson plan that includes multiple teaching methods and techniques to achieve lesson objectives. Supervise other instructors and participants during training to guarantee that applicable safety standards and practices are followed in addition to meeting instructional goals. Obtain and assemble all lesson plans, course materials, resources, and equipment needed to deliver the lesson. Organize the classroom or outdoor learning environment taking into consideration lighting, distractions, climate control, weather, noise control, seating, audiovisual equipment, teaching aids, and safety. Adjust presentations to achieve class continuity, learning objectives, and to accomplish lesson objectives taking into consideration differences in learning styles, abilities, and behaviors. Ability to control disruptive behavior and provide a safe learning environment. Ability to operate audiovisual equipment and demonstration devices. Construct and utilize audiovisual materials to clearly present objectives. Ability to smoothly transition between media and other parts of a presentation. Administer oral, written, and performance tests according to procedures in addition to maintaining security of the testing materials. Accurately grade and properly secure participants' oral, written, or performance tests and evaluation materials. Accurately report and record test results, report unusual circumstances, and forward necessary forms according to procedures. Ability to operate computer equipment and related programs for entering information into a database(s) and preparing training materials. Serve as part of the management team for labor relations.

Ancillary Responsibilities:

Assume Incident Management functions and positions as directed during an emergency incident, including the assumption of the Incident Commander position if necessary. Participate in local, regional, State, and national conferences and seminars on fire prevention, investigation, education, emergency medical first responder, and suppression to maintain a continuing level of professional and technical competence. Respond to emergency requests for First Responder (EMS) service and render appropriate medical care. Manage the Department recruitment, retention, and hiring practices and procedures. Shall serve as a support to the Community Risk Reduction Bureau (CRRB) by conducting fire prevention visits, follow-up visits, and coordinating structure pre-plans. Shall serve as a support to the CRRB by participating in public education details. Attend training and meetings related to the scope of the job performance. Support daily Departmental administrative operations by answering telephone calls and providing guidance to the caller. Provide general guidance and assistance. Serve as the Fire Explorer Program Coordinator, if re-established. Participate in the TCFR Tour Commander on-call schedule. Performs other functions as required or assigned.

Top Skills & Proficiencies:

Knowledge of existing organizational policy, procedures, and guidelines. Knowledge of learning theories, statistical analysis methods, and resource evaluation techniques. Knowledge of fire behavior; organizational structure, function and operations; human behavior during fire; injury causes/prevention; hazard identification and correction; basic fire protection systems and devices; emergency reporting; firefighter personal protective equipment; special needs for those with disabilities; and time management. Ability to write reports and analyze data. Ability to transfer content knowledge verbally and in writing. Ability to communicate in writing and verbally. Oral and written communication skills necessary for accurate documentation of various required reports; communicating with the Department, the community officials, and the general public. Professional appearance based on situation media characteristics, news process, organizational policies, methods for informal dissemination, and laws and procedures for the release of information. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, to exhibit professional demeanor, manage interaction with the media, and use various means of information technology. Ability to perform top-level information analysis including the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or reference data, statutes, and/or guidelines; and/or group, rank, investigate, and diagnose. Requires discretion to determine and reference information to establish standards to recognize interactive effects and relationships. Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others, such as the public and Department staff relative to fire and life safety training and education initiatives, policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations. Ability to utilize a variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information such as instructional textbooks, statutory codes, local ordinances, schedules, financial statements, technical operating manuals, procedures, guidelines, and non-routine correspondence. Ability to perform top-level information analysis including the ability to audit, deduct, assess, conclude, and appraise. Requires discretion to determine and reference established criteria that may define consequences and develop alternatives. Ability to influence, train, monitor, persuade, and convince in favor of a desired outcome. Ability to act as a lead person on specific projects. Ability to apply principles of influence systems such as teaching, leading, managing, planning, coordinating, and controlling. Ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution. Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental and/or subjective criteria, as opposed to criteria that are clearly measurable or verifiable. Ability to operate, maneuver, and/or provide simple but continuous adjustments on equipment, machinery, or tools related to the presentation of public training and education programs such as computer, audio-visual equipment, or visual props. Ability to safely perform as a firefighter, fire officer, or emergency responder on emergency incidents. Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, and limbs on performing coordinated movements such firefighting evolutions. Ability to complete tasks involving the capacity to exert heavy physical effort which involves lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling weighted objects weighing 50 to 200 pounds. Ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between colors, shapes, and sounds associated with job-related tasks. Ability to work under conditions where exposure to environmental factors may cause discomfort and poses a limited risk of injury. Ability to work in an emergency environment, which may include inclement weather and conditions in the performance of job duties.

Minimum Training and Experience:

Such training as may have been gained through participation in fire prevention, suppression, rescue, Emergency Medical First Responder/Transport, public fire and life safety education, and administrative courses, and a minimum of five years of verifiable fire service experience as a Fire Officer.

Special Requirements:

Minimum requirement of a High School Diploma or an equivalent combination of training and experience. IFSAC Certification or equivalent Firefighter II, Driver/Operator, Fire Instructor I, and Fire Officer I, II. Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a management position or as a fire officer. New Mexico State Certificated Paramedic or higher. Certification as ACLS, NAEMT, PHTLS, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Instructor or ability to secure certification within eighteen (18) months of employment. Minimum of five (5) years' documented fire service experience. Possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class E Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Refresher Training Requirements:

Must maintain all refresher requirements associated with any required certifications held or obtained. Annually (calendar year) 25 hours of training outside of the Department regular training program of a skill nature directly related to the position.