CAPTAIN - TRAINING OFFICER

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Fire Captain - Training Office

Fire Captain – Training Officer

Job Class Code: 6006

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision of the Deputy Fire Chief, this position is responsible for developing, planning, scheduling, and delivering firefighting and emergency medical response programs and critical support to benefit the Department. 

The Fire Captain can be classified into three distinct positions, these include the Training Officer, Fire Marshal and Maintenance Supervisor. The Training Officer is charged with managing the fire department training/education program. The Fire Marshal is charged with managing the fire prevention program to include: investigations, public education, safety & code enforcement. The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for coordinating scheduling and performing maintenance for all units, vehicles, and equipment in the department.

Typical Duties:

• Plans, administers, coordinates, executes and supervises training for the department. Collaborates with the Fire Battalion Chief(s) and the EMS Battalion Chief in assessing the specific individual and group training needs for the Department.
• Assists in the development, implementation and direction of EMS training. Coordinates EMS courses and licensure certifications. Coordinates, schedules and instructs EMS training courses. Provides oversight for EMS Trainers and Preceptors.
• When called upon to respond to emergency scenes, the Training Officer will assist command personnel as needed. Typically, the Training Officer will be appointed as the Incident Safety Officer.
• Maintains a list of approved New Mexico Fire Training Academy adjunct instructors. Instructors shall be qualified as Fire Instructor I. Coordinates between the Academy and adjunct instructors to maintain their current status and assists them in gaining evaluations.
• Provide supervision for the Shift Training Assistants (STAs).
• Serves as Instructor/Facilitator for specialized training courses both in the classroom and in the field. 
• Develops training opportunities, lesson plans, and curricula (i.e. Cadet/Rookies courses, Leadership development courses, etc.) which helps employees attain standards, build confidence, commitment, accountability, and responsibility in a variety of subject areas.
• Authors the Department Annual Training Plan (ATP) and submits it to the EMS Battalion Chief, Deputy & Fire Chief for approval. Track classes to completion in Target Solutions and reports delinquencies. 
• Provides an in-depth Status of Training (SOT) briefing to the EMS Battalion Chief, Deputy & Chief each month. The intent of this brief is to report deficiencies in qualifications.
• Conducts research to project an annual Training Certification calendar. Coordinates continuing education opportunities and refresher courses with the State Fire Academy, National Fire Academy or other nationally accredited schools.
• Maintain and update personnel credentials & certification worksheet on all members of the department (i.e. EMS Licensure, CEVO, DOT certificates, etc.). Reviews and provides reports and prepares and maintains required departmental records. Gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports, correspondence and recommendations. 
• Research new avenues for personnel to gain certificates through telecommunication, video conferences or multimedia venues.  
• Evaluates the effectiveness of employee development and training programs. 
• Provides employee development programs which are effective in gaining acceptance for new work methods and developing cooperative work practices. 
• Attend meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and review publications to become and remain current on the principles and practices of new training methods.
• Schedules and coordinates periodic exams for Probationary and Career Firefighters. 
• Secures the use of buildings within the Fire Training grounds and provides oversight over activities associated with live fire training exercises. To include completion of Live Fire Safety checklists and the appointment of a Safety Officer. 
• Coordinates large scale exercises/drills with mutual aid partnerships in accordance with local fire protection plans, emergency responses, and other department agreements in surrounding jurisdictions and organizations. 
• Maintains knowledge of City geography, traffic patterns, streets, landmarks and building locations, and special hazards of designated facilities, to assure that firefighting activities are accomplished in a fast, effective and safe manner. 
• Respond to all citizens' questions, comments or complaints in a courteous and timely manner. Continue to improve operations and work, cooperatively and jointly, with all levels of the department to provide quality customer service.
• Assist in the planning of long-term Department administrative and operational goals. Supervises the performance of projects and receives unexpected priority assignments.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly with City Administration, department directors, staff, and the public to provide quality services. Reviews progress and direct changes as needed, within delegated authority. 
• Represent the department on various inter-agency committees, non-government and community based organizations, city, county, and private industry partners and stakeholders. Performs daily activity of public relations through speaking with citizens, responding to their needs and explaining Fire and City Policies.
• Keeps the immediate supervisor fully and accurately informed on issues. Identifies areas of concern for management for review and potential action.
• Maintains regulatory compliance by keeping current on industry trends, regulations, and issues. Ensures adherence to established policies and procedures to remain in compliance with local, state, and federal rules, regulations and policies. Recommends and implements corrective actions when necessary. Confer with supervision on policy and procedural matters. 
• Manages and oversees the safety of department personnel and citizens. Enforces work safety practices and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Recommends and implements corrective actions when necessary. 
• Performs routine/preventative maintenance on rescue equipment, fire apparatus and other support equipment on units to maintain mechanical readiness.
• Assists in the preparation, development, and expense forecast of the Department budget. Participates in procurement activities for supplies (i.e. IFSTA or Jones & Bartlett books, etc.), services, equipment, and other items.
• Ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time. 
• Provides support in the administration of personnel programs including performance management processes, discipline evaluations, participates in selection processes and recommends hires. 
• Collaborates in software update and conversion projects. 
• Perform other activities, and program oversight, as assigned by the Fire Chief or Deputy.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s (Preferred) in Fire Science, Public Administration, Fire Protection Technology or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience with a Career department or any combination of experience, education, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Fire Instructor II or III (Preferred) 
• Live Fire Instructor 
• Fire Officer I or II (Preferred)
• Fire Inspector I or II (Preferred)
• Hazardous Materials Technician or Incident Commander (Preferred) 
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 300 & ICS 400
• Incident Safety Officer (ISO) or All-Hazards Safety Officer (NIMS)
• Public Information Officer (PIO)
• New Mexico EMT Intermediate or Paramedic (Preferred) 
• Valid driver’s license equivalent to a New Mexico Class E

Certifications listed above, if not currently achieved, must be completed within two years of appointment.

Physical Requirements:
Must meet NFPA 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. Occasional work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. Occasionally run, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist, and climb ladders. Lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight. Work may require wearing of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or Hazmat Suit for extended periods of time. Use repetitive hand movement and fine coordination and manual dexterity which permits the employee to use fire suppression equipment, operate standard office equipment and computer systems. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, use communication equipment, communicate with others, operate motorized vehicles and effectively supervise a fire or related emergency scene. Sufficient visual acuity which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and review, evaluate, and prepare a variety of written materials.

Working Conditions:
Work is typically performed in a standard office setting and outdoors supervising personnel exposed to all types of weather conditions that are potentially hazardous, uncontrollable, and/or life-threatening situations. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. May work beyond normal business hours. Position is subject to drug testing and regular driver’s license monitoring in accordance with applicable city, state, and federal regulations. Employees may be exposed to airborne particles, potentially toxic and/or caustic chemicals, and extreme temperatures, travel from site to site, work around vehicles and traffic. Use of safety toed shoes, glasses, and other equipment as required.  

Position : 18009004

Code : 5-1

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : FIRE DEPARTMENT

Group : FULL TIME

Job Class : FIRE CAPTAIN

Posting Start : 05/12/2026

Posting End : 12/31/9999

Salary: $38.27-$57.39