Training Officer

Training Officer / Assistant Chief Of Training

The Training Officer / Assistant Chief of Training works under the supervision of the Base Fire Chief and Base Civil Engineer or other Chain of Command personnel. The position is responsible for managing, maintaining and administering the training programs for all fire department personnel, which may include military members, and ensures all personnel meet required training standards as outlined in Federal / State rules and regulations, including National Guard Bureau (NGB) and Air Force instructions; and applicable New York State Division of Military and Naval affairs (DMNA) policies - current and as amended. In addition, when necessary, the Training Officer will perform the duties of an Airport Firefighter 1 and 2 (APFF1 and APFF2); may act as the Airport Firefighter 3 (APFF3) or Fire Prevention Officer during absences / periods of leave. This position is management confidential and is not covered under labor contract provisions within the DMNA.

This position within DMNA exists to provide training and related services to personnel and resources by state firefighter employees assigned to various Air National Guard Bases (ANGB) located within the State of New York. The Air National Guard Fire Protection Activities Program (ANGFPA) shall be implemented in accordance with Appendix 24 of the Master Cooperative Agreement (MCA) between the State of New York and the Air National Guard (ANG), current and as amended. Further, as required and where applicable, all matters will be carried out in accordance with various federal regulations to include but not limited to : National Guard Regulation (NGR) 5-1 and Air National Guard Instruction (ANGI) 63-101; DAFI 32-2001; National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards 1500, 1582, 1561, 1404, 1975, 472, 1581, 1001, 1002; and / or applicable DMNA policy and state / federal statutes and regulations, current and as amended. The preceding references are herein after collectively referred to as "all required current firefighting, Air Force and agency standards."

Under the direction of the Fire Chief, APFF3 or other appropriate Base Leadership and in support of the base mission, the Training Officer effectively manages the base Airport Firefighter training program and activities. The Training Officer must demonstrate leadership, professionalism and organizational skills at a higher level than the APFF 1 and 2.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following :

• Plans, develops, implements, reviews, conducts and evaluates the comprehensive fire prevention training, safety, and hazardous material handling programs at the installation.
• Assesses the applicability of current program objectives and recommends changes when necessary.
• Assists in budget preparation.
• Responsible for planning a comprehensive program of on-the-job and proficiency training for all fire protection and prevention personnel.
• Manages the DOD Firefighter Certification Program for the Fire Department in accordance with the accredited certification program defined in ANG standards and regulations.
• Assigns, directs, and reviews the work of other employees who assist in carrying out program activities.
• Observes training being conducted by other instructors to ensure compliance with current procedures.
• Oversees the development of lesson plans for recurring proficiency training utilizing methods following established guidelines of the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA).
• Ensures the maintenance of reference materials such as the NFPA Handbook of Fire Protection, National Fire Codes, USAF directives, video library, other training aids, kits, and Career Development Course manuals.
• Required training includes chemical and physical properties of fire; combustible and explosive properties of volatile fluids and gases, and appropriate firefighting techniques; operation and maintenance of firefighting apparatus; use and maintenance of specialized powered and non-powered forcible entry tools and rescue equipment; extinguishing agents, their values and uses; firefighting techniques associated with explosives and nuclear weapons; hydraulics; structural and aircraft firefighting; rescue techniques and procedures; live fire drills; structural fire exercises, etc., and other subjects required to maintain a competent level of firefighting skills and knowledge.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual training schedules for approval.
• Plans and schedules work to meet program goals and objectives.
• Independently performs development and revision of training materials.
• Changes, adjusts, or supplements instructional materials to incorporate new information covering firefighting methods, techniques, procedures, equipment, and extinguishing agents.
• Analyzes course content, evaluates outcomes of training programs and functions to measure the effectiveness of program efforts and, as necessary, coordinates with the Fire Chief and other assistant chiefs and makes modifications to program methods and approaches.
• Makes recommendations to the Fire Chief on the level and mix of resources needed to carry out a successful program.
• Maintains a highly competent knowledge of instruction techniques.
• Coordinates and trains instructors to present fire protection operational, technical, safety, and hazardous material response lesson plans using appropriate techniques and approaches.
• Conducts recurring proficiency training in each functional area of fire protection.
• Conducts live (announced) crash fire training and structural exercises.
• Conducts unannounced structural and crash rescue exercises in coordination with the Fire Chief.
• Participates in practical training sessions.
• Evaluates the performance and proficiency of all personnel during training sessions and actual emergencies.
• Provides personal coaching and instructional guidance to personnel involved with completion of practical and academic projects such as automobile extraction.
• Assists fellow firefighters in developing their professional knowledge and skill.
• Evaluates assigned training tasks such as proper utilization of crash truck roof turret using current approved foam.
• Advises appropriate supervisory personnel and the Fire Chief regarding participants' academic and practical training participation and outcomes.
• Responsible for correcting deficiencies found in operational procedures or techniques through follow-up training.
• This includes directing assistant fire chiefs or any fire protection personnel in proper procedures from normal through serious emergency operations.
• Administers and conducts certification training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• May supervise Airport Firefighters in firefighting activities and other assigned tasks as directed by the Chief and in accordance with agency standards.
• Prepare and conduct instructional exercises as directed by Fire Chief.
• Assist Fire Chief in the development of firehouse procedures and directives.
• Ensure that Fire Department facilities are maintained in a safe, clean, neat and orderly fashion.
• Position is a 40-hours per week, but may be required to work irregular hours and shifts including 24-hour shifts, weekends and holidays. Schedules may require periodic changes or modifications in order to meet fire unit operational needs and training requirements.
• Perform administrative duties in support of fire department operations to include use of computers and data entry.
• Provide information and maintain an acceptable means of contact such as a cellular telephone or maintain a telephone at place of residence.
• Appropriately operate equipment, motor vehicles and trucks as assigned. Ensure proper utilization of same by subordinate staff.
• Other job related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Firefighters routinely face risks, work irregular hours and must respond to calls regardless of the weather. Firefighters may face many dangers in the performance of their duties and the exact working conditions faced by a firefighter vary. Working conditions may include but are not limited to :

Job Requirements

Maintain all required certification levels failure to do so will subject the individual to disciplinary action or termination. Maintain physical fitness and agility standards for department staff in accordance with all applicable regulations. Separate entry level and annual maintenance programs will be developed at State level, in coordination with the Fire Chief, and applicable standards and regulations. In accordance with NFPA standards, must report any changes in medical conditions to State Human Resources through the appropriate chain of command. Be aware of and understand all applicable regulations, job performance and training requirements in accordance with ANGFPA program, DMNA and the ANGB assigned. Wear all personal protective equipment (PPE) provided (50+ lbs). Maintain grooming standards in accordance to ANG requirements. Wear appropriate uniform in accordance with established guidelines; and present a clean and neat appearance. Safely drive and operate all vehicles assigned to the Fire Department