Fire and EMS Training Officer

Performs professional and technical work in planning, developing, coordinating, delivering, and evaluating training programs supporting Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Public Safety operations. Ensures personnel maintain required certifications, operational readiness, and competency in fire suppression, EMS, and applicable public safety training standards. This position occasionally requires working evening/overnight hours to provide training. Coordinates training efforts across Fire, EMS, and Police functions to promote consistency, efficiency, and compliance. This position does not establish operational policy or regulatory authority for Fire, EMS, or Police functions, which remains with the respective Fire Chief and Police Chief.

Responsibilities

• 55% - Fire & EMS Training Program Development and Delivery:
  • Develops, delivers, and manages Fire and EMS training programs in accordance with departmental policies and directives established by the Fire Chief, EMS Director, and command staff.
  • Prepares lesson plans, curricula, and training evolutions consistent with applicable NFPA standards, SC EMS regulations, and departmental requirements.
  • Conducts classroom instruction, simulations, live fire training, and field-based exercises.
  • Coordinates recruit training, continuing education, and annual certification requirements to ensure Fire and EMS personnel maintain operational readiness and required competencies.
  • Provides instructional support and may assist with teaching in the department's EMT training program under the direction of the EMS Director.
  • Conducts field training and competency evaluations.
  • Maintains training facilities, equipment, and simulation tools necessary to support Fire and EMS training delivery.
  • May be assigned to Fire/EMS incidents, special events, exercises, drills, and operational activities as needed to support agency readiness.
• 5% - Compliance Support & Policy Implementation:
  • Supports the alignment of training programs with applicable federal, state, and industry standards, including NFPA, OSHA, ISO standards, South Carolina EMS regulations, and public safety accreditation requirements.
  • Integrates departmental policies and best practices into training delivery to maintain consistency across disciplines.
  • Assists Fire/EMS, Police, and Emergency Management leadership by providing training-related input to support compliance awareness and continuous improvement.
  • Serves in a training support capacity and does not hold regulatory or compliance enforcement authority over Fire/EMS, Police, or Emergency Management operations.
• 10% - Training Administration & Records Management:
  • Maintains and manages training records and documentation for Fire/EMS and applicable Public Safety training activities.
  • Tracks certifications, continuing education, and training requirements to support ongoing operational readiness and standards compliance.
  • Prepares reports and summaries to support audits, accreditation processes, and leadership decision-making.
  • Assists with training-related budgeting, procurement, and grant support activities to enhance training program effectiveness and resources.
• 15% - Performance Improvement & Training-Based QA/QI:
  • Utilizes quality assurance/quality improvement (QA/QI) findings and performance data to identify training needs and enhance instructional strategies for Fire/EMS personnel.
  • Conducts performance observations during training activities and field-based instructional settings to assess competency, skills retention, and operational readiness.
  • Provides constructive feedback to instructors, supervisors, and command staff to support continued professional development.
  • Supports the development of training initiatives designed to strengthen skills, reinforce standards, and enhance individual and team performance.
  • Provides coaching and instructional feedback to promote continuous improvement and maintain high levels of operational readiness.
• 15% - Public Safety Training Coordination (Fire/EMS, Police, Emergency Management):
  • Coordinates cross-disciplinary training initiatives involving Fire/EMS, Police, and Emergency Management personnel, including active threat response, incident command, mass casualty incidents, and campus emergency response operations.
  • Collaborates with Fire/EMS and Police command staff and Emergency Management personnel to support scheduling, logistics, and documentation of training activities.
  • Facilitates consistency in training documentation, scheduling systems, and compliance tracking across public safety disciplines.
  • Assists in organizing and supporting joint exercises, drills, and tabletop scenarios to enhance interoperability and coordinated emergency response.

Requirements

• A high school diploma and fire prevention or fire-fighting experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or 60 hours toward a bachelor’s degree.

Skills

• Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures related to fire and EMS training, with the ability to apply them in varied situations.

Physical Requirements

• Stand for prolonged periods: 5%
• Sit (stationary position) for prolonged periods: 5%
• Walk or move about: 5%
• Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: 15%
• Ascend or descend (e.g., stairs, ladder): 5%
• Position self to accomplish tasks (e.g., stoop, kneel, crawl): 15%
• Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: 15%
• Recognize or inspect visually: 5%
• Move, transport, raise, or lower 50 lbs or more: 5%
• Extend hands or arms in any direction: 15%
• Use taste or smell to detect or determine particular flavors or odors: 5%
• Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: 5%

Working Conditions

• Chemical hazards: 10%
• Electrical hazards: 5%
• Radiant hazards: 5%
• Burn hazards: 10%
• Overnight travel: 5%
• Exposure to bio-hazards (e.g., blood, bodily fluids): 10%
• Exposure to heat or cold: 20%
• Exposure to dust/fumes: 10%
• Wet and/or humid conditions: 10%
• Noise: 5%
• Vibration: 5%
• Mechanical hazards: 5%

Pay

Expected salary range: $52,100.00 - $70,300.00. Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills, and performance.

Schedule

Standard hours: 40 per week. This position occasionally requires working evening/overnight hours to provide training.

This position is designated as essential support. In the event of an emergency closure or modified operations, this role is necessary to maintain or resume essential support functions, deliver direct care services, and/or provide recovery support before normal operations resume. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.