Training Specialist

This position is Internal to City of Burlington Staff Only with the rank of Lieutenant or Captain with the goal being to achieve Captain.*

Ready to lead the charge in training the heroes who protect our community? Are you committed to enhancing the skills and safety of your fellow firefighters? Great! The City of Burlington has a Training Specialist position in the Fire Department!

In order to maintain a high degree of readiness, all personnel are required to participate in regular training. The Training Division provides both classes and drills to review life-saving skills and present new information to the members of the Department.

This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and delivering recruit and in-service training for all Fire Department personnel, from new recruits to experienced staff. The employee supervises and ensures all departmental training standards are met, with a focus on both classroom instruction and hands‑on field training. The role also involves supervising new recruits and departmental instructors during training programs. Additional duties include providing technical support in the hiring process, assisting with new employee selection, and managing the Fire Department's training database to ensure compliance with State of NC and ISO requirements.

• Develops and Implements Recruit Training Programs:
  Plans, organizes, and delivers comprehensive training programs for Burlington Fire Department recruits and shift personnel, ensuring clear instruction and effective learning outcomes.
• Provides Instruction and Evaluation:
  Teaches basic firefighting, rescue skills, and theoretical tactics; evaluates recruit performance through progress reports, tests, and individual conferences to track development and identify additional needs.
• Administers Probationary Testing:
  Designs and conducts probationary exams for recruits at the end of their six-month probation period.
• Enhances Training Effectiveness:
  Updates and refines training materials, incorporating state and federal requirements, best practices, and new technologies to improve program quality and compliance.
• Leads Certification Training:
  Prepares and instructs certification classes, including Firefighter, Emergency Vehicle Driving, and Driver Operator Pumps.
• Researches and Identifies Training Needs:
  Observes performance, researches fire service trends, and creates instructional materials and demonstrations to meet training objectives.
• Maintains ISO Compliance:
  Ensures Driver Operator, Hazardous Materials, and Officer Training adhere to ISO standards; reviews and verifies training reports for accuracy and completeness.
• Supports Departmental Operations:
  Assists with hydrant maintenance, updates maps, and oversees hose testing and equipment repairs, maintaining accurate records for operational readiness.
• Facilitates Promotional Testing:
  Helps administer and grade promotional exams while recommending equipment purchases to enhance departmental capabilities.
• Oversees Training Facility Operations:
  Manages training facility property and equipment, conducts monthly inspections, and supports recruit academy graduations.
• Responds to Emergency Incidents:
  Provides operational support for third alarm incidents or greater as outlined in departmental SOPs and serves within the suppression division when needed.
• Contributes to Continuous Improvement:
  Evaluates training effectiveness, proposes program improvements, and stays current on technological advancements to maintain departmental excellence.

• Comprehensive Understanding:
  Thorough knowledge of firefighting tactics, equipment, hazards and safe procedures
• Mastering the Mechanics:
  Skilled in operating and instructing the use of firefighting apparatus and tools, including trucks, pumps, hoses, radios, pry bars, axes, nozzles, SCBAs, fans, shovels, rakes, sledgehammers, extrication equipment, defibrillators, and other essential firefighting equipment.
• Social Intelligence:
  Ability to build strong working relationships with fire department members and the public while representing the…