Professional Development & Community Education Officer

Performs difficult protective service and administrative work planning, implementing public safety training and education programs, community prevention and life safety initiatives, and performing related work as apparent or assigned. The incumbent may exercise limited oversight of personnel as directed or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the fire chief as appropriate.

• Develops and coordinates the department's professional development, continuing education, and community education initiatives.
• Coordinates courses, programs, and initiatives through the community college system, local and state agencies, other public safety agencies, and third‑party providers.
• Maintains records, including compilation of training hours, certifications, and credentialing for department personnel.
• Designs courses and programs consistent with state and federal requirements and appropriate National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
• Provides direct delivery course instruction in various public safety disciplines as appropriate.
• Serves as liaison to the local community college, certification boards, and commissions.
• Develops and delivers instruction in fire and life safety education topics targeted to citizens, organizations, and industry.
• Coordinates with local event planners to bring Fire & Rescue Department personnel and resources to key community and social events for educational and informational purposes.
• Collaborates with other supervisors and staff as appropriate related to community relations activities.
• Provides coordination of the Fire & Rescue Department’s health, wellness and fitness initiatives.
• Performance in collaboration with operations supervisors.
• May exercise limited supervision of personnel as assigned or directed by the fire chief.
• Participates as a key team member of the command staff, providing direct and indirect assistance and support in the department's day‑to‑day operations.
• Responds to emergency incidents as appropriate and functions as a member of the command or general staff including serving as the Incident Commander in certain circumstances.
• Provides technical assistance with the department’s accreditation, insurance rating, and credentialing initiatives that are consistent with program area responsibility.
• Consult and collaborate with other command staff officers in the department's short‑ and long‑range planning.
• Provides technical assistance in the development of the department’s annual budget.
• Attends department and city‑wide meetings and serves on various professional boards and committees as directed.
• Participates in the department’s continuing education program, attends professional coursework, and obtains certifications as necessary to maintain proficiency.

An associate or technical degree with coursework in fire science, protection engineering, education, or a related field, extensive experience in fire and rescue services, instructional training techniques, public education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of Fire Officer II certification, or National Fire Academy equivalent, Fire Service Instructor Level II, and Fire & Life Safety Educator. Certification as a Standard Level I Fire Code official and/or the ability to obtain probationary Level II status upon hire or possessing a current Standard Level II Fire Code official certificate.

A Standard Level II Code official certificate is required within 36 months of employment. Possession of fire and rescue‑related professional certifications as appropriate for the position. Must meet and maintain department training, certification continuing education requirements, and a valid North Carolina driver’s license. Out‑of‑state applicants must obtain North Carolina reciprocity for certifications and credentials.

Thorough knowledge of fire science, equipment, training, and certification principles and procedures; thorough knowledge of the techniques, principles, and practices in fire, rescue, emergency medical and hazardous material emergency operations; thorough knowledge of department rules and regulations; comprehensive knowledge of the…