What are the responsibilities and job description for the Division Chief of Professional Development position at City of Haines City?
- Position open until December 19, 2025***
Salary range is provided to show the min to max compensation for a position. It is not the basis for or guarantee of a starting salary.
Position Function
Under the direction of the Deputy Chief, the Division Chief of Professional Development provides administrative leadership and oversight of department-wide training, professional standards, employee development, and succession planning. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining training and development programs that ensure all fire department personnel meet or exceed applicable local, state, and federal standards. This role is critical to maintaining a highly skilled, prepared, and professional workforce in all areas of fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, and leadership development.
Essential Functions
- Lead the development, coordination, and implementation of a comprehensive training and professional development strategy for the Fire Department.
- Ensure all required certifications, licensure, and continuing education standards are met for department personnel.
- Coordinate and deliver in-service training, recruit academies, officer development, EMS education, and specialty certifications in compliance with applicable standards.
- Develop and maintain training records and learning management systems to track individual and organizational progress.
- Oversee training facilities, scheduling, and equipment management to support hands-on and classroom instruction.
- Conduct needs assessments and analyze departmental performance to determine training gaps and develop targeted programs for improvement.
- Design and implement succession planning strategies, career path development, mentorship opportunities, and promotional preparation programs.
- Assist with the development and administration of the training division's annual budget, including procurement of materials, equipment, and instructional resources.
- Coordinate and facilitate multi-agency and regional training efforts, exercises, and collaborative professional development initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and standards including ISO, OSHA, NFPA, and Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
- Maintain partnerships with training institutions, vendors, and subject matter experts to enhance training effectiveness and access to specialized instruction.
- Serve as part of the Command Staff and respond to emergency incidents as required; fulfill operational duties in alignment with the department's incident command structure.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
Duties are performed primarily within an office environment or setting. Secondary environment related to fire suppression, medical emergency, and other emergency and non-emergency response services. Possible exposure to dust, mold, noise, inclement weather, extreme temperatures, smoke, fire, electricity, toxic or caustic chemicals and/or fumes, mechanical and/or moving parts, high elevations, vibration, blood-borne pathogens, viruses, disease and other like items associated with fire suppression, and medical emergency and other emergency and non-emergency response services.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of adult learning principles, fire service training methodology, and instructional design.
- Strong understanding of Florida Fire Prevention Code, State and Federal fire training standards, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Proficiency in instructional software, data management systems, and training-related technologies.
- Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple large-scale training initiatives and professional development programs.
- Demonstrated leadership and team-building abilities; able to foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Ability to evaluate personnel performance, identify development opportunities, and implement improvement strategies.
- Capable of working under pressure in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
- Bachelor's Degree in a related field. Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
- Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in a full-time fire service career department.
- State of Florida Firefighter II Certificate of Compliance.
- State of Florida Fire Service Instructor II Certificate of Competency.
- State of Florida Fire Officer II Certificate of Competency.
- State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I or II Certificate of Compliance.
- Demonstrated experience in fire service training or professional development at a supervisory level.
- State of Florida Paramedic (PMD) License / Certification.
- State of Florida Fire Service Instructor III Certificate of Competency.
- Fire Officer III or IV Certificate of Competency.
- Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program Graduate - National Fire Academy.
- Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Designation - Center for Public Safety Excellence.
- Must possess a valid Florida Class E driver's license.
- Must pass post-offer pre-employment Physical Examination and applicable background checks.
This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.
