Training Officer

The Training Officer performs highly responsible professional, technical, instructional, and administrative work involving the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of department-wide Fire Rescue training programs. The incumbent is responsible for identifying departmental training needs; researching, developing, and delivering instructional materials; coordinating recruit and continuing education programs; ensuring regulatory compliance; and supporting organizational readiness through training, competency management, and operational performance improvement initiatives.

Employees assigned to this classification function as lead instructors and subject matter experts responsible for career development training, job proficiency training, operational readiness, and implementation of new techniques, equipment, procedures, and regulatory requirements. The objective of the position is to support the safety, effectiveness, readiness, and professional development of Fire Rescue personnel and the general welfare of the public. Work is performed under the general direction of the Division Chief of Training and requires the exercise of independent judgment, discretion, and decision-making involving matters of significance related to departmental operations, training compliance, and workforce development.

The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

• Develops, coordinates, schedules, and delivers department-wide training programs.
• Identifies training needs and develops lesson plans, presentations, training evolutions, educational materials, and competency-based instruction programs.
• Conducts classroom, practical, and field-based instruction involving Fire Rescue operational topics, EMS subjects, safety initiatives, and specialized training programs.
• Coordinates and maintains departmental training records, certifications, credential tracking, and compliance documentation utilizing department software platforms.
• Supports departmental leadership in planning, organizing, and implementing division goals, objectives, and strategic workforce development initiatives.
• Coordinates training related to new equipment, apparatus, operational procedures, technology systems, and regulatory changes.
• Assists with development and implementation of recruit orientation, probationary training, promotional development, and remediation programs.
• Evaluates personnel competency and operational proficiency through observation, skills assessments, practical evolutions, and performance evaluations.
• Participates in operational reviews, incident critiques, after-action reviews, and performance improvement initiatives.
• May serve in assigned safety, instructional, command support, or operational coordination roles during training evolutions, emergency incidents, or special events.
• Assists with management and maintenance of training facilities, props, equipment, apparatus, and instructional materials.
• Coordinates outside instructors, educational partners, vendors, and regulatory agencies as assigned.
• Assist with ISO documentation, accreditation initiatives, and regulatory inspections. 
• Function is an ESF position in an emergency or crisis outside of the normal working hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Assignment to a specific position will be determined following review and verification of all the candidate’s applicable licenses, certifications, and credentials to ensure departmental needs are met.

Training Officer – Fire
Position focus:

• Develops and delivers fire suppression, rescue, driver/operator, and special operations training.
• Coordinates live fire training evolutions and burn exercises.
• Conducts firefighter survival, MAYDAY, RIT, ventilation, forcible entry, and tactical operations training.
• Evaluates engine company operations and tactical competency.
• Oversees pump operations and apparatus-based training initiatives.
• Coordinates compliance with live fire training standards and safety procedures.
• Assists with operational readiness evaluations and promotional process preparation.
• Coordinates special operations training including rope rescue, confined space, trench rescue, and hazardous materials awareness/operations as assigned.
• Assists with development of fireground operational procedures and training standards.

Training Officer – EMS
Position focus:

• Coordinates EMS continuing education and protocol training programs.
• Assists the Medical Director and EMS leadership with implementation of protocols and standards of care.
• Develops and delivers ALS/BLS training initiatives.
• Conducts EMS competency evaluations and remediation training.
• Coordinates EMS preceptor programs and field training initiatives.
• Maintains EMS credential tracking and continuing education compliance documentation.
• Participates in EMS quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives.
• Assists with implementation of new medical equipment, medications, and treatment guidelines.
• Coordinates ACLS, Handtevy, CPR, trauma, and related EMS certification programs.
• Assists with state EMS inspections and regulatory compliance activities.
• Serves as liaison with educational institutions, hospitals, and EMS partners as assigned.

Training Officer – Fire & EMS
Position focus:

• Performs the combined responsibilities of both Fire and EMS assignment tracks.
• Coordinates integrated Fire/EMS operational training initiatives.
• Oversees recruit academy development involving both Firefighter and EMS competencies.
• Coordinates department-wide operational readiness initiatives.
• Assists with strategic planning related to workforce development and training compliance.
• Serves as a lead subject matter expert for operational training and competency management.
• Coordinates large-scale drills, multi-company training exercises, and interdisciplinary operational training.
• Provides leadership support regarding training-related compliance, credentialing, and operational performance improvement.

Pay range is dependent on assigned specialty track:
Pay Grade 11: $31.74 / $66,019.20 - $46.03 / $95,742.40 for single or dual certified track with EMT
Pay Grade 12: $34.61 / $71,988.80 - $50.18 / $104,374.40 for dual-certified track with Medic 

Compensation placement within the identified pay grade range shall be determined based upon assignment, applicable State of Florida certifications, licensure level, operational qualifications, experience, and departmental needs. Employees possessing advanced certifications, including Paramedic licensure, may qualify for compensation at a higher pay rate consistent with departmental compensation practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent (GED).
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate Degree in the field of Fire Science, EMS, Public Administration, or other closely related field preferred.

Training Officer – Fire

• Minimum six (6) years career fire service experience.
• Minimum two (2) years experience as a Driver Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Instructor, or equivalent leadership role preferred.
• Prior training division experience preferred.

Training Officer – EMS

• Minimum five (5) years ALS/BLS/EMS experience.
• Prior field training, preceptor, or EMS instructional experience preferred.
• EMS QA/QI or protocol implementation experience preferred.

Training Officer – Fire & EMS

• Minimum six (6) years combined Fire/EMS experience.
• Prior supervisory, training, or leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Experience coordinating multi-discipline operational training preferred.

A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County's discretion.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License and be insurable by the current insurance carrier.
• Must maintain a clean police record
• Obtain and maintain CJIS Clearance, for CAD access
• Ability to complete post offer/pre-employment and annual physical examination as required.
• Must possess and maintain certifications, licenses, and credentials appropriate to the assigned operational and instructional discipline.
• Required certifications may include State of Florida Firefighter, EMT, Paramedic, ALS/BLS certification, Fire Instructor, EMS Instructor, driver/operator, Live Fire Instructor, Fire Officer, and specialty certifications as determined by departmental assignment and operational needs.

Required Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of current principles, practices, methods, strategy, and tactics related to modern fire suppression, EMS, rescue, hazardous materials, and special operations training.
• Knowledge of instructional methods, adult learning principles, curriculum development, and competency-based training evaluation.
• Ability to effectively train, mentor, supervise, and evaluate Fire Rescue personnel engaged in operational assignments.
• Ability to identify organizational training deficiencies and implement corrective action plans and performance improvement initiatives.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly in both oral and written form.
• Ability to research, prepare, and deliver lesson plans, presentations, educational materials, and training evolutions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, outside agencies, educational institutions, vendors, and the public
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, independent decision-making, and discretion involving operational readiness, safety, and compliance matters
• Ability to analyze emergency situations and respond effectively under stressful conditions
• Ability to motivate personnel and maintain a positive and professional work environment
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of fire apparatus, EMS equipment, training systems, and related operational tools.
• Ability to utilize department software systems including learning management systems (LMS), Microsoft Office products, records management systems, scheduling systems, and related software applications.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Ability to meet NFPA 1582 medical requirements as applicable.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity in adverse environmental conditions.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment and SCBA.
• Ability to lift, carry, climb, crawl, kneel, bend, and operate emergency equipment.
• Exposure to emergency scenes, hazardous atmospheres, smoke, heat, chemicals, bloodborne pathogens, and adverse weather conditions.
• Exposure to stressful and physically demanding emergency operations and training environments.
• Heavy lifting exceeding 60lbs. 

VETERANS' PREFERENCE:  Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Hernando County BOCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PLEASE REVIEW THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ON POSTING AND COMMUNICATE HOW YOU MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION/RESUME. MINIMUM REQUIEMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED.
All applications will be carefully reviewed to evaluate qualifications and overall suitability for the position. The relevance, scope, and length of related work experience, training, and education outlined in the application and resume will be considered during the screening process. Selected applicants will be contacted to participate in interviews. Candidates are encouraged to clearly document all pertinent experience, including relevant knowledge, skills, or abilities gained outside of traditional employment, in the additional information section of the application.

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.
Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. 
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.

Salary : $31,740 - $66,019