JOB TITLE: FIRE SERVICES EDUCATION SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 76101

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Fire Services Education job series describes work in developing, coordinating, and evaluating fire and emergency service education and training programs.

DEFINITION: This is professional work in developing, coordinating, and evaluating fire and emergency response education and training programs at the PA State Fire Academy.

An employee in this job coordinates, develops, implements, and evaluates fire and emergency service education, training, and professional certification programs. Work involves training and monitoring training instructors; developing and updating curricula and training materials; conducting training and instruction; assisting in the development and administration of the Fire Service Certification Program; and serving as a liaison regarding fire, emergency, or homeland security training programs. Work includes identifying training needs, evaluating and implementing training procedures, monitoring compliance with policies and procedures, providing technical guidance to public and private entities, and evaluating the effectiveness of training and certification programs. Work also includes evaluating test site coordinators; reviewing Act 13 grant applications; providing guidance to educational training agencies; and promoting participation in academy training and certification programs. Work is performed independently under the general oversight of an administrative supervisor who reviews the work for program effectiveness, adequacy, and conformance to established standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Monitors training and certification programs for compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Develops and updates instructional and curriculum standards, including standards of accreditation, lesson plans, course outlines, and competency evaluation examinations.

• Participates in interviewing training instructors and providing selection recommendations for consideration by hiring managers.

• Tracks instructor work hours and reviews their travel expense vouchers and payroll requests.

• Instructs classes related to fire protection, prevention, and suppression; hazardous materials, industrial, and airport scene management and mitigation; rescue; emergency service organization administration; apparatus driving and operation; workplace safety; terrorism response; legal aspects; investigation; or education methodology.

• Evaluates test sites and test forms, and reviews participant appeals related to the tests.

• Assists with the development and administration of the Pennsylvania Voluntary Fire Service Certification program.

• Coordinates the use of academy facilities by other state agencies and outside organizations for training purposes and meetings.

• Establishes and maintains working relationships with fire and emergency services subject matter experts and members from the public safety community to ensure consistency, relevancy, and accuracy of educational, training, and certification programs and curricula.

• Operates fire apparatus and maintains fire equipment used in instruction, such as breathing apparatus, turn-out gear, hoses, nozzles, ladders, and motorized apparatus.

• Reviews Act 13 grant applications to ensure that all necessary information and documentation is included.

• Provides guidance to educational training agencies regarding policies, procedures, and budgetary needs for emergency service training programs.

• Represents the Office of State Fire Commissioner by addressing groups and attending conferences, meetings, and seminars and promoting the Office of State Fire Commissioner Recruitment and Retention program.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the educational techniques and methods used in fire and emergency service training programs.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of curriculum development and assessment.

• Knowledge of technical rescue, hazardous materials scene management and mitigation, and incident scene management techniques and procedures.

• Knowledge of fire prevention, protection, and suppression.

• Knowledge of workplace safety theories and practices.

• Knowledge of emergency service organization administration.

• Knowledge of fire and emergency service regulations, policies, functions, resources, and capabilities.

• Knowledge of fire apparatus and appropriate use.

• Ability to read and interpret legislation and regulations.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• 400 hours of experience providing instruction as a Fire Academy Instructor (commonwealth title);

or

• One year of professional experience in developing and delivering fire and emergency service training programs, and a bachelor’s degree in fire science, public safety, adult education, or a related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require Fire Service Instructor 2 certification issued by a professional certification agency accredited in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association, the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress, or other professional certification agency accredited in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association.

• Certain positions in this job require possession of a valid Class B Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License with a tank endorsement and no air brake restriction.