Training Captain

Description

Platteville-Gilcrest Fire Protection District

Job Description

Position Title: Training Captain

Employment Status: Full-Time, Career

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Division Chief of Training

Division: Training

Salary Range: $125,000–$135,000

Work Schedule: 40-hour workweek

Effective Date: January 1, 2027

Approved By: District Chief

Benefits: Click here to view our benefits

Position Summary

Under the supervision and direction of the Division Chief of Training, the Training Captain develops, delivers, and evaluates District training programs and manages training facilities and equipment. The position assigns and supervises work, evaluates personnel, maintains records, and applies District policies and corrective actions within assigned authority.

The Training Captain also drives, operates, and maintains District apparatus and equipment; provides emergency and non-emergency medical services within EMT certification and the District Medical Director’s protocols; and directs, supervises, and performs firefighting, search and rescue, salvage and overhaul, special operations, and inspections.

The position operates within the established chain of command and supports the District’s training and emergency response programs. This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Training Program Leadership

• Develop, implement, and evaluate the District’s training program to ensure all operational criteria are met and that qualification of all personnel meets state and national requirements
• Develop training standards consistent with all District operations
• Develop and implement an annual master training schedule to assist in monthly detailed scheduling of training sessions
• Assist in long range planning in the area of training and safety needs

Operational Readiness and Compliance

• Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, all rules, policies and procedures of the Fire District, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Weld County Board of County Commissioners, and Colorado Department of Health and Environment
• Evaluate and track certification standards and testing for all personnel consistent with the District training program
• Develops and maintains training records, tracks reports, and maintains certification records for District personnel

Instructional Leadership and Development

• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs that meet national and state criteria and requirements for certification of personnel in an effective manner, considering safety of the participants as the highest priority
• Proactively address and correct program deficiencies identified by routine or periodic assessments
• Prepares, organizes, and conducts annual firefighter academies as required by the District

Budget and Resource Management

• Manages District training facilities and equipment; collaborates with line staff to keep facilities and training grounds clean, restock supplies, and remove waste created by training activities
• Assist the Division Chief of Training with data compilation for the annual proposed budget

Interagency Coordination

• Interact and cooperate in a positive and professional manner with all personnel and customers of the District
• Maintain a positive working relationship with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Fire District’s Medical Director, local Community Colleges, neighboring agencies, and other community partners the District conducts business
• Attend and participate in all county and state training officer organizations

Emergency Response and Command Support

• Safely, competently, and efficiently operate all District apparatus, vehicles, and equipment
• Responds to emergency incidents as needed for command and control and serves as Incident Safety Officer consistent with certification and assignment; uses the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to support effective and safe emergency scene management
• Provide, and/or assist in providing, emergency medical services, search, rescue and/or extrication activities to victims of medical emergencies, fires, auto accidents, etc., in accordance with prescribed emergency medical care procedures, and within the scope of services permitted by the State of Colorado EMT-B or EMT-P certification
• Participate in and respond to fire and other emergency alarms, in accordance with prescribed training and safety practices to minimize public and personal hazards
• Take proper safety precautions, anticipate unsafe circumstances, and act accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Use all safety equipment
• Properly operate in and function with self-contained breathing apparatus, personal protective clothing, and other specialized equipment

Personnel Supervision

• Supervise and manage line-staff of the District in coordination with fire, rescue and emergency medical services as needed or directed
• Assigns duties, supervises work, completes employee performance assessments and evaluations, and applies policies for corrective actions under the direction of the Division Chief of Training

Policy Development and Administration

• Consistently promotes a professional image of the District and represents District values in the performance of all duties
• Understand and follow detailed oral and written instructions of superior officers
• Facilitate change when needed to District policies, procedures, instructions, and guidelines
• Attend all required meetings and trainings

Additional Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief, consistent with the scope and level of responsibility of the position

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Five (5) years of emergency services experience, including at least three (3) years as a company officer or higher

Required at Date of Hire

• Valid state driver’s license and safe driving record
• American Heart Association CPR certification
• Knowledge of ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800
• Firefighter II certification
• Hazardous Materials Operations certification
• Fire Instructor I certification
• Fire Officer I certification
• Colorado EMT certification
• S-130/S-190 wildland certification

Fire Service Certification Equivalency

For the Training Captain position, PGFPD may accept documented equivalent credentials in satisfaction of the Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Operations, and Fire Officer I requirements. Credentials issued through IFSAC- or Pro Board-accredited certifying entities, including qualifying CMCB certifications, may be considered. Acceptance by PGFPD does not constitute DFPC certification or reciprocity.

Equivalency will be evaluated against the duties of the position through review of certification levels, applicable standards, relevant education, and demonstrated experience. A current Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Chief Training Officer (CTO) designation will receive additional weight as evidence of training leadership and professional development; it does not independently replace technical certifications.

Conditions of Continued Employment

• Obtain and maintain the following State of Colorado certifications within twelve (12) months of hire: Driver Operator Utility, Fire Instructor I, and Live Fire Instructor 1403
• Obtain and maintain National Registry EMT and complete ICS 300 and 400 within twelve (12) months of hire
• Obtain and maintain Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) or State of Colorado Incident Safety Officer certification within twenty-four (24) months of hire
• Obtain and maintain Fire Officer II certification, issued by the State of Colorado or accepted through the District’s documented equivalency review, within twenty-four (24) months of hire
• Obtain an associate’s degree in any field by 2028
• Obtain and maintain the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) Chief Training Officer (CTO) designation by 2029
• Obtain a bachelor’s degree in any field by 2030
• Successfully complete all required training and maintain all District-required certifications and licensure, including credentials accepted through an approved equivalency
• Comply with District policies and performance expectations, including an acceptable rating under the District Physical Fitness Standards Program
• Successfully complete an annual physical examination provided by the District’s designated medical provider and an annual physical fitness assessment
• Successfully complete a criminal background check

The selected candidate must obtain any credential or authorization required by applicable law or the governing certification program before performing duties that require it. Approval of an equivalent credential does not authorize DFPC testing, proctoring, or live-fire functions for which separate qualifications or authorization are required. The Division Chief of Training will verify eligibility before assigning those duties.

Eligibility for Other District Positions

Acceptance of equivalent credentials for the Training Captain position applies to this position only. It does not establish eligibility for promotion to Battalion Chief or placement in a Lieutenant position, including through demotion. Before appointment or placement in either position, the employee must hold the Colorado certifications and meet the other requirements established for that position by District policy. These limitations will be communicated to the selected candidate and acknowledged in writing before acceptance of an employment offer.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of firefighting, fire prevention, rescue, hazardous materials, special operations, emergency medical care, training methods, and applicable state and national standards
• Ability to perform and teach fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical duties and methods
• Ability to teach, coach, and assist peers, subordinates, and superiors while representing District values
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including clear and accurate reports, English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and presentation of ideas and instructions
• Strong public relations skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, officials, and the public
• Ability to collect, integrate, analyze, and use data and information to evaluate problems and possible courses of action
• Proficiency in word processing, Google, Adobe, District scheduling and financial software, and records management systems sufficient to complete a moderate to heavy workload
• Ability to perform mathematical computations needed for assigned duties
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and stressful conditions

Supervision

The Training Captain reports to the Division Chief of Training. Under that officer’s supervision and direction, the Training Captain supervises EMS and fire training activities performed by District members, including Battalion Chiefs, Lieutenants, and career firefighters, and supervises line staff as needed or directed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable Colorado law.

• This position requires work in a variety of locations and conditions, including but not limited to, the fire station and other similar inside work areas, and emergency scenes of every type
• A portion of this position will involve sedentary, administrative work in an office environment; however, the Training Captain also shall respond to emergency incidents and conduct training exercises as needed or required
• Strenuous physical activity under extreme adverse conditions will be required periodically
• This position requires standing, running, walking, sitting, kneeling, stooping, bending, lifting, squatting, pushing, pulling, crawling, jumping, sliding, climbing, pinching, gripping, digging, spraying, reaching overhead, reaching away from body, and repetitive motion
• Will be required to work in all weather conditions and in extreme temperatures twenty degrees below zero (-20 degrees) Fahrenheit and in excess of one hundred degrees (100 degrees) Fahrenheit
• Work may be performed under dangerous, hazardous and adverse conditions, including but not limited to, weakened structures, slippery and uneven surfaces, proximity to moving mechanical equipment, burning structures, broken glass or other materials, electrical currents, high places, and confined spaces
• Work may result in exposure to contaminated environments, including but not limited to, hazardous materials, smoke, gases, chemicals, fumes, odors, mists and dusts, requiring the use of personal protective equipment
• Work may result in exposure to infectious diseases or illnesses, such as Hepatitis A, B or C, HIV, tuberculosis, smallpox, etc.
• Work may result in exposure to high noise levels requiring the wearing of hearing protection
• This position demands frequent use of sensory activities such as talking, seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling (identifying objects by touch), depth perception and color vision
• This position will involve periods of high physical, mental and/or emotional stress

Equal Employment Opportunity

The District is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment in accordance with federal and state law, including the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act.

At-Will Employment Statement

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and does not alter the at-will employment relationship. Employment may be terminated at any time in accordance with applicable law.

Application and Credential Review

Applicants must submit the certifications required for the position and any corresponding credentials for which they request equivalency consideration. The Training Division will review submitted credentials and determine whether Colorado certification or an applicable DFPC reciprocity process is necessary. Any additional requirements, deadlines, and responsibility for associated fees and costs will be communicated before an employment offer.