DIRECTOR FIRE ACADEMY

Code: 07708 Local Non-Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the operation of a vocational training facility designed to provide training and instruction to firefighting personnel; does related work as required.

Examples of work

Accomplishes the following managerial and professional work activities personally and through staff personnel or supervisory staff members: Vocational training program planning which includes defining the scope, objectives, and goals of services, establishing methods for program evaluation and development, establishing internal training facility policies and procedures, establishing internal procedures to ensure conformance to national or state instructional vocational standards. Training program development which involves planning, developing, or evaluating the various functional components of a training program such as organization and scheduling of courses, developing, validating, and administering tests, awarding of certificates, and ensuring proper credentialing of staff instructors and facility. Community relations activities such as interpreting program objectives to officials, participants, and public and private firefighting organizations, establishing and maintaining contact with community organizations and other educational facilities to encourage the broadest participation and support. Staff development which involves orienting staff to concepts and objectives of the training program, evaluating the training program, quality of work of staff, and feedback and performance of participants, developing course content for training of staff instructors, and introducing new or improved training aids, materials, and equipment. Instructional materials development which includes reviewing and revising instructional contents, format, organization, topics emphasis, introducing training aids which consist of texts, computer assisted instructions, practical exercises, and supplemental study guides, and evaluating lesson plans, course outlines, and curriculum (for example, number of course and types of courses). Instructional and training services development which includes developing, reviewing, and evaluating the total vocational training program, deciding on requirements for specific course work or units of study, providing for continuity of material between units of study, integration of methods, materials, and course objectives, and consulting with subject matter specialists and accrediting organizations on curriculum. Administrative detail which involves supervision of instructional, clerical, and other support personnel to ensure implementation of program objectives, communicating staff needs and/or budgetary needs to higher levels of management, developing grant proposals and record keeping systems, and representing the instructional training program on various committees. Attends seminars and meetings of professional organizations to keep current with technical developments in the fire protection services field. Makes recommendations to representatives of the governing body regarding improvements in the operation of the fire academy. Is responsible for the development and enforcement of such rules and regulations governing the operation of the academy and conduct of trainees. Establishes rules and regulations governing academy operations, instructors, and trainees. Consults and cooperates with government training schools or academies on all levels for the development of basic, advanced, and inservice training programs to be offered by the academy. Consults and cooperates with colleges, universities, and/or other institutes for the development of fire courses for the training of firefighter personnel. Selects, assigns, and supervises all instructors utilized in the training programs. Checks lesson plans prepared by instructors to see that they comply with the syllabus. Maintains records of training activities and evaluates the effectiveness and application of training programs. Supervises the scheduling of instructors, classes, and drills. Supervises the installation and maintenance of equipment. Has charge of the maintenance and repair of the academy's buildings, facilities, and grounds. Prepares proposals for the expansion of the training curriculum. Prepares the annual budget for approval of the governing body. Coordinates established training courses with programs offered in technical institutes, colleges, and universities. Carries out fire training activities of all types including special training programs. Represents the academy and gives talks before various civic, community, and other organizations. Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Maintains all forms of records of the academy including but not limited to staff trainees inventory, cost budget, and other records necessary to conducting the business of the academy. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the methods and techniques associated with fire suppression (firefighting), fire protection, and fire prevention inspections. Knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of program management including budgetary, financial, personnel supervision/development, program development and evaluation, and policy analysis/development. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and codes pertaining to fire suppression, protection, and prevention. Knowledge of methods used in the development, implementation, and evaluation of fire service training course material, curricula, and training aids. Knowledge of principles and techniques of instructional methods such as role playing and demonstrations. Knowledge of supervisory principles and techniques. Ability to exercise supervisory authority, to make decisions, and to convey them to staff with clarity and precision about expectations. Ability to motivate staff to achieve goals and objectives set forth in the vocational training program. Ability to plan and organize programs and projects which include goals and objectives, and the setting and implementation of plans. Ability to carry out a community relations program. Ability to conduct performance appraisals, selection, and hiring of staff. Ability to interact with policy making officials. Ability to write administrative reports and manuals. Ability to speak in public. Ability to organize technical and supervisory training work. Ability to analyze training problems and develop effective work methods. Ability to diagnose training needs and formulate effective training programs. Ability to evaluate existing training activities, formulate appropriate training plans and projects, and to supervise and take a leading part in the preparation of training courses. Ability to give advice and assistance concerning the need for specific kinds of training plans, proper training techniques, and effective use of available training materials. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with public officials, associates, employees, and others. Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to direct the establishment and maintenance of records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. CODES: LG- CAH 10/17/96 This job specification is for local government use only.

Note

The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester-hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Nine (9) years of professional experience in determining firefighting training needs, the development of appropriate training plans and materials, and conducting orientation, inservice, refresher, and other types of firefighting training courses, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. CERTIFICATE Appointees must possess a valid Fire Service Instructor Level II certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.