Training Captain - The Villages, FL, US

JOB SUMMARY · This is a mid-level supervisory exempt position that serves under the administrative direction of the Division Chiefs of Training. The Training Captain position performs specialized educational work, preparing and presenting training programs for members of the Vill ...

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

This is a mid-level supervisory exempt position that serves under the administrative direction of the Division Chiefs of Training. The Training Captain position performs specialized educational work, preparing and presenting training programs for members of the Villages Public Safety Department and the community. This position provides emergency response work and other activities responding to citizen calls for emergency assistance due to a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations. Works independently, reporting major activities through regular meetings. This position exercises initiative and independent judgment in all phases of work; exercises tact and courtesy, with strong communication skills, in frequent contact with District staff, various county officials, and the public; and works closely with local, regional, and state safety organizations. The individual assigned to this position must be capable of working a flexible schedule that can require evening and weekend assignments. The incumbent is also required to maintain the psychomotor skills necessary to perform the defined job responsibilities of the position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Includes, but not limited to)

Planning/Development

• Develops and delivers comprehensive training programs for firefighters, paramedics, lieutenants, chief officers, and other VPSD personnel to ensure compliance with applicable standards, policies, and protocols.
• Prepares course outlines, instructional materials, multimedia content, and written examinations to support defined training objectives.
• Evaluates participant performance during training activities and provides formal feedback to individuals and their supervisors.
• Maintains accurate records of training attendance, competency evaluations, certifications, and related documentation in accordance with department, state, and national standards.
• Continuously assesses training effectiveness and recommends or implements necessary improvements.
• Assists in the development and revision of standards, policies, and protocols related to training and operations.
• Participates in department-wide strategic planning and training needs assessments.

Administrative

• Assists the Division Chiefs of Training in planning, developing, and executing the department's training goals, annual calendar, and strategic initiatives. 
• Supports and maintains public life safety policies and procedures that align with the departmental mission and best practices.
• Ensures accurate and timely documentation of training records, certifications, program evaluations, and personnel performance.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and briefings for internal leadership and external agencies as required. Supports grant writing, budget planning, and resource management related to training and education.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to operations and training standards. Coordinates logistics for internal training sessions and public education events, including securing facilities, equipment, and instructional resources.
• Represents the department in meetings with outside agencies, educational institutions, and community partners. 

Budget/Purchasing

• Assist in purchasing training-related materials, equipment, and supplies in accordance with established budgetary guidelines and procurement policies.
• Assists in the preparation of the department's annual budget by providing required data and justifications to the Fire Chief within established timeframes and formats.
• Coordinates with the Fire Chief on the procurement, maintenance, and inventory of vehicles and training equipment, ensuring all assets remain operational and within budget.

Operations

• Responds to emergency incidents in accordance with department policy and may serve as Incident Commander or in other command roles as assigned.
• Maintains readiness of assigned equipment, vehicles, and facilities in compliance with district standards. Reviews subordinate reports for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to operational protocols.
• Participates in the department's on-call rotation, remaining available 24/7 for emergency response or administrative responsibilities.
• Fills designated Command Staff or General Staff roles during major emergency operations, special events, or disaster response scenarios.

General

• Serves as a departmental liaison to the public, fostering positive relationships with community members, partner agencies, and stakeholder organizations.
• Adheres to and enforces all District and department safety policies during training and emergency operations. Completes general administrative duties, including report writing, data entry, filing, correspondence, and participation in meetings.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal personnel and external partners to support operational goals.
• Attends professional development opportunities such as training, conferences, and seminars to remain informed of current practices, regulatory updates, and leadership strategies.
• Maintains all required certifications and licensure relevant to training, operations, and emergency response.

Additional

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• May be expected to perform additional duties in an emergency.
• Arrives to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintains regular job attendance.
• Adherence to District and The Villages Public Safety Department's policies.

ESSENTIAL EXPECTATIONS OF PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOR (Includes, but not limited to)

• Acts ethically and honestly, applies ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions.
• Builds confidence in The Villages through own actions.
• Follows and supports the District's Core Values, Mission, and Vision of the district, and follows and supports department policies.   

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (Includes, but not limited to)

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Management, Business Science, Fire or EMS Science, Education, or a technical field. (Bachelor's Degree preferred)
• Six (6) years of career fire service experience with a minimum of two (2) years proven fire suppression operations experience at the rank of Lieutenant or Higher and two (2) years of Driver/Engineer experience.
• Experience with training delivery, QA/QI systems, or public education is highly desirable.
• Instructional or Field Training Officer (FTO) experience preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years as a certified paramedic.

MINIMUM CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Note: All required certificates, licenses & registrations must be current upon hire and throughout the course of employment. 

• Valid Florida Driver's License required.
• Florida State Fire Standards (per F.S.S. 633).
• Florida State certified Paramedic; VPSD Medical Director's Clearance (Within 6 months of employment)
• Florida Fire Officer II certification; Florida (Fire Officer III preferred)
• Florida Fire Service Instructor II certification (Florida Fire Service Instructor III preferred)
• Florida State Live Fire Training Instructor I required within 12 months of appointment.
• Florida State Certified Pump Operator
• Florida State certified as Paramedic
• Current BLS, ACLS, & PALS certification 
• EVOC certification – 16 hours: instructor certification required within 6 months of employment.
• Employees must currently possess ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 certificates. ICS 300 is required within 12 months of appointment.
• Successful completion of background check and drug screening.
• Successfully complete initial medical and physical evaluations and recertify them annually in accordance with F.A.C. 69A-62 and NFPA 1582 standard.
  • 
• Capable of operating in personal protective equipment (PPE) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) per state and federal safety standards.
• Must maintain all required certifications and licenses (including the Medical Director's clearance) to perform Basic and/or Advanced Life Support patient care.

Internal Applicants: Will not be eligible for consideration if:

• They have received any formal discipline in the previous 12 months. 

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (Includes, but not limited to)

Knowledge:  

• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal organizations and regulations.
• Knowledge of the District's Core Values, Policies, and VPSD Department Policies.

Skills:

• Proven intermediate or better proficiency in computer operations and use of software packages, including but not limited to: word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc., specifically with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Records Management Systems (RMS)
• Successfully demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Excellent public service skills under emergency and non-emergency conditions.
• Possess strong planning and organizational skills.
• Apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical solutions
• Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Develop proof and present training materials and programs, reports and correspondence.

Abilities: 

• Ability to manage and supervise employees, including the ability to delegate responsibilities appropriately.
• Ability to write clear, concise and accurate reports.
• Ability to get along well with co-workers and maintain effective work relationships, including effective labor relations.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Work on weekends and after hours to meet deadlines, attend meetings and to make sure all events run smoothly.
• Function independently in a multi-task environment, as well as part of a team.
• Multi-task in a fast-paced environment to meet multiple deadlines.
• Read and interpret documents such as technical data, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Comfortably and effectively communicate in training and non-training situations with all levels of District employees, residents, community organizations, trainers from other companies, professional training group members, and consultants by phone, in person, or through correspondence. 

EQUIPMENT

• Position requires the use of:
• Telephones, fax, copy machine, computers, digital cameras, productivity software and other office equipment.
• Emergency vehicles, radios, and personal protective equipment for firefighting operations.
• Fire and EMS service equipment carried on VPSD apparatus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Includes, but not limited to)

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job the employee will be exposed to the following:

• Various conditions, in both interior and outside environments, and work with others in stressful situations.
• Adverse weather conditions (i.e. hurricanes, thunderstorms, etc.).
• Different schedules prior, during and following EOC activation and special events.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the following applies:

• Regularly required to sit, use hands, handle, or feel; talk or hear; climb, balance or stoop, kneel, crawl, or crouch
• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, night vision depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Must be able to lift packages and equipment weighing 100 lbs.
• Capable of operating in personal protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus under the adverse conditions found in firefighting operations
• May involve the complex operation of gasoline, electric, or diesel-powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation of multiple controls, fine adjustments or both.
• May involve the continuous operation of hand and power tools, calling for full coordination of sensory and manipulative ability.