Battalion chief training - internal candidates only

The purpose of this job is responsible for the planning, development, coordination, administration, and supervision of all training and professional development activities within the Dorchester County Fire Department. This position ensures departmental compliance with federal, state, and local training standards and supports operational readiness by overseeing firefighter training, leadership development, certification programs, EMS education, safety initiatives, and special operations training. The Battalion Chief – Training serves as a senior command officer and works collaboratively with department leadership to ensure personnel maintain competencies necessary to deliver high-quality emergency services. This position works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs firefighting functions.
• Plans, develops, coordinates, and evaluates departmental training programs for fire suppression, EMS, rescue, hazardous materials, driver training, officer development, and specialized operations.
• Ensures compliance with South Carolina fire service standards, NFPA standards, OSHA regulations, and departmental policies.
• Supervises training personnel, instructors, and assigned staff, including scheduling, evaluations, coaching, and discipline.
• Develops annual training plans and schedules to support operational readiness and accreditation objectives.
• Coordinates recruit academies, continuing education programs, promotional preparation, and certification courses.
• Maintains training records, certifications, and compliance documentation for departmental personnel.
• Evaluates training effectiveness and recommends improvements to curriculum, instructional methods, and operational readiness.
• Assists with development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives related to training and safety.
• Prepares reports, budget requests, grant documentation, and training-related correspondence.
• Coordinates training exercises with mutual aid agencies, regional partners, and outside organizations.
• Conducts incident critiques and identifies training opportunities based on operational performance.
• Ensures training facilities, props, apparatus, and equipment are maintained in safe operating condition.
• Responds to major emergency incidents as needed and may assume command responsibilities.
• Promotes employee development, leadership growth, and a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Associate’s degree in Fire Science or related discipline. Eight years of fire service including supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements Special Qualifications, Certifications and Licenses: Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina state driver’s license. Required certifications: IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter II Instructor Orientation Workshop IFSAC/Proboard Fire Instructor II Instructor Orientation Workshop IFSAC/Proboard Fire Officer II Instructor Orientation Workshop NIMS ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 Emergency Medical Responder Instructor CPR Instructor Instructor Orientation Workshops (IOW). Pumper Mobile Water Supply Aerial Rescuing the Rescuer Firefighter Survival Must meet all departmental physical and medical requirements.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment): Work is performed dealing with crisis situations that require making major decisions involving people, resources, and property. Dorchester County has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position; typical working 40 hours per week Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but employees must be available during the “core” work hours of 9:00a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and must work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Must be available to work holidays and weekends during emergencies. This is a safety sensitive position and employees holding this position have the responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. This position is subject to random drug testing. E.O.E. Dorchester County does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.