Deputy Chief / Training

Role overview

This leadership role is responsible for organizing, directing, and delivering fire and EMS training for Nassau County Fire Rescue. Working with limited day-to-day oversight, the Deputy Chief / Training leads the training division, builds and rolls out department-wide learning programs, and provides instruction at the individual, company, and departmental levels. The position also includes administrative and supervisory responsibilities tied to both emergency and non-emergency operations, with a strong focus on compliance, safety, and quality standards. The role may require responding to an emergency scene within 45 minutes.

What you will do

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver educational programs for staff, including medical education and patient care training.
• Support field personnel through training assistance and hands-on development.
• Oversee, coach, and assess crews in line with departmental procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Help design and deliver in-service training and enforce department policies and rules.
• Contribute to training strategy, emergency response planning, and department coordination.
• Teach firefighting and emergency medical techniques across all staffing levels.
• Manage subordinate staff through assigning work, reviewing performance, maintaining standards, and supporting hiring and discipline decisions.
• Coordinate training calendars with managers and supervisors.
• Lead in-service lectures and classes and maintain training documentation in computerized systems.
• Conduct classes such as CPR, ACLS, PALS, and/or Handtevy, while keeping all required EMT and Paramedic certifications properly recorded under Florida requirements.
• Provide administrative support to leadership as needed.
• Review subordinate work for completeness and accuracy and provide guidance where needed.
• Attend meetings, conferences, seminars, and training sessions to stay current on industry practices and technology.
• Handle administrative duties such as reports, correspondence, schedules, meetings, and budget support.
• Serve in the Emergency Operations Center when assigned.
• Research and pursue grant opportunities, complete applications, and manage reporting and compliance requirements.
• Prepare or review reports and records including inspection documents, plan review reports, training records, logs, rosters, schedules, appraisals, budgets, and personnel files.
• Communicate with internal teams, government agencies, community groups, vendors, insurers, business owners, and the public.
• Participate in committees and represent the department at county and community meetings.
• Operate and maintain an assigned vehicle and use common office and communications equipment.
• Maintain reliable attendance, follow leave procedures, and report absences or tardiness appropriately.
• Act in a command or group supervisor role during emergency incidents when required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• An associate degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Public Administration, or a related discipline is required, along with 10 years of progressive experience and training in Fire and EMS programs, or an equivalent mix of education, training, and experience.
• A valid state driver’s license must be held and maintained.
• EVOC certification is required.
• Florida Fire Instructor I, II, or III certification is required and must be maintained.
• Florida Live Fire Instructor I certification is required and must be maintained.
• Florida State Hazardous Materials Technician certification is required.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications are required and must be maintained.
• PALS or Handtevy certification is required and must be maintained.
• BLS, ACLS, and PALS instructor certifications must be earned and maintained within 1 year of hire.
• PALS or Handtevy instructor certification must be earned and maintained within 1 year of hire.
• NIMS certifications required include ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, and IS-800.
• ICS-300 and ICS-400 are preferred, or must be completed within 18 months of hire.
• Experience and knowledge in fire science, EMS, rescue operations, hazardous materials, hydraulics, fire codes, and fire prevention are needed.
• Strong supervisory, planning, communication, reporting, and public presentation skills are expected.
• The role may involve physically demanding work, including lifting up to 20 pounds during non-emergency tasks and significantly heavier effort during incidents.
• Work may occur indoors and outdoors, including challenging environmental conditions and extended periods on foot.
• Ability to work long, intensive, and exhausting schedules is required.
• Applications must be complete, and a criminal background check will be part of the process.

Additional information

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applications will remain open until the closing date listed or until the position is filled, whichever happens first. Submitting an application does not guarantee an interview. The county is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Veterans, returning service members, military spouses, and their family members may be eligible for Veterans’ Preference under applicable law. This position may be designated safety-sensitive depending on emergency declarations or operational needs. The employer may revise this job description at any time.

Preferred qualifications

• Fire Instructor II or III certification.
• Pump Operations certification.
• Aerial Operations certification.
• Fire Hydraulics certification.
• Fire Officer I certification.
• Florida Certified Fire Investigator certification.

Knowledge and abilities

The role calls for a broad understanding of county and departmental operations, applicable laws and regulations, fire and EMS standards, fire chemistry, firefighting methods, apparatus and equipment, local geography, and emergency response practices. The ideal candidate should be able to lead training programs, make sound decisions independently, handle complex administrative work, manage budgets, analyze information, use office technology, and maintain effective working relationships across departments and with the public.

Working conditions

This position may require duty in emergency response settings, including command or group supervision during incidents, and may require reporting to an emergency scene within 45 minutes. The job also involves office-based administrative work, field training, and participation in emergency operations functions.