Training / Health & Safety Officer

• Training Coordination Functions:
  • Responsible for the administration of the entire operations division training program, including the full range of activities required to: create, implement, manage, maintain, and update training; maintain efficient and complete records; establish teaching standards; develop instructional methods; test individual knowledge, skills and abilities; evaluate progress and set education and learning standards;
  • Responsible for developing, coordinating, scheduling and implementing the daily training schedule for assigned on-duty operational personnel;
  • Recruits, selects, trains and evaluates instructors;
  • Maintains training quality by creating and sustaining effective evaluation, testing, and modification methods; 
  • Ensures that all training conforms to applicable national, regional and local standards, guidelines, and regulations;
  • Assures training program activities support and reinforce quality service program goals and objectives;
  • Reviews bids from external trainers and makes selection recommendations to Deputy Chief;
  • Provides effective training to individuals with diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and skill levels by teaching classes and maintaining current knowledge of fire service methods, equipment, tools, vehicles, technology, and operations;
  • Utilizes a wide variety of current teaching methods, media, and procedures to create effective and dynamic training;
  • Measures retention, skills development and expertise of operations staff and assists in the development of promotional training programs for staff.
• Health and Safety Functions:  
  • Serve as a Fire Department Health and Safety Officer, developing and maintaining the Safety Program to incorporate daily operations, as well as, fire ground operations;
  • Coordinates and supervises the department's Health, Safety and Wellness Program;
  • Manages the investigation of all fire department accidents, injuries and near misses;
  • Initiates action to correct activities that create an imminent hazard to fire department members;
  • Serves as back-up fire department Infectious Control Officer;
  • Functions as the department's OSHA Designated Officer;
  • Develops and maintains a medical surveillance and wellness program for department personnel;
  • Serves as Incident Safety Officer when on emergency scene, or as directed by Incident Command (IC).

• High school diploma or GED with coursework in fire science or related field and considerable (3-5 years) experience in emergency services training methods and techniques, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. An undergraduate degree in a related field is preferred but not required.
• Valid driver's license.
• Available and willing to work a schedule that may occasionally include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Current possession of the following certifications at hire date: Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Officer I, and Fire Instructor II.
• Current possession of or the ability to obtain the following certifications within 12 months of hire date: Virginia Department of Fire Programs Instructor, Incident Safety Officer, and Health & Safety Officer.
• Click here to view the physical requirements of this position.

• DMV Driving Record Review;
• Drug Screening;
• Job-Specific Physical Exam; and
• Criminal Background Investigation.

Application Deadline: In order to be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following by 5:00pm EST on Monday, October 19, 2026: City of Harrisonburg online application, cover letter attachment, and resume attachment. All required fields on the online employment application must be completed, including your education history and work experience. Incomplete applications and applications with verification(s) of no prior education and/or work history will not be considered.