The Fire Academy Administrator reports directly to the Division Chief of Training & EMA and manages and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Fire Academy, Department of Emergency Services. This position is also responsible for supervising field response for the Fire Training Academy Division and training activities to support both Field and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operations.  

• Directs and manages the daily activities of the Fire Training Academy of the Department of Emergency Services.
• Manages comprehensive training, curriculum development, and logistical operations for fire personnel, ensuring compliance with state and national safety standards.
• Plans, develops, and coordinates comprehensive fire, rescue, and emergency services training programs.
• Recruits, evaluates, and mentors instructors, providing professional development opportunities.
• Provides assistance to the Division Chief of Training & EMA, Deputy Director, and Director.
• Exercises overall supervisory authority of all full-time, part-time, contract, and volunteer positions that have assignments in the Fire Training Academy and Emergency Operations Center.
• Communicates and provides training to Public Safety and Emergency Response personnel.
• Maximizes the use of technology in all day-to-day work and emergency operations; leads the Department’s efforts in compiling and analyzing relevant data to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Responds to emergencies and takes charge of critical, potentially life-threatening situations in the best interest of the public as necessary; provides support to others with similar responsibilities as appropriate.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations as they may apply to the workings of the Department; ensures compliance with such laws and regulations.
• Recommends and approves disciplinary action and corrective measures for staff as necessary.
• Establishes effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, coworkers, external stakeholders, and the public in the performance of duties.
• Manages budgets related to responsibilities and remains fiscally responsible in the delivery of services; works with Federal, State, and County personnel in the administration and management of budgeted and grant funds.
• Represents the Department in meetings, training sessions, and other related functions and assignments.
• Serves as Acting Division Chief Training in the absence of the Division Chief, as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as required or requested.

• Advanced principles, practices, and methods of emergency management program administration and organizational analysis.
• Advanced principles, practices, tools, and techniques of hazardous materials/waste management and program planning (i.e., industrial safety practices, environmental analysis and control as related to hazardous materials operations and activities, etc.)
• Firefighting operations and activities (i.e., principles of fire protection and fire science technology, mitigation at a hazardous materials incident, incident command, emergency management, etc.)
• Relevant state laws and regulations (i.e., PA Act 165 (Hazardous Materials), PA Act 147 (Radiological Protection), P.A.C.S. Title 35 (Emergency Management), P.A.C.S. Title 37 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids))

• Plan, organize, coordinate, manage, and direct a variety of complex department functions and activities to accomplish program goals, objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Teach and deliver training programs and suppression courses.
• Analyze difficult and complex programs, administrative, operational, and organizational objectives and issues, evaluate alternatives, and reach sound, logical, fact-based conclusions and recommendations.
• Coordinate program activities with multiple stakeholders and facilitate the development of consensus among diverse groups and individuals.
• Apply sound, creative problem-solving techniques to resolve difficult program issues and problems.
• Construct training programs to be implemented specifically for handling hazardous materials or responding to hazardous materials incidents, and conduct training presentations.
• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies applicable to program responsibilities.
• Function effectively and exercise sound judgment in handling time-sensitive deadlines and/or life-threatening crisis situations.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, correspondence, and other documents appropriate to the audience as required.
• Present conclusions and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively to both internal and external program stakeholders.
• Exercise expert independent judgment and initiative in the recognition and resolution of complex and difficult problems within established policy guidelines.
• Complete and maintain PEMA-required county emergency management coordinator certifications.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with difficult and sensitive people, issues, and situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with department management and staff, other County employees, representatives of other agencies, contractor representatives, the public and others encountered in the course of work.
• Communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and nontechnical language.
• Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions.

·        Be exposed to all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, wetness/humidity.

• Operate firefighting apparatus.
• Possess sufficient physical strength and freedom from disabling defects to lift and carry heavy objects up to 100 pounds, climb ladders, scale and rappel buildings, ascend ropes, and perform various emergency operations required to deliver a multi-disciplinary training curriculum.
• Wear job-specific personal protective equipment, including the potential use of self-contained breathing apparatus, and structural firefighting turnout gear in accordance with manufacturer specifications and applicable codes and standards.
• Work in a live fire training facility with potentially immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) atmospheric conditions and high heat levels.
• Successfully complete a fitness for duty evaluation if needed