FIRE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CAPTAIN

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This position serves as a Fire & EMS Captain with primary responsibility for the training, education, and professional development of firefighter/paramedics. The Fire & EMS Captain plans, directs, and oversees fire and EMS training programs, supervises instructional staff, and ensures compliance with Georgia Office of EMS (OEMS), POST, and departmental standards. The position exercises independent judgment, provides supervisory leadership, and contributes to workforce development, succession planning, and operational readiness. The Fire & EMS Captain reports to the Fire Chief or Deputy/Assistant Chief as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Training, Education, and Professional Development

• Plans, coordinates, and oversees fire and EMS training programs, including recruit training, continuing education, recertification, and professional development for firefighter/paramedics.
• Ensures training programs align with Georgia OEMS, POST, ISO, and departmental standards.
• Oversees EMS initial education, continuing education, and skills validation programs.
• Directs development and implementation of lesson plans, training curricula, schedules, and instructional materials.
• Evaluates training effectiveness and recommends improvements based on performance data, regulatory changes, and operational needs.
• Oversees firefighter/paramedic competency assessments, remediation plans, and advancement preparation.

Supervisory and Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervises EMS Instructors, training officers, and assigned personnel.
• Assigns work, sets expectations, conducts performance evaluations, and provides coaching and mentoring.
• Recommends personnel actions, including discipline, promotion, and professional development opportunities, in accordance with City and departmental policies.
• Supports succession planning and career pathway development for sworn personnel.

Program Administration and Compliance

• Ensures departmental compliance with Georgia OEMS rules, training accreditation standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serves as the primary liaison with OEMS, clinical partners, training institutions, and regulatory agencies.
• Oversees training records, certifications, licensure tracking, and compliance documentation.
• Participates in development and review of training-related policies, procedures, and standard operating guidelines.
• Assists with preparation and administration of training budgets, equipment requests, and resource planning.

Operational and Command Functions

• Responds to emergency incidents in a command or supervisory capacity, consistent with rank, training, and departmental policy.
• Supports department-wide operational readiness through training alignment with incident response needs.
• Participates in public education, outreach, and interagency training initiatives as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Public Safety, Education, or a closely related field.
  (Bachelor’s degree preferred.)

Licensure and Certifications (Required)

• Active Georgia Firefighter certification, maintained in good standing.
• Active Georgia EMS Provider license at the Paramedic level, issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma.
• Active Georgia EMS Instructor/Coordinator certification, appropriate for advanced EMS education programs.
• Fire Officer I certification (or equivalent supervisory certification).
• Fire Instructor II certification.
• NPQ Firefighter II certification.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Instructor certification, including BLS, ACLS, and PALS.
• Valid driver’s license from state of residency.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience providing fire and/or EMS instruction, training coordination, or program oversight.
• Prior experience in a lead, acting officer, or supervisory role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, EMS, Public Administration, Education, or a related field.
• Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP).
• Georgia State Paramedic Instructor/Coordinator certification.
• Experience managing training accreditation, quality assurance, or professional development programs.
• Experience developing training budgets, policies, or long-range workforce development plans.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of fire suppression, emergency medical services, and Georgia OEMS and fire service training standards.

• Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional methodologies.
• Knowledge of supervisory practices, performance management, and employee development.
• Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate complex training and professional development programs.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions affecting training operations and personnel development.
• Ability to prepare and present reports, policies, and training analyses to leadership.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze performance data, identify trends, and implement improvement strategies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel, leadership, and external partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling personnel and training records

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily administrative and instructional, with periodic physical activity associated with skills demonstrations, training exercises, and emergency response. The position may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and exposure to training and emergency environments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in offices, classrooms, training facilities, and emergency or training incident locations. Exposure to hazardous conditions may occur during training exercises or emergency response activities.