City of Boulder CO - Division Chief Training
City of Boulder CO - Division Chief Training
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$ 159855 - 185777
1 Vacancy
Job Description
The City of Boulder is seeking a Division Chief Training to plan coordinate and conduct training programs for department personnel including multicompany and mutual aid drills. The Division Chief assesses training needs develops curriculum and provides EMS training in compliance with state requirements. Additionally this position manages training records budgets and scheduling while overseeing recruit and probationary firefighter training. As the lead instructor for ground drills and classroom training the Division Chief Training emphasizes safety ensuring proper precautions and equipment use. They also coordinate external training opportunities collaborate with other agencies evaluate field operations at major incidents and represent the department at regional training forums.
The Division Chief Training assists with the development and implementation of departmental goals and specific goals objectives policies and procedures for their assigned functions. Importantly the Division Chief Training routinely coordinates with their peer Division Chiefs in the EMS Fire Marshal Logistics Operations and Wildland divisions.
The Division Chief acts in a command or general staff position during major emergencies as needed. This position collaborates with fire leadership to recommend appropriate training service and staffing levels in order to provide effective response to emergencies and service to the community. The Division Chief has a role in maintaining discipline within the department and responds to grievances in accordance with departmental and City policies procedures and provisions of the collective bargaining agreement. In alignment with department goals the Division Chief Training also provides leadership and coordination for recruitment hiring promotions and workforce development initiatives ensuring a wellsupported and futureready organization.
The Division Chief Training provides timely feedback to senior staff and collaborates to identify problems conduct investigations and communicate solutions. As a leader in safety the Division Chief is responsible for the safety of self others materials and equipment. The Division Chief takes proper safety precautions utilizes all required safety equipment anticipates unsafe circumstances and acts to prevent accidents. The Division Chief also follows all safety regulations policies and procedures and is responsible for knowing and complying with all City and department policies.
The Priorities
- Spend the necessary time and effort to form and maintain strong working relationships throughout the fire department. Establish trust and encourage collaboration while continuing to meet Boulder Fire and Rescue Master Plan goals.
- Become a valued member of the departments leadership team. Bring forward and discuss training needs growth and professional development opportunities and foster effective collaboration with peer Division Chiefs.
- Evolve the Training Division. Conduct regular assessments determine ongoing training needs and develop effective curricula that emphasize the growth and development of personnel across all ranks.
- Build relationships and partnerships at the regional level. Actively engage with the Boulder Valley Fire Consortium and Front Range Fire Consortium to enhance regional training efforts and refine academy training to meet the current and future needs of the region.
- Champion workforce development. Lead and support efforts related to recruitment hiring and promotional processes ensuring that the department continues to attract grow and retain top talent while fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
The Successful Candidate
The Division Chief Training is passionate about training and developing the current and next generation of fire personnel. They bring a fresh perspective to the role and are energized by the opportunity to reimagine the training division. The Division Chief leads by example and is calm under pressure working collaboratively to enhance a holistic training program. They are committed to excellence and effectively advocate for the best possible outcomes for Boulder Fire and Rescue.
The Division Chief has a progressive mindset and embraces modern views regarding Fire and Emergency Services. They maintain awareness of best practices and current trends and proactively seek opportunities to innovate and evolve training programs and curriculum. The Division Chief Training is proactive strategic and flexible with the ability to pivot quickly when needed. With keen attention to detail and political acumen they navigate challenges effectively while consistently bringing in new ideas and training opportunities to meet the evolving needs of the department.
A natural convener and collaborator the Division Chief Training recognizes the importance of relationships and partnerships at all levels. The successful candidate brings a strong history of developing effective relationships with colleagues and welcomes the opportunity to routinely collaborate with other divisions across the department. The Division Chief Training is a strategic leader in workforce development contributing to the departments longterm success by guiding recruitment hiring and promotional processes. They understand how to build a strong pipeline of talent and are committed to cultivating an engaged highperforming workforce that reflects the values of the organization. They also understand the importance of working with peers at a regional level and proactively seek opportunities for joint training in support of regional coordination communication and operational effectiveness.
The Division Chief Operations promotes diversity in a respectful and informed way fostering a welcoming environment based on inclusion trust accountability and empowerment. Strong communication active listening and transparency are essential to success. An effective problem solver the successful candidate is personable approachable easy to talk to and actively engages in open dialogue regarding the training needs of the department.
Boulder Fire and Rescue Leadership Competencies
- Command Presence: Continues to work in the face of obstacles; has a calm steady demeanor; embraces challenges; is willing to take unpopular stance; shows a significant level of effort to achieve goals.
- DecisionMaking Ability: Makes wellinformed effective quality timely decisions; analyzes and understands implications of decisions; takes calculated risks; takes ownership of decisions; strives for excellence; holds selfaccountable.
- Ethics: Can evaluate right and wrong; has qualities of character courage and prudence; committed to core values and beliefs; acts in an ethical way that reflects agency and personal values.
- Integrity: Takes responsibility for self and others; represents the truth; maintains confidentiality; demonstrates honesty; keeps commitments; can stand their ground.
- Courage to Lead: Is honest and forthright; provides frank and open feedback; faces challenges; has courage to speak up.
- Problem Resolution: Employs analytical abilities and pragmatism; can understand a complex situation; confronts issues and looks for longterm solutions.
Qualifications
A minimum of eight 8 years of progressive fire service experience including at least three 3 years as a company officer. Experience as a Training Officer including joint and regional training curriculum development and EMS training is essential. Experience leading recruitment hiring promotional processes or workforce development initiatives is highly valued. Direct operations experience in a municipal fire department of similar size and scope is ideal. Prior experience in a labor environment is strongly preferred. ICS knowledge and understanding are essential with Blue Card knowledge ideal. Bilingual abilities are beneficial.
A bachelors degree is required ideally in Public Administration Fire Science Business Political Science Fire Protection Engineering or Education or an Executive Fire Officer certification. Fire Instructor III certification is ideal as is a Live Fire Instructor credential. National Registry Paramedic certification is desired. A valid Colorado drivers license (or the ability to obtain a Colorado license) and acceptable motor vehicle driving record is required.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge skills education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
Inside the City of Boulder
The City of Boulder believes in a future with equitable access to health prosperity and fulfillment where the community adapts and thrives in response to emerging and sometimes urgent social economic and environmental challenges.
The Sustainability Equity and Resilience Framework guides budget and planning processes by providing consistent goals necessary to achieve Boulders vision of a great community and the actions required to achieve them. Building on a legacy of innovation Boulder cultivates a creative spirit in order to adapt and thrive in the changing climate.
Boulder continuously works to provide service excellence for an inspired future through our core values:
- Customer service: We are dedicated to exceeding the expectations of our community and our coworkers by demonstrating consistent and professional service with a solutionoriented approach.
- Respect: We champion diversity and welcome individual perspectives backgrounds and opinions. We are openminded and treat all individuals with respect and dignity.
- Integrity: We are stewards of the publics trust and are committed to service that is transparent and consistent with city regulations and policies. We are honorable follow through on our commitments and accept responsibility.
- Collaboration: We are committed to organizational success and celebrate our shared dedication to public service. We believe community collaboration and the sum of our individual contributions lead to great results.
- Innovation: We promote a forwardthinking environment that supports creativity calculated risks and continuous improvement. We embrace change and learn from others in order to deliver leadingedge service.
Workplace Culture
The City of Boulder believes that a diverse workforce individual lived experiences and an inclusive environment add quality and perspective to the services provided to the public. Therefore the organization intentionally strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce that values and embraces differences among employees.
An important component of the Citys culture and environment is Boulders Leadership Philosophy: We believe each of us is a leader. We are motivated by the opportunities to make a positive difference in our community. Our greatest results are achieved when we:
- Create a respectful trusting and supportive environment.
- Rely on invest in and celebrate each others perspectives skills talents and accomplishments.
- Consult and collaborate with each other to make timely and quality decisions.
- Share responsibility for and learn from the process and outcomes of a creative culture.
Structure of Local Government
Boulder operates under a councilmanager form of government. The elected City Council sets policies and the Councilappointed City Manager implements them. The Council also appoints the City Attorney and Municipal Court Judge.
The City Council consists of nine members: an elected mayor and eight members elected at large (one of whom serves as the mayor pro tem). Council members can serve up to three terms.
With a 2025 approved budget of $589.5 Million the City of Boulder is served by approximately 1500 standard employees. Robust City services are provided through numerous departments and divisions.
Boulder Fire and Rescue
Mission
We exist to protect lives and property from harm through effective risk reduction emergency response and recovery assistance.
Vision
People first safety always excellence in all we do!
Boulder Fire and Rescue (BFR) is accredited through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). The department fights structural wildland and other fires; responds to medical emergencies rescue situations hazardous material releases and natural disasters; provides firesafety education to the public; works with local businesses and organizations by inspecting buildings and reviewing construction plans for fire prevention code compliance; and acts as the designated emergency response authority (DERA) for hazardous materials incidents in the City of Boulder. BFR supports a multijurisdiction HazMat team and a standalone water rescue team. Boulder encompasses 27 square miles of land and is surrounded by 71 square miles of city Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP).
The Fire Chief oversees the department and reports directly to the City Manager. Reporting to the Fire Chief is a Deputy Fire Chief who leads both Emergency Operations and Support Services. BFR has six Division Chiefs who manage the specific focus areas of Operations EMS Logistics Fire Marshal Training and Wildland. Each Division Chief oversees their designated program but works closely with others to ensure cohesion and support across all department functions. The department operates in a highly collaborative way and this integrated approach allows for enhanced flexibility and efficiency in addressing the departments needs. It also ensures that BFR maintains its high standard of service delivery. With a 2025 approved budget of $33.9 million BFR has a staff of 142 across three core program areas.
Administration
Administration comprises the Administrative Office of the Chief Human Resources and Workforce Development and External Relationships and Contracts subprogram areas. The Administrative Office of the Chief provides leadership and human resources support for the department as well as regional networking to develop interdepartmental relationships and agreements. Workforce Development works to promote and foster an environment of employee engagement that reflects dedication to high performance and city values. The External Relationships and Contracts Program manages and expands the departments external relationships in an operationally efficient and fiscally responsible manner to enhance the departments response capabilities.
Emergency Operations
Emergency Operations provides a full range of emergency response services as noted in the City Charter Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan and Department Master Plan. These services are carried out by Emergency Operations personnel stationed at eight strategically located fire stations throughout the city. In addition several emergency response contracts with cooperative entities ensure resiliency and costeffective service provision. BFR focuses on community resilience with an AllHazards response team improved cardiac outcomes through the growth and implementation of Advanced Life Support (ALS) within Emergency Medical Services increased firefighter training and equipment throughout Emergency Operations (Fire Rescue) and enhancement of the Water Rescue team within Technical Rescue.
Support Services
Support Services provides essential support and training for the department including personnel management accounting budget basic payroll purchasing and general management of the department. The Support Services program comprises Facilities Fire Business Services/Finance Fleet Internal Services Occupational Health Safety Equipment Strategic Planning Data and Analytics Supplies Equipment Technology and Training subprogram areas.
Boulder County Regional Fire Training Center
The Boulder County Regional Fire Training Center (BCRFTC) is a stateoftheart training hub in Boulder that equips firefighters with the skills and experience needed to handle diverse emergencies from structural fires to wildland incidents while emphasizing safety sustainability and regional collaboration. The 10acre campus is designed to enhance the training and safety of fire service personnel across Boulder County serving over 20 fire departments in the region. Its mission is to promote safety through comprehensive training offering a variety of facilities for education practice and skill development.
The Boulder facility includes an 8700squarefoot training tower a 2700squarefoot burn building and a 5800squarefoot classroom and administration building. The burn building supports live fire (Class A) training scenarios while the training tower enables simulations such as floor collapses elevator rescues attic and garage fire scenarios and rappelling practice. Additional training props include a propane fire setup an SCBA (SelfContained Breathing Apparatus) maze an obstacle course an extrication area confined space and static trench training a pump test pit and a driving area for emergency vehicle operations. The administration building features stateoftheart classrooms that accommodate up to 200 firefighters along with two large apparatus bays and administrative space.
The BCRFTC is colocated with Boulder FireRescues Station 8 which houses the Wildland Division and fire cache and can function as a command post during large incidents. It provides mobile fire training trailers for offsite use maintains an online scheduling calendar and leases its facilities from the City of Boulder to ensure accessibility for member fire and rescue agencies. Membership fees support maintenance consumables repairs and insurance.
The Boulder Colorado Community
Boulder Colorado is located just 30 minutes northwest of Denver where the plains meet the Rocky Mountains. Tucked into a picturesque valley below the iconic Flatirons Boulder has a population of approximately 108000. The City is a great place to live work grow and play.
Boulder is nationally recognized for its quality of life thriving tech researchbased economy and booming real estate market. Boulder is also one of the most educated metropolitan areas in the country. The local public schools are excellent with Boulder Valley School District consistently ranking among the best in the state. In addition Boulder is a hub of entrepreneurship particularly for businesses that value a lifestyle rooted in a love of the outdoors healthy living and access to resources.
The University of Colorado at Boulder is currently one of the premier public research institutions in the United States and sits in the heart of Boulder. The University has a strong reputation and is especially known for its engineering and science programs particularly Earth and Space sciences. There are 17 federally funded science laboratories in Boulder including the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Enjoyment of the outdoors has always been at the forefront of life in Boulder. The communitys Open Space and Mountain Parks form a green belt around the City with over 45000 acres of land that are preserved and protected. Boulder has over 300 miles of public hiking and biking trails and its mountain parks and open spaces receive well over five million visitors a year. In addition residents enjoy 1800 acres of urban parkland and programming through numerous recreation centers and outdoor pools.
Boulder fosters an environment for artists and audiences to be innovative experimental creative and expressive. The City has a large concentration of artists with more than 30 art galleries four museums a dozen movie and stage theaters and a huge variety of cultural performances each year including the Colorado Shakespeare Festival Colorado Music Festival and Chautauqua Summer Series.
According to Bon Apptit magazine Boulder is Americas Foodiest City with local restaurants and chefs insistent on quality innovation and flavor. In addition Boulder is consistently ranked as one of the nations healthiest places to live and is a mecca for natural and organic products. Farms dairies ranches markets and restaurants embrace the idea of local seasonal and artisanal food production and cooking. The Boulder Farmers Market is the largest outdoor market in the state providing a venue for local agricultural producers to sell their products directly to the public. For those who love beer wine and spirits there are 21 breweries four distilleries two wineries and two cideries in Boulder.
While each of the characteristics passions and industries that Boulder is known for today emerged organically over time it is how they work together that makes Boulder...Boulder.
Compensation
The salary range for the Division Chief Training is $159855 $185777 with an anticipated hiring range of $159855 $180593 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. The City of Boulder is a progressive organization that values employee engagement and wellbeing. The City recognizes the importance of providing an encompassing health and life benefits program to employees including Hybrid Work Flex Schedules Telehealth and Wellness Incentives Infants and Dogs at Work Program Local bus EcoPass and an Employee Discount Program on goods and services throughout the Boulder Community. Additional information can be viewed here.
To Be Considered
Respect is one of Boulders five City Values and they are committed to racial equity diversity and inclusion. The City celebrates and supports differences across all spectrums including but not limited to race ethnicity gender age ability and sexual orientation. Through the Citys focus on racial equity employee benefits and the many program resources offered to employees Boulder continually strives to weave respect for one another into the fabric of their organization.
Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help them grow in service excellence for an inspired future. Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Open until filled with the first review of applications on April 28 2025.
Questions
Please direct questions to Heather Gantz at or Kelsey Batt at .
Download the Recruitment Brochure
Required Experience:
Chief
Employment Type
Full Time
