CLASS TITLE: Fire Recruitment and Retention Coordinator (Full-Time)

FLSA: Exempt

PURPOSE OF CLASS: The Fire Recruitment and Retention Coordinator develops, implements, leads and manages plans, projects and programs designed to solicit new volunteer firefighters, to retain current volunteer firefighters, and to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Elkin Fire Department in its intent to meet the needs of the community. Secondarily, the Fire Recruitment and Retention Coordinator will also perform functions as an experienced emergency responder when available and when necessary during their working hours.

PRIMARY TASKS: Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples necessarily include all of the tasks performed. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Coordinates with senior fire department officials to develop and maintain an effective workforce of volunteer firefighters.
• Develops and revises plans for volunteer firefighter recruitment, volunteer firefighter retention, and related work for approval by the Fire Chief.
• Implements recruitment and retention plans to fulfill the fire department’s needs for capable, skilled, proficient volunteer firefighters.
• Analyzes ongoing programs and projects to determine their level of success in recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters, then offers input for revising the applicable plans and guidance to achieve program/project goals.
• Establishes and maintains effective internal and external working relationships to support departmental goals.
• Uses effective communications, marketing and public relations skills and strategies to achieve recruitment and retention goals.
• Displays a good working knowledge of fire service terminology, operational procedures and practices, and training methods.
• Provides useful feedback to senior fire department personnel and municipal officials regarding volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention efforts.
• Compiles information and completes documentation to support ongoing recruitment and retention programs.
• Analyzes information and data relevant to the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters, then draws conclusions and identifies potential solutions to improve recruitment and retention.
• Pursues opportunities for external support of recruitment and retention programs, to include grants and partnerships, and works to maintain existing levels of support.
• Ensures departmental compliance with the requirements of grant awards and other support mechanism relating to the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters through the use of effective management skills.
• Provides mentorship, instruction and support to new and existing volunteer firefighters to develop their skills, to ensure their safety and effectiveness as fire department members, and to orient them with fire department procedures, methods and systems.
• Creates, implements, leads and manages programs intended to educate and inspire teenagers and young adults towards becoming members of the fire service and the fire department.
• Responds to emergencies and other calls for fire department assistance as a qualified, experienced and capable responder when not directly engaged in recruitment or retention work.
• Performs other duties as may be prescribed by the Fire Chief.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED: Individuals holding this position may utilize equipment typical to fire, rescue, and EMS operations as well as computer hardware, computer software, telephones, cameras, video recording equipment, and equipment typical to office and classroom environments.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: This position reports to the Fire Chief. Those assigned to this class may be bestowed the rank of a fire service officer (lieutenant or above) by the Fire Chief based upon the needs of the fire department.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work can involve exposure to hazards of fire fighting work, risk to personal safety, use of respiratory protection, heavy physical requirements, work outdoors in various weather conditions, and the ability to be agile and perform body movements required to perform emergency response functions. Work can be characterized as pressure sensitive and stressful. Work requires flexibility in scheduling to include nights, weekends and holidays as needed, and may involve long hours. Work involves extensive contact with the public.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CLASS:

Education: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, with preference given to individuals with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in volunteer management, fire service related topics, public relations, or marketing.

Experience: At least five years of verifiable experience with fire service organizations, with preference given to individuals with substantial experience as a fire service officer. Extensive experience in public relations, marketing and/or recruitment is also preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge in the use of marketing and public relations techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of the geography of the Town and location of streets and fire hydrants.
• Considerable knowledge of modern fire fighting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of prehospital emergency health care principles and skill in their application.
• Considerable knowledge of tools, equipment, and fire apparatus used in combating fires.
• Considerable skill in the use of computers, hardware and software, with emphasis on word processing, data management and analysis, design of marketing materials and messages, use of the Internet and email, and use of social media.
• Considerable skill in the use of public speaking.
• Considerable skill in the use of written communication.
• Skill in the planning, implementation and management of complex projects, programs and events involving internal and/or external resources.
• Skill in solving problems and implementing solutions.
• Skill in completing organizational practices such as time/schedule management and multitasking.
• Skill in the operation and maintenance of assigned equipment.
• Ability to engage, motivate and mentor others.
• Ability to represent the fire department and the Town well during public appearances, interviews, recruitment events, meetings, classes, and unscheduled encounters with others.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with or without immediate guidance from superiors.
• Ability to operate and maintain emergency response equipment.
• Ability to assume command at emergency incident scenes.
• Ability to exercise resourcefulness and sound judgment in all situations.
• Ability to function as a member or leader of a team.
• Ability to lead and instruct firefighters.
• Ability to evaluate the performance and capability of individuals and groups, and to provide constructive feedback on the basis of inspiring individual and team improvement among those being evaluated.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine and emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and courteously with people of all ages and socioeconomic ranges.
• Agility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, agency representatives, Town officials, media representatives, partnering organizations, and other authorities.
• Good physical condition to be able to perform all body movements, perform heavy physical activities, wear a respirator, and withstand exposure to extreme heat, cold, fumes, chemicals and other inside and outside environmental conditions.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid Class B North Carolina driver’s license (or higher classification, or equivalent from another state) within thirty (30) days of assignment to this class, and maintenance of this requirement throughout the term of service spent in this class;
• Possession of certification as a level II firefighter as issued by the North Carolina Fire Rescue Commission (or an equivalent as recognized by IFSAC or ProBoard accreditation sources), and maintenance of this requirement throughout the term of service spent in this class;
• Possession of certification as a hazardous materials responder at the Awareness and Operations levels (or higher classification, or an equivalent as recognized by IFSAC or ProBoard accreditation sources), and maintenance of this requirement throughout the term of service spent in this class;
• Possession of credentials at the Emergency Medical Technician level (or higher classification) as granted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services awarded within one (1) year of entering this class if the individual did not already have valid credentials as an Emergency Medical Technician or higher, and maintenance of this requirement throughout the term of service spent in this class;
• Possession of certification as a level I fire service instructor as issued by the North Carolina Fire Rescue Commission (or an equivalent as recognized by IFSAC or ProBoard accreditation sources) and maintenance of this requirement until certification as a level II fire service instructor is obtained as required below;
• Possession of certification as a level II fire service instructor as issued by the North Carolina Fire Rescue Commission (or an equivalent as recognized by IFSAC or ProBoard accreditation sources, or higher) no more than one (1) year after becoming eligible for this certification, and maintenance of this requirement throughout the term of service spent in this class; and
• Possession of certification as level I fire officer as issued by the North Carolina Fire Rescue Commission (or an equivalent as recognized by IFSAC or ProBoard accreditation sources) no more than one (1) year after becoming eligible for this certification, and maintenance of this requirement throughout the term of service spent in this class.

Special Note: This generic class specification gives a sound overview of the job class, its essential functions, and necessary job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist providing lengthy details about the one specific position. These documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed

information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.

THE TOWN OF ELKIN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, RELIGION, AGE, OR NON-EMPLOYMENT RELATED DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT DECISIONS. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE TOWN OF ELKIN WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

FOR MORE DETAILS AND HOW TO APPLY, CLICK HERE.