Job Description

Position Summary:

The Training Director serves as the Chief Training Officer for the North Dakota Firefighter’s Association (NDFA). Under the direction of the NDFA Executive Board, the Training Director is responsible for developing, coordinating, delivering, and evaluating fire service education and certification programs statewide. This position ensures all training initiatives align with national standards, North Dakota Century Code requirements, and the NDFA’s strategic goals for firefighter safety, effectiveness, and professionalism.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Training and Education Management

• Develop, implement, and manage a statewide fire education and training plan in accordance with NDCC 18-03-01.1.
• Oversee all NDFA-sponsored training events, including the Annual State Fire School, Regional Fire Schools, specialized academies, and annual State Fire Convention.
• Ensure all training programs meet or exceed National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and ProBoard standards.
• Supervise adjunct instructors and certification testers in the delivery of training and certification events.

Supervision & Leadership

This position will be responsible for the direct supervision of all staff within the North Dakota Firefighter's Association (NDFA).

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Providing clear direction and daily oversight to NDFA staff.
• Fostering a positive, respectful, and productive work environment.
• Ensuring all staff are performing in alignment with organizational standards and expectations.
• Setting performance expectations and measurable goals for team members.
• Conducting regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions.
• Addressing personnel issues promptly and professionally.
• Initiating disciplinary action when necessary, following NDFA policy.
• Supporting ongoing staff development and professional growth.
• Promoting accountability and team cohesion.
• Leading by example to uphold the NDFA’s mission, values, and strategic objectives through effective personnel management.

Certification Program Oversight

• Manage the North Dakota firefighter certification process, including compliance with Pro-Board accreditation standards.
• Establish procedures for testing, evaluation, and recordkeeping of certified firefighters.
• Recommend improvements to certification processes based on best practices and stakeholder feedback.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and administer the annual training and certification budget in coordination with the Secretary/Treasurer and Executive Board.
• Authorize purchases and expenditures within approved limits (purchasing authority up to $5,000, emergency authority up to $10,000 as per NDFA Policy Manual).
• Manage training equipment, trailers, and props, ensuring safe operation, maintenance, and scheduling.

Strategic Planning and Policy Development

• Possess a strong working knowledge of NFPA standards, ProBoard accreditation, and North Dakota Century Code related to fire service operations.
• Serve as a key member of the NDFA Strategic Planning Committee and Legislative Committee.
• Participate in the development and execution of long- and short-term organizational goals and legislative strategies affecting the fire service in North Dakota.
• Propose policy updates related to training, certification, and education programs.

Additional Responsibilities

• Respond to training-related inquiries from member departments.
• Develop marketing materials for training programs, including course announcements and catalogs.
• Maintain the NDFA training library and online learning resources.
• Ensures accurate records and compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.
• Maintain working relationships with the North Dakota Insurance Commissioner and/or the ND Fire Marshal.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Board.

External Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong professional relationships that support the mission and strategic goals of the NDFA.
• Actively collaborate with local, state, and national partners to ensure training programs align with industry standards and support fire service advocacy.
• Serve as the Primary liaison between NDFA and key stakeholders, including but not limited to: North Dakota Insurance Commissioner, State Fire Marshal’s Office, North Dakota Fire Chiefs Association, North American Fire Training Directors, North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (DES), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Local and state legislators
• Communicate effectively and professionally across agencies to enhance coordination and statewide training impact.
• Prioritize strong working relationships with local fire departments across North Dakota, ensuring their training needs are heard, supported, and incorporated into statewide planning.
• Provide regular reports to the NDFA Executive Board on training activities, certification data, and program evaluations.
• Represent the NDFA at state and national meetings, conferences, and events as directed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid North Dakota driver’s license and ability to travel statewide.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Education, Public Safety, Emergency Management, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in fire service training and education.
• Hazmat Awareness (IFSAC or ProBoard accredited).
• Hazmat Operations (IFSAC or ProBoard accredited).
• Firefighter I (IFSAC or ProBoard accredited).
• Firefighter II (IFSAC or ProBoard accredited).
• Fire Instructor I (IFSAC or ProBoard accredited).
• Fire Officer I (IFSAC or ProBoard accredited).
• Or a combination of education, experience, and demonstrated knowledge that fulfills the expectations of the Training Director role.

Preferred at time of hire or within 1 year:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Certification as a Fire Officer II or higher.
• Experience managing a fire service certification system.
• Certification as a Fire Instructor II is required within one year of hire.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to instruct and develop adult learners.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing budgets and resources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Learning Management Systems (LMS) preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to lift and move training equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments and physically demanding training scenarios.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required to support statewide training activities.

Employment Terms:

• This is a full-time, salaried position.
• The incumbent will work from the Bismarck, North Dakota, office five days per week unless required to work remotely (State Fire School, Annual Convention, Conferences, etc.).
• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications set by the NDFA Executive Board.
• Benefits in accordance with the employment agreement, including participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and relevant certifications to:

Interim Training Director Jared Rhode

[email protected]

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