Qualifications

In order to carry out the various aspects of the job descriptions, ideal potential candidates for the position of Regional Training Advisors would possess the following experience and attributes:

1)      Experience

• 5 to 10 years of firefighting experience – mandatory 
• may be an active or retired firefighter 
• experience with a combination, volunteer or paid department – essential 
• former work as a Fire Chief, Chief Officer with training responsibilities, or Training Officer in a rural area, for volunteers and other departments. Paid firefighters would qualify to serve combination and paid departments if needed. 
• experience in organizing departmental training schedules and putting together training courses – a plus 

2)      Skill Level

• Fire Fighter I – minimum requirement 
• Fire Fighter II – preferred 
• Structural Fire Fighter training (or willingness to take it, right away) 
• Instructor I – minimum requirement 
• Instructor II – preferred 
• Hazardous Materials training – preferred 
• Emergency Medical Services training – preferred 
• NIMS training – minimum requirement 

3)      Attributes

• Maturity to deal with sensitive human-resource challenges along with an understanding of the motivation of volunteers, coupled with a “can-do” attitude 
• Resourcefulness in problem-solving 
• Excellent communication skills on a one-on-one basis as well as an ability to speak well in both small and large group settings 
• Strong understanding of grant-writing processes and procedures 
• Capable of multi-tasking and detailed record-keeping 
• Available for frequent evening or weekend assignments since the majority of departments in the service areas are volunteer departments, as well as occasional over-night travel 

4)      Recommendations

• Minimum of 2 recommendations from fire service leaders in their service area

RTA Compensation

1)      Base Pay

RTAs will be paid for the specific hours which they work, as opposed to a flat salary. Rate of pay will be $20 per hour. COFT will provide guidance on an appropriate weekly amount of work time on record-keeping and prep work.

2)      Office Expenses

RTAs are expected to have their own office supplies.

3)      Travel Expenses

a)      As they need to travel to attend local training and meetings, they will be reimbursed mileage on the current state rate.

b)      They will receive additional mileage reimbursements for specific trips for COFT administrative sessions or officially assigned commitments.

c)      If the trip exceeds 30 miles from their home base, they will also be paid for “windshield time” at their regular $20 per hour rate, because this time is also utilized for mentally preparing for the meeting and reviewing what occurred.

d)     If an over-night stay is more cost-effective than traveling back and forth, reimbursement for pre-approved lodging and meals will be paid upon presentation of receipts.