The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, within the Department of Fire Services, provides fire training to municipal fire service personnel. The flagship program offered by the Massachusetts Fire Academy is a 10-week recruit training program. The Academy additionally offers over 300 topical continuing education courses and fire officer training to over 14,000 students annually.

The Department of Fire Services (DFS) is recruiting to fill vacancies at the Bridgewater MA campus, with additional opportunities to fill local training deliveries throughout the Commonwealth. Support staff must be available to work sixteen (16) shifts per quarter, and be available to work at least four (4) weekend shifts per quarter. The primary focus of these positions is to support training both onsite at our Bridgewater campus or off site at any one of our training programs held across the Commonwealth. This is a part-time, contract position with no benefits.

In order to be considered for this position, at time of application, resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition, along with proof of the highest degree obtained above High School if applicable.

Specific Duties Include:

• Provide support and assistance for firefighter training programs being offered at the DFS Bridgewater campus, as well as off-site at various communities across the Commonwealth.
• Operate fire equipment, set up and operate props for training, assist instructors in demonstration and practical evolutions, build and ignite fires, as requested.
• Participate in heavy manual labor including but not limited to the loading and unloading of trucks and trailers for delivery of training equipment, as well as moving and setting up various training props.
• May work in any of the specialty training programs as needed and is knowledgeable about the support needs of each of the programs.
• Provide support by cleaning, repairing, or otherwise putting equipment into service for use by various programs.
• Perform related duties such as moving equipment to other locations, using powered and hand equipment, maintaining the cleanliness of the training vehicles, maintaining the general appearance of the support branch area and fire station, and other related duties.
• Assist in snow removal and other storm related mitigation activities to ensure the operational needs of the Fire Academy.
• May be assigned to drive a fire truck or other vehicle weighing over 26,000 gvw, at the DFS Stow campus, DFS Bridgewater campus, DFS Springfield campus and off-site at training programs.
• Support staff work outdoors in all types of weather, lift and carry heavy objects, and may work on ladders or scaffolds.
• May be assigned to assist in the repair, rebuilding or fabricating of training props and equipment used during both on and off-site training scenarios.
• Required to attend Support improvement training, as assigned.

All persons holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and who perform duties requiring a CDL for the Department of Fire Services, whether temporarily or permanently, at any time will be required to undergo controlled substances and at our discretion, alcohol testing prior to employment and will be subject to further testing throughout their period of employment.

Minimum Qualifications:
• High School Diploma or General Education degree (GED)
• Two years’ experience as a firefighter, a MA Hazardous Materials Technician or in a facilities maintenance, mechanical or technical trade.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Demonstrated manual dexterity, physical stamina and endurance.
• Ability to properly lift, carry, and otherwise move extremely heavy fire and rescue training props, equipment and supplies.
• Skilled in using small hand tools, power tools, and motorized equipment
• Knowledge and experience with fire services equipment.
• Able and willing to travel to assigned work location, which could be any community in the Commonwealth.
• Able to work all shifts: days, nights and/or weekends, as assigned. Must be available one weekend day per month.
• Knowledge and experience in a specific fire area of expertise.
• Possession of a valid Massachusetts CDL Driver’s License.
• Possession of a current 2A or 2B Hoisting License and medical certificate.
• Possession of a current Fork Truck Operator’s License.
• Successful completion of all training and testing required by DFS, including maintaining continuous refresher training as may be required. This would include but not be limited to all of our fire apparatus, other vehicles used by the Crib room, powered equipment, hand tools, or any other equipment used for the delivery or conducting of our training programs.
• Able to take direction and follow instructions without deviating from planned program objectives.
• Available on call as needed at various hours of the day, including nights and weekends, as required for successful delivery of program materials, supplies, and props to various locations throughout the Commonwealth.
• Familiar with all props and equipment used in training by the MA Firefighting Academy
• Mechanical ability and experience repairing nozzles, valves, appliances, and other equipment used in the fire service. Ability can lead to additional opportunities other than support needs.
• Able to accomplish assigned work with little or no supervision.
• Able to make decisions based on good judgment and in the best interest of the DFS.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.