Exercise Physiologist

This is highly responsible administrative and technical work coordinating and directing physical fitness related projects and programs and will play a vital role in ensuring the overall health and wellness of firefighters.  This position exercises a high degree of independent judgement and initiative in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating fitness related programs.

They will design and implement exercise programs tailored to the specific needs and requirements of firefighters, with a focus on enhancing their physical fitness, strength, flexibility and endurance.

In the event of a natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed.

(Note: The listed duties are illustrative only and are not intended to describe each and every function, which may be performed in the job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.)

Assesses the fitness levels, physical capabilities and health status of firefighters through comprehensive evaluations and screenings.

Develops individualized exercise plans based on assessment findings, taking into account any pre-existing medical conditions, injuries or physical limitations.

Implements and supervises exercise sessions, both individually and in groups to ensure proper technique, safety and effectiveness.

Monitors and tracks firefighters progress and makes adjustments to exercise programs as needed to optimize results and prevent injuries.

Provides education and guidance on proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies to support overall health and performance.

Utilizes advanced knowledge of biomechanics, exercise physiology and anatomy to ensure safe and effective exercise techniques.

Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care and rehabilitation efforts as necessary.

Demonstrates discretion and judgement when working with individuals with complex medical conditions.

Maintains accurate and confidential records, documenting progress, assessments and any relevant medical information.

Conducts research and stays up to date on the latest developments in exercise science, injury prevention and firefighter health and wellness.

Participates in departmental training sessions and meetings to contribute expertise on exercise physiology and related topics.

Serves as an advocate and resource for firefighter health and wellness within the department, promoting a culture of fitness and well-being.

Research current trends in physical fitness programs as they relate to Fire Rescue personnel.

Designs and implements an ongoing Fitness Assessment Program for Fire Rescue personnel.

Identifies underlying physical activity, the comprehensive delivery of treatment services concerned with the analysis, improvement, and maintenance of health and fitness, rehabilitation of heart disease and other chronic diseases and/or disabilities.

Provides professional guidance and counsel of public safety personnel and human adaptability to acute and chronic exercise.

Accurately communicate and provide health and fitness, educational, preventive, rehabilitative, and/or research services equitably to all individuals regardless of social or economic status, age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, diverse values, attitudes or opinions.

Provides non-medical judgments and decisions about health and fitness, preventive, rehabilitative, educational, and/or research services.

Maintain high quality professional competence through continued study of the latest laboratory techniques and research in preventive and rehabilitative services.

Conducts health and fitness, preventive, rehabilitative, educational, research, and other scholarly activities in accordance with recognized legal, scientific, ethical, and professional standards.

Respect and protect the privacy, rights, and dignity of all individuals by not disclosing health and fitness, rehabilitative, and/or research information unless required by law or when confidentiality jeopardizes the health and safety of others.

Provide health and fitness, preventive, rehabilitative, and/or educational interventions grounded in a theoretical framework supported by research that enables a healthy lifestyle through choice.

Coordinates and administers the fitness assessment exercises for all Fire Rescue personnel on an annual basis.

Researches and makes recommendations regarding the purchase of all fitness related equipment.

Designs and implements a reporting system for data collection during the annual fitness assessment.

Writes and disseminates fitness program material.

Coordinates and makes presentations on fitness related topics.

Develops fitness programs that work with any doctor ordered restrictions to aid in rehabilitation of light duty firefighters.

Maintain certifications, licenses, and training requirements as mandated by state and local regulations.

Performs work related to this job description as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

(Note: The knowledge, skills, and abilities identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of this class. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities may be applicable for individual positions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Strong knowledge of exercise physiology principles, biomechanics and exercise prescription.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively motivate and inspire others.

Knowledge of human anatomy and its relationship to health, fitness and exercise.

Ability to develop ongoing training programs which effective meet the physical fitness needs to the department.

Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to think critically and strategically to prioritize tasks.

Ability to exercise tact, discretion and independent judgement.

Demonstrated organization skills and attention to detail in program planning, implementation and evaluation.

Must possess a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine or a related field and one (1) year experience in developing and monitoring physical fitness programs.

Master's degree preferred.

Previous experience working with firefighters or other populations with physically demanding occupations preferred.

Additional qualifying education and/or experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted one for the other on a year for year basis.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License

Certification as an Exercise Physiologist from a recognized accrediting body (ex: ACSM, NCSA)

Current CPR and First Aid certification

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Heavy (100 pounds and over) lifting and carrying.

Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)

Acceptable hearing (with or without a hearing aid).

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing

Reaching, pulling, pushing, balancing, throwing.

Climbing (including ladders).

Walking, standing, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, jumping, running.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily indoors.

Involves frequent interaction with people.