Section 421.3 - Minimum Standards Set by the Commission(a) General statement. It shall be clearly understood that the specified minimum standards described in this section are designated as a minimum program. Employing entities are encouraged to exceed the minimum program wherever possible. Continuous in-service training beyond the minimum standards for fire protection personnel is strongly recommended. Nothing in these regulations shall limit or be construed as limiting the powers of the Civil Service Commission, or the employing entity, to enact rules and regulations which establish a higher standard of training than the minimum specified, or which provides for the termination of the services of unsatisfactory employees during or upon completion of the prescribed probationary period.(b) Functional position descriptions. (1) Structural Fire Protection personnel. The following general position description for structural fire protection personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the fire fighter operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. Successfully complete a commission approved course; achieve a passing score on written and performance certification examinations; must be at least 18 years of age; generally, the knowledge and skills required show the need for a high school education or equivalent; ability to communicate verbally, via telephone and radio equipment; ability to lift, carry, drag, and balance weight equivalent to the average human weight; ability to interpret in English, written and oral instructions; ability to work effectively in high stress situations; ability to work effectively in an environment with loud noises and flashing lights; ability to function through an entire work shift; ability to calculate weight and volume ratios; ability to read and understand English language manuals including chemical, medical and technical terms, and road maps; ability to accurately discern street signs and address numbers; ability to document in English, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such; ability to converse in English with coworkers and other emergency response personnel. Good manual dexterity with ability to perform all tasks related to the protection of life and property; ability to bend, stoop, and crawl on uneven surfaces; ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture; and ability to work in low or no light, confined spaces, elevated heights and other dangerous environments.(B) Competency. A basic fire fighter must demonstrate competency handling emergencies utilizing equipment and skills in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 1 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(2) Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting personnel. The following general position description for aircraft rescue fire fighting personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of aircraft rescue fire fighting personnel operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. In addition to the qualifications for basic structural fire protection personnel: familiarity with geographic and physical components of an airport; ability to use and understand communication equipment, terminology, and procedures utilized by airports; ability and knowledge in the application of fire suppression agents; and ability to effectively perform fire suppression and rescue operations.(B) Competency. Basic fire fighting and rescue personnel must demonstrate competency handling emergencies utilizing equipment and skills in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 2 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(3) Marine Fire Protection personnel. The following general position description for marine fire protection personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the marine fire fighter operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction. (A) Qualifications. In addition to the qualifications for basic structural fire protection personnel: familiarity with geographic and physical components of a navigable waterway; ability to use and understand communication equipment, terminology, and procedures used by the maritime industry; and knowledge in the operation of fire fighting vessels.(B) Competency. A marine fire fighter must demonstrate competency in handling emergencies utilizing equipment and skills in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 3 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(4) Fire Inspection personnel. The following general position description for fire inspection personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the fire inspector operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. Successfully complete a commission approved course; achieve a passing score on certification examinations; must be at least 18 years of age; generally, the knowledge and skills required to show the need for a high school education or equivalent; ability to communicate verbally, via telephone and radio equipment; ability to lift, carry, and balance weight equivalent to weight of common tools and equipment necessary for conducting an inspection; ability to interpret written and oral instructions; ability to work effectively with the public; ability to work effectively in an environment with potentially loud noises; ability to function through an entire work shift; ability to calculate area, weight and volume ratios; ability to read and understand English language manuals including chemical, construction and technical terms, building plans and road maps; ability to accurately discern street signs and address numbers; ability to document, in writing, all relevant information in a prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such; ability to converse in English with coworkers and other personnel. Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics and behavior of fire, and fire prevention principles. Good manual dexterity with the ability to perform all tasks related to the inspection of structures and property; ability to bend, stoop, and crawl on uneven surfaces; ability to climb ladders; ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture; and the ability to work in low light, confined spaces, elevated heights, and other dangerous environments.(B) Competency. A fire inspector must demonstrate competency in conducting inspections utilizing equipment and skills in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 4 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(5) Fire Investigator personnel. The following general position description for fire investigator personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the fire investigator operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction. (A) Qualifications. Successfully complete a commission approved course; achieve a passing score on certification examinations; be at least 18 years of age; generally, the knowledge and skills required to show the need for a high school education or equivalent; ability to communicate verbally, via telephone and radio equipment; ability to lift, carry, and balance weight equivalent to weight of common tools and equipment necessary for conducting an investigation; ability to interpret written and oral instructions; ability to work effectively with the public; ability to work effectively in a hazardous environment; ability to function through an entire work shift; ability to calculate area, weight and volume ratios; ability to read and understand English language manuals including chemical, legal and technical terms, building plans and road maps; ability to accurately discern street signs and address numbers; ability to document, in writing, all relevant information in a prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such; ability to converse in English with coworkers and other personnel. Good manual dexterity with the ability to perform all tasks related to fire investigation; ability to bend, stoop, and walk on uneven surfaces; ability to climb ladders; ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold and moisture; and the ability to work in low light, confined spaces, elevated heights, and other potentially dangerous environments.(B) Competency. A fire investigator or arson investigator must demonstrate competency in determining fire cause and origin utilizing equipment and skills in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 5 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(6) Hazardous Materials Technician personnel. The following general position description for hazardous materials personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the hazardous materials technician operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction. (A) Qualifications. In addition to the qualifications for basic structural fire protection personnel: successfully complete a commission approved course; achieving a passing score on the certification examination; the ability to analyze a hazardous materials incident, plan a response, implement the planned response, evaluate the progress of the planned response, and terminate the incident.(B) Competency. A hazardous materials technician must demonstrate competency handling emergencies resulting from releases or potential releases of hazardous materials, using specialized chemical protective clothing and control equipment in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 6 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(7) Hazardous Materials Incident Commander personnel. The following general position description for Hazardous Materials Incident Commander serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Hazardous Materials Incident Commander operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. In addition to the qualifications for awareness and operations level personnel, the Hazardous Materials Incident Commander is an individual who has met all the job performance requirements of Hazardous Materials Incident Commander as defined in Chapter 8 of NFPA 472, Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents/Weapons of Mass Destruction. The individual should demonstrate knowledge in the policies, plans, and procedures regarding hazardous materials response as adopted by the local jurisdiction; and all components of the incident command system and their proper utilization.(B) Competency. In addition to the competencies of awareness and operations level personnel, a Hazardous Materials Incident Commander must demonstrate competency in such areas as: analyzing an incident via the collection of information and an estimation of potential outcomes; planning appropriate response operations; implementing a planned response; evaluating the progress of a planned response and revising as necessary; terminating an incident; conducting a post-incident critique; and reporting and documenting an incident in a manner consistent with local, state, and federal requirements.(8) Driver/Operator-Pumper personnel. The following general position description for driver/operator-pumper personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the driver/operator-pumper of a fire department pumper operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. In addition to the qualifications for basic structural fire protection personnel: ability to perform specified routine test, inspection, and maintenance functions; ability to perform practical driving exercises; ascertain the expected fire flow; ability to position a fire department pumper to operate at a fire hydrant; ability to produce effective streams; and supply sprinkler and standpipe systems.(B) Competency. A driver/operator-pumper must demonstrate competency operating a fire department pumper in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 7 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(9) Fire Officer I personnel. The following general position description for Fire Officer I personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Fire Officer I operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. In addition to the qualifications for basic structural fire protection and Fire Instructor I personnel: the ability to supervise personnel, and assign tasks at emergency operations; the ability to direct personnel during training activities; the ability to recommend action for member-related problems; the ability to coordinate assigned tasks and projects, and deal with inquiries and concerns from members of the community; the ability to implement policies; the ability to perform routine administrative functions, perform preliminary fire investigation, secure an incident scene and preserve evidence; the ability to develop pre-incident plans, supervise emergency operations, and develop and implement action plans; the ability to deploy assigned resources to ensure a safe work environment for personnel, conduct initial accident investigation, and document an incident.(B) Competency. A Fire Officer I must demonstrate competency in handling emergencies and supervising personnel utilizing skills in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 9 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(10) Fire Officer II personnel. The following general position description for Fire Officer II personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Fire Officer II operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. In addition to the qualifications for Fire Officer I and Fire Instructor I personnel: the ability to motivate members for maximum job performance; the ability to evaluate job performance; the ability to deliver life safety and fire prevention education programs; the ability to prepare budget requests, news releases, and policy changes; the ability to conduct pre-incident planning, fire inspections, and fire investigations; the ability to supervise multi-unit emergency operations, identify unsafe work environments or behaviors, review injury, accident, and exposure reports.(B) Competency. A Fire Officer II must demonstrate competency in supervising personnel and coordinating multi-unit emergency operations utilizing skills in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 9 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(11) Fire Officer III personnel. The following general position description for Fire Officer III personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Fire Officer III operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. A Fire Officer III is a midlevel supervisor who performs both supervisory and first-line managerial functions. In addition to the qualifications and competency for Fire Officer II, the Fire Officer III is an individual who has met all the job performance requirements of Fire Officer III as defined in Chapter 6 of NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications. Typical duties of an individual at the Fire Officer III level include: establishing procedures for hiring, assignment, and professional development of personnel; developing public service/partnership and programs; preparing budgets and budget management systems; planning for organizational resource management; evaluating inspection and public safety programs and plans; managing multi-agency plans and operations; serving as Incident Commander at expanding emergency incidents for all hazard types; and developing and managing a departmental safety program.(B) Competency. A Fire Officer III must demonstrate competency doing research; analyzing data and using evaluative techniques; developing proposals; developing, preparing, and implementing various procedures and programs within an organization; managing personnel resources; preparing and managing budgets; utilizing techniques to encourage personnel participation and development; and working in top-level positions within the incident command system.(12) Fire Officer IV personnel. The following general position description for Fire Officer IV personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Fire Officer IV operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. A Fire Officer IV is an upper level supervisor who performs both supervisory and managerial functions. In addition to the qualifications and competency for Fire Officer III, the Fire Officer IV is an individual who has met all the job performance requirements of Fire Officer IV as defined in Chapter 7 of NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications. Typical duties of an individual at the Fire Officer IV level include: administering job performance requirements; evaluating and making improvements to department operations; developing long-range plans and fiscal projections; developing plans for major disasters; serving as Incident Commander at major incidents for all hazard types; and administering comprehensive risk management programs.(B) Competency. A Fire Officer IV must demonstrate competency in appraising and evaluating departmental programs to ensure adherence to current laws and best practices; developing medium and long-range plans for organizations; and assuming a top-level leadership role in both the organization and community.(13) Fire Service Instructor I personnel. The following general position description for Fire Service Instructor I personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Fire Service Instructor I operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. In addition to successfully completing a commission approved course and achieving a passing score on the certification examination: must have the ability to deliver instructions effectively from a prepared lesson plan; the ability to use instructional aids and evaluation instruments; the ability to adapt to lesson plans to the unique requirements of both student and the jurisdictional authority; the ability to organize the learning environment to its maximum potential; the ability to meet the record-keeping requirements of the jurisdictional authority.(B) Competency. A Fire Service Instructor I must demonstrate competency in delivering instruction in an environment organized for efficient learning while meeting the record-keeping needs of the authority having jurisdiction, utilizing skills in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 8 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(14) Fire Service Instructor II personnel. The following general position description for Fire Service Instructor II personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Fire Service Instructor II operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction. (A) Qualifications. In addition to successfully completing a commission approved course, achieving a passing score on the certification examination, and meeting the qualifications for Fire Service Instructor I: the ability to develop individual lesson plans for a specific topic, including learning objectives, instructional aids, and evaluation instruments; the ability to schedule training sessions based on the overall training plan of the jurisdictional authority; the ability to supervise and coordinate the activities of other instructors.(B) Competency. A Fire Service Instructor II must demonstrate competency in developing individual lesson plans; scheduling training sessions; and supervising other instructors, utilizing skills in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 8 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(15) Fire Service Instructor III personnel. The following general position description for Fire Service Instructor III personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Fire Service Instructor III operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. In addition to successfully completing a commission approved course, achieving a passing score on the certification examination, and meeting the qualifications for Fire Service Instructor II: the ability to develop comprehensive training curricula and programs for use by single or multiple organizations; the ability to conduct organizational needs analysis; and the ability to develop training goals and implementation strategies.(B) Competency. A Fire Service Instructor III must demonstrate competency in developing comprehensive training curricula and programs; conducting organizational needs analysis; and developing training goals and implementation strategies, utilizing skills in accordance with the objectives in Chapter 8 of the commission's Certification Curriculum Manual.(16) Incident Safety Officer personnel. The following general position description for Incident Safety Officer personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Incident Safety Officer operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction.(A) Qualifications. An Incident Safety Officer is an individual who has met the requirements of Fire Officer Level I specified in NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications and Chapter 6 of NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer and has the knowledge, skill, and abilities to manage incident scene safety. Typical Incident Safety Officer duties include risk and resource evaluation; hazard identification and communication; action plan reviews; safety briefings; accident investigation; post incident analysis; and participation in safety committee activities.(B) Competency. An Incident Safety Officer must demonstrate competency in management of incident scene safety through a working knowledge of the various emergency operations as prescribed by the local jurisdiction; an understanding of building construction; fire science and fire behavior; managing an organization's personnel accountability system; and incident scene rehabilitation methodology.(17) Basic Wildland Fire Protection personnel. The following general position description for Basic Wildland Fire Protection personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Basic Wildland Fire Fighter operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction. (A) Qualifications. A Basic Wildland Fire Fighter is an individual who has met the requirements of Chapter 5 of NFPA 1051, Standard for Wildland Fire Fighter Professional qualifications, and should demonstrate knowledge in: wildland fire behavior; fireline safety and use; limitations of personal protective equipment; fire shelter use; fire suppression tactics and techniques in wildland settings; and have an understanding of the fire fighter's role within the local incident management system.(B) Competency. A Basic Wildland Fire Fighter must demonstrate competency in such areas as: maintaining personal protective equipment and assigned fire suppression tools and equipment; the ability to quickly prepare for a response when notified; recognizing hazards and unsafe situations in a wildland fire; securing a fire line; mopping up a fire area; and patrolling a fire area so as to ensure fire control.(18) Intermediate Wildland Fire Protection personnel. The following general position description for Intermediate Wildland Fire Protection personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Intermediate Wildland Fire Fighter operating in the State of Texas. It is ultimately the responsibility of an employer to define specific job descriptions within each jurisdiction. (A) Qualifications. In addition to the qualifications and competency for the Basic Wildland Fire Fighter, the Intermediate Wildland Fire Fighter is an individual who has met the requirements of Chapter 6 of NFPA 1051, Standard for Wildland Fire Fighter Professional qualifications, and should demonstrate knowledge in: basic map reading; use of a locating device such as a compass; radio procedures as adopted by the local jurisdiction; and record keeping.(B) Competency. An Intermediate Wildland Fire Fighter must demonstrate competency in such areas as: the ability to lead a team of fire fighters in the performance of assigned tasks while maintaining the safety of personnel; implementing appropriate fireline construction methods and other techniques for protection of exposed property; operation of water delivery equipment; securing an area of suspected fire origin and associated evidence; and serving as a lookout in a wildland fire.(19) Plans Examiner personnel. The following general position description for Plans Examiner personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Plans Examiner operating in the State of Texas. (A) Qualifications. A Plans Examiner is an individual who has met the requirements of Plans Examiner specified in NFPA 1030 (1031) Chapter 8, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Prevention Program Positions.(B) Competency. A Plans Examiner analyzes building construction, hazardous processes, and architectural drawings or plans to ensure compliance with building and fire codes. This individual is also charged with reviewing plans for new construction as well as modifications to existing structures to ensure that applicable fire and life safety codes are followed.(20) Fire and Life Safety Educator I personnel. The following general position description for Fire and Life Safety Educator I personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Fire and Life Safety Educator I, operating in the State of Texas. (A) Qualifications. A Fire and Life Safety Educator I is an individual who has met the requirements of Fire and Life Safety Educator I specified in NFPA 1030 (1035) Chapter 9, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Prevention Program Positions.(B) Competency. A Fire and Life Safety Educator I must demonstrate competency in the ability to coordinate and deliver existing educational programs and information designed to reduce risks within the community.(21) Fire and Life Safety Educator II personnel. The following general position description for Fire and Life Safety Educator II personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Fire and Life Safety Educator II operating in the State of Texas.(A) Qualifications. A Fire and Life Safety Educator II is an individual who has met the requirements of Fire and Life Safety Educator II specified in NFPA 1030 (1035) Chapter 10, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Prevention Program Positions.(B) Competency. A Fire and Life Safety Educator II must demonstrate competency in the ability to prepare educational programs and information to meet identified needs to reduce risks within the community.(22) Fire Marshal personnel. The following general position description for Fire Marshal personnel serves as a guide for anyone interested in understanding the qualifications, competencies, and tasks required of the Fire Marshal operating in the State of Texas.(A) Qualifications. A Fire Marshal is an individual who has met the requirements of Fire Marshal specified in NFPA 1030 (1037) Chapter 4 & 5, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Prevention Program Positions.(B) Competency. A person designated to provide delivery, management, or administration of fire-protection- and life-safety-related codes and standards, investigations, community risk reduction, education, or prevention services for local, county, state, provincial, federal, tribal, or private sector jurisdictions as adopted or determined by that entity.37 Tex. Admin. Code § 421.3
The provisions of this §421.3 adopted to be effective November 1, 1998, 23 TexReg 10886; amended to be effective May 23, 1999, 24 TexReg 3861; amended to be effective November 14, 1999, 24 TexReg 10139; amended to be effective November 20, 2002, 27 TexReg 10747; amended to be effective June 17, 2003, 28 TexReg 4566; amended to be effective March 2, 2005, 30 TexReg 1085; amended to be effective May 21, 2006, 31 TexReg 3903; amended to be effective December 3, 2006, 31 TexReg 9618; amended to be effective May 9, 2007, 32 TexReg 2470; amended to be effective November 28, 2007, 32 TexReg 8522; amended to be effective August 5, 2013, 38 TexReg4901; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 03, January 19, 2024, TexReg 0282, eff. 1/28/2024