ARFF Program Specialist

Job Details

Hiring Department

The University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI)

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement

MU TITLE: Extension Specialist

LOCATION: Columbia, Missouri

The University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) provides training throughout Missouri and nationally, to volunteer and career firefighters, fire specialists, fire officers, members of industrial and institutional fire brigades, and members of allied emergency services organizations.

Position Overview

The ARFF Program Specialist of the Fire and Rescue Training Institute is responsible for managing and coordinating the operational activities of our nationally recognized Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) program, along with other specialized assignments. This position has responsibility to deliver courses under grant, contract, and fee-based funding, and to solicit and seek additional funding opportunities for training within their area of specialization. This position is responsible for the direct supervision and coordination of full-time instructors, part-time adjunct, and contract instructors that are qualified in specific disciplines, and other staff as assigned. This position may also provide technical assistance to public and private sector agencies. This position reports to the Director of MU FRTI.

This is a 12-month academic position with reappointment annually based upon programmatic priorities, performance and department budget.

As an Extension Specialist, your workload distribution at appointment will be 90% Extension Teaching and 10% Traditional Service.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate specialized training for the aircraft rescue and firefighting program. Plan, develop, and deliver training in the identified program area to meet fire and emergency service training needs within available resources. Organize and lead qualified instructors in the necessary operational activities to complete complex and challenging training activities.
• Direct oversight and management of the ARFF Program budget within MU and Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) requirements and guidelines. Oversee the operation, maintenance, and service of $1.5 million Mobile Aircraft Fire Trainer (MAFT) simulator state asset under MODOT Lease agreement with MU FRTI.
• Initiate and prepare course funding contracts. Work with Airports, ARFF Agencies, and other entities on scheduling and conducting training programs in the central Midwest FAA region and beyond. Provide necessary state agency reports upon request.
• Uses and follows the Institute’s procedure and format to set-up, and schedule courses including: facilities, instructional resources, and timeline for delivery. Schedule training classes so that specified classes are delivered according to Institute policy. Identify and document resources required to meet specific training goals.
• Perform instructional duties that involve the utilization of multiple teaching methods and techniques to reach a target audience while meeting learning objectives. Supervise students as required, during training scenarios with increased hazard exposure, so that all Institute safety standards and practices are followed, and all class objectives are achieved. Lead students in live fire and/or rescue training scenarios. Work as a member of, or lead instructor, as part of an instructional team as required to fulfill teaching assignments. Coordinate assigned staff and adjunct instructors to accomplish training objectives and program area goals.
• With a known topic, audience characteristics, and a standard lesson plan format, develop a lesson plan so the performance requirements for the topic are achieved. The lesson plan includes learning objectives, lesson outline, course materials, and instructional aids.
• Using Institute guidelines develop student oral, written, and performance tests using a specific lesson plan, learning objectives, and training goals so that the tests show if the student achieved the stated objectives. Administer oral, written, and performance tests. Using Institute forms, policies and procedures, and in a timely manner, grade and record the test results and process all course related paperwork.
• As required, perform necessary duties to set-up, inspect, test and return to service all equipment and technical training devices used for courses. Procure new or replacement equipment as required.
• As required, operate vehicles, technical training props, and simulator systems. Perform driver operator duties for over-the-road transport of the Institute’s technical training props/equipment trailers to location in and out-of-state. Maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and meet DOT requirements for over-the-road transport driver.
• Compile and tabulate course data and perform assessment of program status on a regular basis. Provide monthly and annual reports to the MU FRTI Director on course data, status, and funding. Monitor trends and make recommendations to the Director.
• Coordinate, initiate, and schedule meetings of the instructors within their specialty areas to discuss current status, plan operational activities, and address issues. Recruit, select, train, and qualify additional specialized instructors as needed.
• Enforce MU FRTI, Extension, and University policies. Recommend changes or additions to MU FRTI policies that are needed for their program area of responsibility.
• Maintain a positive professional relationship with statewide, regional and local fire service organizations and entities to assist the Director in achieving cooperation and assistance in meeting University and Institute program objectives, and to facilitate the exchange of information.
• Perform general office duties including typing, data entry, and filing, mailings, processing paperwork and reports, and handling inquiries.
• Participate in continuing education activities as required to maintain and/or enhance their knowledge/certifications in specified areas of instruction.
• Perform other MU FRTI duties as assigned.