Operations Manager, Fire, Emergency, Outdoor Sciences

Summary of Position

The Operations Manager for Fire, Emergency, and Outdoor Sciences provides strategic and operational leadership for Fire Science Technology, Emergency Management, Outdoor Education, and Park Ranger Technology programs within a dynamic academic environment. This position oversees department-wide operations supporting classroom, laboratory, field-based, and high-risk instructional activities, ensuring operational readiness, regulatory compliance, risk management, equipment oversight, accreditation support, and student certification tracking.

The Operations Manager coordinates complex scheduling, logistics, purchasing, vendor and agency partnerships, fleet and equipment management, and field permitting while maintaining compliance with institutional, state, federal, NFPA, OSHA, DFPC, and land management agency requirements.

The role also supports student success initiatives through advising coordination, internship partnerships, career events, and operational support for credential and degree pathways. Additionally, the position supervises office support staff and student employees, manages records and accreditation documentation, and serves as a key liaison among faculty, students, external agencies, employers, and community partners. Work is primarily performed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening, weekend, field-based, and off-site work required to support training operations, events, and partner activities. This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt position.

Top Three Characteristics of a Successful Candidate:

1. Exceptional Operational and Organizational Leadership
2. Strong Risk Management and Compliance Focus
3. Collaborative Communication and Relationship Building Skills