"Part-time, Fire Service Driver"

Position Overview

This position is primarily responsible for driving and operating semi-trucks while pulling specialized firefighting training props, setting up and operating props and equipment; assisting Lead Instructors in delivering training programs; and potentially serving as the Incident Safety Officer on certain training events to support training programs of Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI). This position will drive, operate, and maintain KFRTI vehicles, props, and equipment in compliance with KU policies and procedures and State and Federal law. This position coordinates and collaborates with program coordinators and managers and reports to the Transportation Program Coordinator.

Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute is a unit of KU Lifelong and Professional Education (LPE) housed on the Lawrence campus. The Institute was created in 1949 by Kansas legislature with the mission to train and credential Kansas firefighters in local jurisdictions. The Institutes serves fire departments and firefighters through a "traveling instruction service," providing hundreds of training and certification events each year in counties across the State of Kansas.

The mission of Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute is to provide accessible, comprehensive training and credentialing for fire and emergency response personnel to promote health and safety in Kansas communities.

Job Description

70% - Drive and Operate Specialized Vehicle, Props and Equipment

• Drive Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute vehicles, including semi-trucks with trailers, to deliver training props to class locations.
• Set up props and equipment at training sites, ensuring their readiness for training events.
• Operate props and other equipment, including power tools and equipment, safely.
• Assist lead instructor during training program deliveries.
• Serve as an Incident Safety Officer on training events when trained and capable of doing so, for example live fire training events.
• Report equipment problems, break downs, accidents, needs to Transportation Coordinator.
• Return vehicles, props, and equipment in clean and original condition to KFRTI equipment storage location.
• Maintain a Kansas Class A Commercial Driver's License with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement.
• Coordinates class logistics with lead instructor. Point of contact for KFRTI after the class has been assigned by Program Manager.
• Contact Lead instructor for logistical needs. Truck, trailer, location, water supply, AV equipment, local support, books, supplies.
• Contact fire departments, confirm dates and location of training event, ask for local support needed. Identify locations of trash service, water supply, classroom, restrooms.
• Keeps Lead Instructor apprised of details as needed.
• Confirm training schedules for individual classes assigned by the Institute with the Assigned Lead Instructor and local fire department.
• Coordinate appropriate local fire department support needed for the scheduled course.

20% -Course Instruction and Certification Test Site Management

• Serve as lead instructor, assistant instructor, or safety officer (if qualified) for KFRTI programs and courses.
• Manage KFRTI Certification Testing sites, including Evaluators.

10% - Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director or their designee.

Position Requirements

• Persons in these positions are not eligible for travel reimbursement or wages for traveling to or from equipment storage locations to perform assigned duties.
• In-state and limited out-of-state travel is required in this position. This position is frequently required to work a non-traditional schedule (including evenings and weekends).
• Federally mandated alcohol and controlled substance testing is required as a condition of employment for those employees possessing Commercial Drivers Licenses and assigned duties of driving semi-trucks. Employees (in these positions) are subject to any of the following types of alcohol and controlled substance tests: pre-duty, reasonable suspicion, random, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up.
• This position requires the ability to perform strenuous tasks associated with coupling and uncoupling semi-trailers, and setting up training props. These activities include having to pick up heavy objects in excess of 50 pounds and other heavy objects mounted on wheels and skids. These items must typically be moved and set up with limited assistance from other instructors and without the assistance of mechanical devices.
• Persons in this position may periodically participate in live fire training exercises. Successful candidates must be physically capable of performing firefighting functions and being fit-tested into self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Personnel will not be able to drive commercial vehicles until CDL training is complete and a CDL license is obtained.

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma plus five years progressive experience conducting/ providing fire service training.
2. A Kansas Class A Commercial Driver's License with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement or the ability to obtain license within six month of employment.
3. IFSAC or Pro Board National Certification as a Fire Service Instructor I or the ability to certify within 4 months of employment.
4. IFSAC or Pro Board National Certification as a Fire Fighter I & II.
5. Incident Safety Officer (ISO) certification or course completion through IFSAC, Pro Board, Fire Department Safety Officer's Association (FDSOA), or National Fire Academy or the ability to obtain certification within 1 year of employment.
6. 1 year experience coordinating projects and supervising co-worker assigned to projects.
7. KFRTI completion of NFPA 1403, Live Fire Safe Operations, or ability to obtain in 1 year

Preferred Qualifications

1. 3 years experience in a state fire training system as a part-time or full-time instructor.
2. 10 years of progressive fire service experience (including the training experience sited in the required qualifications section).
3. 3 years experience in fire department apparatus maintenance or logistics.
4. 2 years experience as a commercial driver.

Contact Information to Applicants

Ronnie Sellens
ronniesellens@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application consists of:

1. A cover letter addressing how required qualifications are met
2. Resume
3. 3 Professional References

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins 2/2/2026 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is received.

Advertised Salary Range
$26.298077/ hour

Application Review Begins
02-Feb-2026

Anticipated Start Date
28-Feb-2026

Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE
.40

Reg/Temp
Regular

FLSA Status
Nonexempt

Employee Class
U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Location Assignment
On-Site