AARF Program Specialist - Boone County, MO

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.

Physical Demands

Must be capable of performing, demonstrating, and leading students in various firefighting and emergency response techniques as identified in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, 1003 Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications and 1403 Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions. Extensive travel is required. The duties may require frequent evening and weekend work.

Work Environment

Work activity takes place in a variety of settings and extremes including office, classroom, outdoor practical training areas, confined spaces, elevated areas, water environment, live fire and other potentially hazardous environments and atmospheres. In addition, the Specialist work activities will require the use of and the wearing of specialized personal protective clothing/equipment for firefighters, rescuers, hazardous materials, and industrial workers.

MU EXTENSION INFORMATION

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement's distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable specialists and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians, including educational attainment, economic development and healthy people. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit https://extension.missouri.edu/.

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou and MU, is the Flagship University of the four-campus University of Missouri system. It is the state's land-grant university and one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States. MU's broad undergraduate programs and its' graduate, professional and research programs attract annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students. MU is centrally located in Columbia, MO, which is consistently ranked as one of America's most livable cities. MU Extension programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city.

LEADERSHIP RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

This position reports to the Director of the MU FRTI. Functional supervision is exercised over specialized adjunct, and contract instructors qualified in ARFF and other technical areas assigned. Additional staff may also be assigned dependent on program needs.

A minimum of an associate degree from an accredited institution of post-secondary education in a suitable field of study.

Candidates must demonstrate they are authorized to work in the United States at time of hire. Sponsorship of U.S. temporary employment visas will not be offered for this position.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

A bachelor's or master's degree in a suitable field of study.

Five years of fire and emergency service work experience in the specialization of aircraft rescue and firefighting, of which two years were at the supervisory level.

A current Missouri Fire Service Instructor II certification is required along with certifications/credentials in technical aspects of ARFF. Two years' experience performing or teaching technical fire or ARFF courses. Two years of experience in the coordination or supervision of training programs for fire and/or emergency services.

Have, or be able to obtain, a Missouri Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) within the first 6 months of employment.

Possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record and have ability to travel on a regular basis.

National Certifications:

• NFPA 1001: Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, Levels I and II
• NFPA 1003: Standard for Airport Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications
• NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions, Live Fire Instructor
• NFPA 1521: Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer, Incident Safety Officer
• Certified Training Officer, Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) or International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI)
• Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, Federal Aviation Administration

Training programs:

• Training Program Management, National Fire Academy
• Incident Command System, I-100, I-200, I-300 and I-400

Successful candidate will also demonstrate the following:

Effective and innovative teaching strategies that engage others.

Must be able to integrate new and emerging technology into teaching strategies.

Effective listening, written and oral communication skills including public speaking and presentation abilities.

Organizational skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities and collaborative leadership experiences.

Flexibility, resiliency, and the ability to operate with minimal guidance.

Positive outlook, high personal standard of excellence, and passion for the vision, mission and values of MU Extension.

Commensurate with education and experience.

Complete the brief online application and be prepared to upload:

* Cover Letter

* Resume/CV

* Copies of all academic transcripts, and

* a list of 3-5 references

For questions regarding the online application process contact MUHR@missouri.edu or call 573.882.7976. For technical problems with the online application process contact Helpdesk@missouri.edu or call 573.882.5000.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.