Driver Operator Program Coordinator

Position Overview The Driver Operator Program Coordinator reports to the Firefighter Training Program Manager and provides coordination, instructional support, and program oversight for driver/operator training programs at the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI). This position coordinates course requests, schedules training deliveries, supports instructors, updates curriculum, and assists with course development and revision to ensure high-quality driver/operator education is delivered across the state of Kansas. The portfolio includes Apparatus Driver Operator Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator Aerial, Mobile Water Supply Operations programs and may include other related driver/operator training courses. The coordinator serves as a key point of contact for Kansas fire departments, instructors, and stakeholders seeking driver/operator training and support. The coordinator works closely with KFRTI managers, coordinators, instructors, and logistics personnel to ensure efficient course delivery, sound resource use, and adherence to Institute standards. He or she also provides direct instruction for selected courses and participates in train-the-trainer efforts, contributing to instructional capacity development. As a State Fire Training organization and the State Certification Entity for Kansas, KFRTI leads change in the fire service through training and credentialing, including National Certification. Employees are expected to demonstrate a customer-friendly attitude, flexibility, and a strong desire to help the Kansas fire service improve and to continue their own training. Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute is a unit of KU Jayhawk Global, housed on the Lawrence campus. The Institute was created by the Kansas legislature to train fire fighters. It offers traveling instruction that serves fire departments throughout Kansas. The mission is to provide accessible, comprehensive training and credentialing for fire and emergency response personnel. KU offers benefits to employees – up to 176 hours paid vacation per year, 96 hours sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays and one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefits and State of Kansas discounts. Tuition assistance provides up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) eligibility. For details see KU fosters continuous learning, respect, and a sense of belonging. Program-Specific Duties (60%) Accept and coordinate training requests from Kansas fire departments and private sector clients. Coordinate training dates, locations, and delivery details with host departments, fire service personnel, and other clients. Coordinate the use of contract instructors for course deliveries with Manager and Assistant Director approval. Select appropriate use of personnel, equipment, and resources while managing costs. Identify, train, coordinate, and authorize pay and travel reimbursement for part-time instructors within assigned training programs. Coordinate apparatus, props, and equipment delivery with Logistics Program Manager. Identify courses requiring direct instructional support from KFRTI full-time staff. Serve as lead instructor for selected events and provide oversight of part-time instructors. Manage all aspects of assigned course deliveries, including costs, supervision, classroom presentations, practical skills training, driving exercises, pumping evolutions, and proper apparatus use. Cross-train and instruct in multiple programmatic areas: Driver Operator Pumper, Driver Operator Aerial, Mobile Water Supply Operations, and other related apparatus courses. Identify fire service partners for collaboration. Recruit and help develop qualified part-time instructors for assigned areas. Revise existing courses and assist with new course development as required. Write objectives and develop instructional support materials. Design online and hybrid courses to meet Kansas fire service needs. Teach train-the-trainer courses to part-time instructors and other clients. Ensure instructors adhere to KFRTI professional and instructional standards. Train instructors on proper use of course materials, apparatus, training equipment, and props. Consult with Manager/Assistant Director on collaborative opportunities and equipment requirements. Perform other duties as assigned in support of KFRTI’s mission. General Duties (30%) Coordinate and schedule driver/operator training programs and related course deliveries. Serve as point of contact for requesters. Coordinate instructor assignments, training locations, course logistics, and resources. Assist in revision, development, and improvement of assigned courses, including online and hybrid formats. Provide classroom and field instruction as needed. Recruit, develop, and support part-time instructors. Collaborate with KFRTI leadership, staff, and partners to advance statewide training. Maintain professional relationships with fire service stakeholders. Perform other duties as assigned in support of KFRTI’s mission. Time Management & Role Expectations (10%) Manage multiple concurrent course deliveries, instructor assignments, and support responsibilities with strong organization. Provide instruction when required. Maintain communication and coordination with Manager, Assistant Director, instructors, logistics staff, and partner agencies. Support growth and development of part-time instructors to expand delivery capacity and maintain quality. Perform other duties as assigned by leadership to support KFRTI’s mission. Position Requirements Combination of remote work and travel to course delivery locations; may also work from the Lawrence campus. Must be based in a Kansas county and reside in Kansas. Requires considerable in-state and limited out-of-state travel, up to five days per week. Routine non-traditional schedule, including evenings and weekends. Conduct classroom lectures, hands-on skills instruction, and apparatus-based training. Physically capable of firefighting-related functions: climbing, lifting, bending, standing, operating or demonstrating apparatus. Capable of meeting SCBA use and fit-testing requirements. Must lift heavy materials and training props up to 100 pounds. Critical thinking skills and quick adaptation to new concepts and technical fire service information. Serve as facilitator, leader, and instructor and demonstrate empathy for modern fire service challenges. Demonstrate customer-friendly attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and commitment to training quality. Must have a valid driver’s license by hire and throughout employment. Required Qualifications High school diploma and five years of progressive experience conducting or providing fire service training, or bachelor’s degree and three years of experience. IFSAC and/or Pro Board NFPA Firefighter I & II National Certification, evidenced in application. IFSAC and/or Pro Board NFPA Driver/Operator Pumper National Certification, evidenced in application. Minimum of three years as a full-time firefighter, or five years as an active volunteer firefighter. Certificates of Completion for FEMA/NIMS ICSI100, 200, 700, and 800. Valid Kansas Class A Commercial Driver’s License, or ability to obtain within a timeframe set by KFRTI. Preferred Qualifications IFSAC and/or Pro Board NFPA Driver/Operator Aerial National Certification. IFSAC and/or Pro Board Mobile Water Supply Operation certification. IFSAC and/or Pro Board NFPA Fire Instructor I National Certification. IFSAC and/or Pro Board NFPA Fire Instructor II National Certification. Experience instructing emergency vehicle operations, pumping operations, and apparatus placement. Demonstrated understanding of national certification systems, requirements, and the relationship to driver/operator training. Additional Candidate Instructions Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications. Resume. List of three professional references. Only complete applications will be considered. Application review begins May 9, 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified. Contact Information Jennifer Johnson View email address on click.appcast.io View phone number on click.appcast.io Advertised Salary Starting at $62,000 Application Review Begins Saturday, May 9, 2026 Anticipated Start Date Sunday, May 24, 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr