Firefighting Programs Operations Administrator - Fire Service Institute

Firefighting Programs Operations Administrator - Fire Service Institute

Illinois Fire Service Institute
Are you ready to support the mission of Illinois' premier fire training organization? The Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) is seeking a dedicated Firefighting Programs Operations Administrator to join our team. As the statutory fire academy for the State of Illinois, IFSI trains thousands of firefighters across the state and beyond-delivering hands-on education through a unique blend of campus, online, and regional training programs. Be a part of a team that makes a real difference in public safety, every single day. IFSI operates as a continuing education and public service unit of the University of Illinois, offering the stability, resources, and benefits of a world-class public university while maintaining a mission-driven focus on first responder training.
Primary Function:

The Firefighting Programs Operations Administrator (FFPOA) supports Illinois Fire Service Institute's (IFSI) Firefighting program by providing clear and consistent communication, accountability, and operational oversight and coordination for the Basic Operations Firefighter Academy, Industrial, Live-Fire Instructor, and Acquired Structure Burn Programs requiring knowledge about IFSI courses, IFSI training execution, and live-fire operations. The FFPOA supervises program staff and ensures that all curriculum, testing, and certification requirements are met. The FFPOA also verifies that proper training facilities, props, equipment, and inventory are properly requested, secured, and prepared to support course deliveries.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Assistant Director of Firefighting (ADFF) to lead and supervise the Basic Operations Firefighter Academy, Industrial, Live-fire Instructor, and Acquired Structure Burn Programs.
• Support the ADFF in the planning and budget development process.
• Assist in administering the equipment and personal protective equipment replacement program for the Firefighting programs and assist with purchases, coordinating with the ADFF and the Senior Associate Director of Academic Operations (SADAO).
• Collaborate with IFSI leadership on program vision, goals, and long-term development strategies.
• Implement and enforce all IFSI Policies and Procedures.
• Conduct site visits prior to class deliveries, prepare and reset training sites, classrooms, and hands-on environments before and after delivery.
• Plan and organize course executions with IFSI On-site Operations that require the coordinated use of the IFSI training grounds, props, tools, and equipment.
• Identify, recruit, train, and mentor a cadre of qualified instructors for program delivery.
• Review and approve all time and travel requests for program instructors and staff.
• Maintain accurate records, including class schedules, payroll, travel documentation, and course grades.
• Coordinate and complete FFPOA instructor cadre required fit testing.
• Quality Control and Lead Instructor completion of the following required documentation daily for Industry:
  • IFSI Accountability Form - Daily Training
  • Live-fire and non-fire Training Safety Briefing Procedure
  • Burn Log Entry
  • Prop Safety Analysis Form
  • Live-Fire Training Ground Demob Procedure
  • As needed: Student or Instructor Injury Report
    • Preliminary Inquiry for Injury or Unusual Incident Form
• Serve as the point of contact for all questions about the IFSI resident Academy and continue to build relationships with new and existing fire departments.
• ­Coordinate and plan the Academy Graduation with Class Support and Marketing.
• ­Academy Instructor scheduling, coordination, development, providing curriculum access, and Train the Trainer opportunities for new Instructors.
• ­Communicate with the Academy Lead (Operations Chief) before, during, and after each day of the Academy execution.
• ­Ensure completion of daily Burn Log.
• ­Oversee all aspects of the Industrial Program, including planning, coordination, and execution of courses.
• ­Communicate and coordinate with the Industry class leads before, during, and after courses to ensure quality assurance of class execution.
• ­Coordinate with Regional Representatives and the ADFF to ensure completion and documentation of the execution of IFSI's Live Fire Training Program - online components, schedule delivery of the hands-on training, and ensure candidates complete and record the required NFPA 1403 task book requirements.
• ­Review and recommend updates to IFSI policies to support and maintain a risk-mitigated training environment during firefighting and live-fire training operations.
• Revise and maintain the Acquired Structure Burn Instructor online training course.
• ­Revise and maintain the Acquired Structure Burn packet.
• ­Manage Acquired Structure Burn Team to include task book completion, online training completion, and maintain qualification list.
• ­Implement and manage Live-fire Instructor and Live-fire Instructor-in-Charge Program, integrating into existing live-fire deliveries.
• ­Participate as an IFSI Fixed Facility and Props Working Group member to design and plan new props and existing prop maintenance and improvements. The ADFF is responsible for seeking approval from the Director and SADAO for new and significant prop renovation and maintenance.
• ­Oversee the inventory management of the tools, equipment, trailer, and apparatus inventory within the FFPOA programs. Maintain an inventory of capital and non-capital program supplies/equipment.
  • Oversee and maintain the IFSI inventory as required by IFSI Policy and Procedures.
  • Work with the IFSI Resource Operations Specialist to maintain IFSI inventory and update RMS props, tools, and equipment content.
  • Complete within RMS:
    • Request classrooms, training props, and equipment.
    • Coordinate and ensure the use of RMS.
    • Purchase Request and PCard purchases * order materials and supplies.
• ­Coordinate the completion of the FFPOA's curriculum, testing, and certification projects with CTC.
• ­Revise and maintain curriculum for both in-person and online formats for the FFPOA program.
• ­Maintain existing and build new relationships with IFSI partners.
• ­Ensure the proper use and completion HR App, Policy Acknowledgements, and UIUC annual training.
• Study trade-related publications to maintain a complete and current knowledge of the latest program and fire service trends.
• Assist in the planning and delivery of schools and programs, e.g., Fire College, Cadet/Explorer, and Winter Fire School/various regional programs.
• Serve on various Institute, University, State, and National committees or organizations of a technical, advisory, or administrative nature. Develop the annual budget for course requests involving assigned courses, e.g., Industry, Contract courses, etc.
• May operate Illinois Fire Service Institute vehicles to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies to training locations and program activities as needed.

Qualifications:

Required:

1. Bachelor's degree.
2. A total of eight (8) years (96 months) in education, training and/or work experience in firefighter training academies, industrial firefighter training, and/or acquired structure training burn procedures and set up.
3. Basic Firefighter or Firefighter II OSFM certification.
4. Advanced Technician Firefighter or Firefighter III OSFM certification.
5. Instructor I and Instructor II OSFM certification.
6. Possession of valid driver's license at the time of hire.

Preferred:

1. Masters Degree.
2. ­At least 20 years of employment with IFSI.
3. Experience with IFSI and its programs, systems, processes, procedures, policies, curriculum development, testing, and certification process.
4. ­Solid understanding and use of IFSI's Processes, Procedures, Resource Management system, budget creation and management, and curriculum project management.
5. ­Demonstrated a record of performance, positive attitude, and ability to work well with all program leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. ­­ Strong organizational and leadership skills, with experience supervising staff.
2. ­ Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.
3. ­ Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association fire service standards.
4. Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
5. Familiarity with curriculum development and design.
6. Ability and knowledge to immediately addresses any safety concerns during training and mitigates risks.
7. Ability to work well with all program leadership

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Program Director classification position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after June 1, 2026. The Salary Range for this position is $65,000 -$75,000.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on April 27, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Keri Borchers, [email protected] . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1034885

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

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