Recruit Program Coordinator

The Department of Fire Services provides firefighter training, public education, fire prevention, code enforcement, licensing, fire investigation, hazardous material response, and emergency response.  The agency is compromised of the following business areas:  The Office of the State Fire Marshal (Legal, Public Information, Fire Investigation Unit, Cigarette Compliance, Information technology, and Grants), the MA Firefighting Academy, the Hazardous Materials Response Division, the Fire Safety Division, and the Administrative Services Division (Human Resources, Fiscal and Capital Asset Management). 

The agency's headquarters are in Stow, MA, with regional facilities in Springfield MA and Bridgewater MA. 

This position coordinates and supervises all activities related to the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's Career and Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

        Plans, supervises, participates in and evaluates all aspects of both the Career and Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Programs.

        Supervises assigned MFA staff; part-time Program Coordinators, Instructors, and Contractors based on a thorough knowledge of Massachusetts Firefighting Academy policies and procedures.

        Directly conducts oversight and supervision of the Career Recruit Training Programs, Call/Volunteer Recruit Training Programs, and scheduling the Career Assistant Coordinators.

        Develops course and program budgets with part-time Program Coordinators, determines per participant costs, recommends funding for courses, and monitors costs to ensure that MFA courses do not exceed funding available.

        Provides leadership in the review, analysis; and modification of training materials, including Instructors' Guides, Student Manuals, and Student Examinations.

        Reviews the performance of equipment used in the Recruit Training Programs and recommends changes or replacements.

        Oversees the evaluation of students by instructors in both classroom and practical tests; counsels students where applicable.

        Coordinates and participates in meetings with Chiefs of Department to resolve student problems.

        Evaluates instructor's performance through direct observation and the use of survey instruments in both classroom and practical training sites. 

        Participates in interviews and recommends new instructors for the Career Recruit and Call/Volunteer Recruit Training Programs. 

        Responsible for all operational aspects for the delivery of the Career and Call/Volunteer Recruit Training programs on the three (3) DFS Campuses and designated non-DFS training locations.

        Implements standard operating procedures for performing instruction, assigning instructors, and scheduling classes.

        Ensures that reports of student progress and graduation lists are submitted to MFA Administration on schedule.

        Oversees the timely and accurate submission of timesheets by subordinates for payroll processing.

        Reviews reports submitted by subordinates and takes appropriate action to resolve problems.

        Conducts training programs for fire service personnel and members of the fire safety community. Provides on-the-job training for subordinates.

        Participates as a team member in the development of training programs with management and other coordinators and instructors.

        Represents the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy at meetings and conferences as necessary.

        Prepares statistical and other reports of Recruit programs as requested.

        Confers with staff to provide information, to resolve problems and/or to recommend changes in policy.

        Performs related duties such as maintaining records, attending meetings, and preparing correspondence. 

        Provides assistance to local Fire Departments in non-MFA Recruit programs.

        Assists with the coordination of Recruit graduation ceremonies and programs.

        Performs other related duties, work, and special projects as assigned by DFS/MFA management.

Preferred Qualifications: A.S. Degree in Fire Science; 10 years' experience as a firefighter, with five years as a Training  Officer; Certification as Firefighter I/II, Fire Instructor I/II, Fire Office I/II and experience as a Fire Instructor.

Active Class "D" Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience.*

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.