Director Fire Science Academy Training Center

About the Role

Indian River State College is seeking a visionary leader to oversee all Fire Academy programs, including recruit training, advanced certifications, and continuing education. This role combines strategic oversight, curriculum development, and partnership building with local and regional fire agencies. You'll manage top-tier facilities — including burn buildings and simulation towers — while ensuring compliance with Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and advancing workforce development across the region.

Job Summary

Under general guidelines, this position provides administrative leadership and strategic oversight for all fire training programs within the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex. This position ensures compliance with the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training, manages personnel and resources, and develops partnerships with local and regional fire service agencies to advance training excellence and workforce development.

Responsibilities

• Direct oversight all Fire Academy programs, including recruit training, advanced certifications, and continuing education
• Ensure compliance with Florida Bureau of Firefighter Standards and Training requirements and college accreditation standards
• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate instructors, adjunct faculty, and support staff
• Manage program budget, equipment inventory, and facilities
• Develop, update, and assess curriculum to reflect current industry best practices and fire service standards
• Oversee student recruitment, admissions, orientation, and retention processes
• Promote partnerships with municipal and county fire agencies, statewide associations, and community stakeholders
• Enforce safety policies, procedures, and risk management measures during all training activities
• Represent the Fire Academy at college committees, professional associations, and public events
• Seek and manage grants or external funding to support program initiatives
• Complete all other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services, Public Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Must hold an active Fire Instructor (minimum level II) with the Florida Fire College or obtain certification within 6 months of hire
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards rules and regulations as well as the maintenance of fire training grounds and equipment
• Proven experience with curricula design and development as well as programs and courses affiliated with the Florida Fire College
• Knowledge of the mission, standards, and curriculum of the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) network
• Knowledge of fire training facility requirements per Florida standards
• Demonstrated experience monitoring budgets and managing purchases
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible fire service experience, including leadership and/or training roles
• Proficiency in organizing, mentoring, problem solving, motivating others, and prioritizing
• Demonstrated competence working with Microsoft Office and Windows based applications
• Demonstrated experience in recruiting, retaining, and placing students

Physical Demands

This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as light work involving lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially all of these activities. If someone can do light work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary work, unless there are additional limiting factors such as loss of fine dexterity or inability to sit for long periods of time.

Additional Expectations

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Additionally, all employees of the College are expected to maintain professional standards of communication, able to learn and apply new technology, and abide by all policies and procedures. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Compensation

Pay range starts at: $76,764.02. All salary calculations start at the minimum salary and will be based on candidate's education and experience. Open until filled.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage — Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Life insurance and Supplemental plans. PPO/HMO option with $50 per month for individual coverage and $180 per month for family coverage
• Retirement Plans — Florida Retirement System (FRS) and additional investment opportunities like tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans
• Generous Paid Time Off — vacation, personal, and sick leave
• Employee Discounts — exclusive discounts on various services, including tickets to popular attractions in the area
• Professional Growth Opportunities — meaningful projects and professional development opportunities with tools and support to reach your full potential