What are the responsibilities and job description for the Education and Training Instructional Program Coordinator - Contractor position at Department of Fire Services?
Description of Duties:
The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA), within the Department of Fire Services, provides fire training to Massachusetts municipal fire personnel. Currently, MFA has approximately 360 active courses and certifies to approximately 20 NFPA standard levels as accredited by ProBoard. MFA structures their training programs with relevant practical skills and critical application of NFPA standards and determined fire service training needs.
MFA is responsible for remaining relevant in all fire service curriculum as well as remaining aligned with current NFPA standards, ProBoard Accreditation practices, updated industry best practices, fire service trending data, code compliance and applicable legal requirements. This work is supported and delivered by contracted Instructors who are retired and or active MA firefighters as well as various curriculum resources that are vetted for recency, relevancy and academic excellence.
MFA is seeking a part-time contract Education and Training Coordinator applicant with extensive knowledge on fire service standards, content and certification. The individual would be a critical asset to the timely development of curriculum and work to update materials in a timely manner to match the demands of changing standards and industry needs. The applicant would work directly with the full time Educational Specialist to maintain the current MFA course catalogue and curriculum work as well as work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in content creation and editing. This applicant must have a passion for learning and excellence as we continue to grow our curriculum and training resources as well as our certification programs.
This is a part-time contract position without benefits.
- Under the leadership and direction of the supervising Educational Specialist, is responsible for the coordination of all aspects of a major training program at the MFA.
- Working with Educational Specialist, prepares annual budget and annual training objectives.
- Serves as the primary subject matter expert for the assigned program area.
- Responsible for the overall delivery of all deliveries in assigned program.
- Where applicable, submits required documentation for evaluation for credential credits and OEMS credits
- Monitors adherence to the annual budget as well as future forecasting for the program.
- Responsible for new program development as well as current program updates in accordance with current NFPA standards including curricula, instructional materials and student materials.
- Schedules course session and required information in the Learning Management System (LMS) including but not limited to: location, resources, instructors, crib support, lodging/hotel, course materials.
- Creates flyer for marketing distribution.
- Verifies and proofs all press releases for the PIO.
- Administers the selection of students for priority select courses.
- Functions in the capacity of Lead Instructor and/or day‐of logistical support.
- Researches, schedules and secures speakers, lecturers, subject matter experts, or any other key players/participants for their respective discipline as needed
- Acts as liaison between MFA and partner entities to deliver specific collaborative and comprehensive programs.
- Responsible for the maintaining and completing all course completion documentation paperwork, rosters, attendance records and score sheets.
- Communicates with certification branch to schedule closed exams and verify student course completion by submitting master rosters and completed score sheets as needed.
- Works with Staff Services to recruit and develop instructors for assigned program.
- Directs technical supervision of assistant coordinators and all instructors in assigned program.
- Helps develop new instructors through coaching, mentoring, teaching and guiding.
- On an annual basis evaluates all instructors that work in the program.
- Assigns and supervises the instructors who teach within the discipline to ensure quality and consistency.
- Maintains list of future class requests.
- Prepares and ensures all facilities, props and equipment are ready for use for the program deliveries.
- Accessible to students to reconcile or prevent student or classroom issues.
- Operates in accordance with the Standard Operating Policies of the Commonwealth, DFS and MFA.
- Actively participates in Coordinator meetings.
- May be assigned additional projects by MFA management
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must have a minimum of four years of relevant fire service or emergency service industry experience
- Must have completed Fire Instructor II course and been promoted to Fire Instructor II with the MFA
of instructional curriculum development and course delivery
- Fire Instructor II certification.
- Must have superior interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.
- Must be well organized and a team player.
- Must have a demonstrated work record to support the skills required.
- Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in fire sciences, education or related field or equivalent work experience.
- Knowledge of and experience in leading large projects aligned with outside standards, deadlines and or agency needs.
