Firefighting Programs Operations Administrator - Fire Service Institute

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Job Title: Firefighting Programs Operations Administrator - Fire Service Institute

Company Name:	University of Illinois
Location:	Urbana, IL
Position Type:	Full Time
Post Date:	04/17/2026
Expire Date:	05/17/2026
Job Categories:	Education, Collegiate Faculty, Staff, Administration

Job Description

Firefighting Programs Operations Administrator - Fire Service Institute
<h2 style="text-align: center">Firefighting ProgramsOperations Administrator - Fire Service Institute</h2><h3 style="text-align: center">Illinois Fire Service Institute</h3>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 ProgramsOperations 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 OperationsFirefighter Academy, Industrial, Live-Fire Instructor, and Acquired StructureBurn Programs requiring knowledge about IFSI courses, IFSI training execution,and live-fire operations.  The FFPOAsupervises program staff and ensures that all curriculum, testing, andcertification requirements are met. The FFPOA also verifies that propertraining facilities, props, equipment, and inventory are properly requested,secured, and prepared to support course deliveries.Duties and Responsibilities:<ul><li>Support the Assistant Directorof Firefighting (ADFF) to lead and supervise the Basic Operations FirefighterAcademy,  Industrial, Live-fireInstructor, and Acquired Structure Burn Programs.</li><li> Support the ADFF in the planning and budgetdevelopment process. </li><li>Assist in administering the equipment andpersonal protective equipment replacement program for the Firefighting programsand assist with purchases, coordinating with the ADFF and the Senior AssociateDirector of Academic Operations (SADAO).</li><li>Collaborate with IFSI leadership on programvision, goals, and long-term development strategies.</li><li>Implement and enforce all IFSI Policies andProcedures.</li><li>Conduct site visits prior to classdeliveries, prepare and reset training sites, classrooms, and hands-onenvironments before and after delivery.</li><li>Plan and organize courseexecutions with IFSI On-site Operations that require the coordinated use of theIFSI training grounds, props, tools, and equipment.</li><li>Identify, recruit, train, and mentor a cadreof qualified instructors for program delivery.</li><li>Review and approve all time and travelrequests for program instructors and staff.</li><li>Maintain accurate records, including classschedules, payroll, travel documentation, and course grades.</li><li>Coordinate and complete FFPOA instructorcadre required fit testing.</li><li>Quality Control and Lead Instructorcompletion of the following required documentation daily for Industry:<ul><li>IFSI Accountability Form – Daily Training</li><li>Live-fire and non-fire Training SafetyBriefing Procedure</li><li>Burn Log Entry</li><li>Prop Safety Analysis Form</li><li>Live-Fire Training Ground Demob Procedure</li><li>As needed:  Student or Instructor Injury Report<ul><li>Preliminary Inquiry for Injury orUnusual Incident Form</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Serve as the point of contactfor all questions about the IFSI resident Academy and continue to buildrelationships with new and existing fire departments.</li><li>Coordinate and plan the Academy Graduationwith Class Support and Marketing.</li><li>Academy Instructor scheduling,coordination, development, providing curriculum access, and Train the Traineropportunities for new Instructors.</li><li>Communicate with the Academy Lead(Operations Chief) before, during, and after each day of the Academy execution.</li><li>Ensure completion of daily Burn Log.</li><li>Oversee all aspects of the IndustrialProgram, including planning, coordination, and execution of courses.</li><li>Communicate and coordinate with theIndustry class leads before, during, and after courses to ensure qualityassurance of class execution.</li><li>Coordinate with Regional Representativesand the ADFF to ensure completion and documentation of the execution of IFSI'sLive Fire Training Program - online components, schedule delivery of thehands-on training, and ensure candidates complete and record the required NFPA1403 task book requirements.</li><li>Review and recommend updates to IFSIpolicies to support and maintain a risk-mitigated training environment duringfirefighting and live-fire training operations.</li><li>Revise and maintain the Acquired StructureBurn Instructor online training course.</li><li>Revise and maintain the Acquired StructureBurn packet.</li><li>Manage Acquired Structure Burn Team toinclude task book completion, online training completion, and maintainqualification list.</li><li>Implement and manage Live-fire Instructorand Live-fire Instructor-in-Charge Program, integrating into existing live-firedeliveries. </li><li>Participate as an IFSI FixedFacility and Props Working Group member to design and plan new props andexisting prop maintenance and improvements. The ADFF is responsible for seekingapproval from the Director and SADAO for new and significant prop renovationand maintenance.</li><li>Oversee the inventory management of thetools, equipment, trailer, and apparatus inventory within the FFPOA programs.Maintain an inventory of capital and non-capital program supplies/equipment.<ul><li>Oversee and maintain the IFSI inventoryas required by IFSI Policy and Procedures.</li><li>Work with the IFSI Resource OperationsSpecialist to maintain IFSI inventory and update RMS props, tools, andequipment content.</li><li>Complete within RMS:<ul><li>Request classrooms, training props,and equipment.</li><li>Coordinate and ensure the use of RMS.</li><li>Purchase Request and PCard purchases– order materials and supplies.</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Coordinate the completion of the FFPOA'scurriculum, testing, and certification projects with CTC.</li><li>Revise and maintain curriculum for bothin-person and online formats for the FFPOA program.</li><li>Maintain existing and build newrelationships with IFSI partners.</li><li>Ensure the proper use and completion HRApp, Policy Acknowledgements, and UIUC annual training.</li><li>Study trade-relatedpublications to maintain a complete and current knowledge of the latest programand fire service trends.</li><li>Assist in the planning and delivery ofschools and programs, e.g., Fire College, Cadet/Explorer, and Winter FireSchool/various regional programs.</li><li>Serve on various Institute, University,State, and National committees or organizations of a technical, advisory, oradministrative nature. Develop the annual budget for course requests involvingassigned courses, e.g., Industry, Contract courses, etc.</li><li>May operate Illinois Fire Service Institutevehicles to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies to training locationsand program activities as needed.</li></ul> <h4>Qualifications:</h4>Required:<ol><li>Bachelor’s degree.</li><li>A total of eight (8) years(96 months) in education, training and/or work experience in firefightertraining academies, industrial firefighter training, and/or acquired structuretraining burn procedures and set up.</li><li>Basic Firefighter orFirefighter II OSFM certification.</li><li>Advanced TechnicianFirefighter or Firefighter III OSFM certification.</li><li>Instructor I and InstructorII OSFM certification.</li><li>Possession of valid driver’s license at the time ofhire.</li></ol>Preferred:<ol><li>Masters Degree.</li><li>At least 20 years ofemployment with IFSI.</li><li>Experience with IFSI and itsprograms, systems, processes, procedures, policies, curriculum development,testing, and certification process.</li><li>Solid understanding and useof IFSI's Processes, Procedures, Resource Management system, budget creationand management, and curriculum project management.</li><li>Demonstrated a record ofperformance, positive attitude, and ability to work well with all programleadership.</li></ol><h4>Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:</h4><ol><li> Strong organizational and leadership skills, with experience supervising staff.</li><li> Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.</li><li> Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association fire service standards.</li><li>Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.</li><li>Familiarity with curriculum development and design.</li><li>Ability and knowledge to immediately addresses any safety concerns during training and mitigates risks.</li><li>Ability to work well with all program leadership</li></ol><h4>Appointment Information</h4>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 <a href="https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx</a>.<h4>Application Procedures & Deadline Information</h4>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 <a href="https://jobs.illinois.edu" style="font-family: "Segoe UI"">https://jobs.illinois.edu</a> 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, kerib@illinois.edu. 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.<a href="https://makeitcu.com/" title="https://makeitcu.com/">Champaign-Urbana</a>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 <a href="https://go.illinois.edu/workatillinois">eligible for benefits</a>. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.<hr> 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 <a href="https://go.uillinois.edu/noticesandposters" target="_blank">Required Employment Notices and Posters</a> to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through <a href="https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf" target="_blank">E-Verify</a>.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 <a href="http://go.illinois.edu/accommodationportal" title="http://go.illinois.edu/accommodationportal">reasonable accommodation portal</a>, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or <a title="mailto:accessibility@illinois.edu">accessibility@illinois.edu</a>.<hr> Requisition ID: 1034885 Job Category: Professional and Administrative Apply at: <a href="https://jobs.illinois.edu">https://jobs.illinois.edu</a>

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University of Illinois

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https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/16483?c=illinois

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