University of Missouri-Columbia
ARFF Program Specialist - Boone County, MO
University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, United States
MU TITLE
Extension Specialist LOCATION
Columbia, Missouri HIRE ORGANIZATION
The University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) provides training to volunteer and career firefighters, fire specialists, fire officers, and members of industrial and institutional fire brigades nationwide. POSITION OVERVIEW
The ARFF Program Specialist manages and coordinates the operational activities of MU FRTI’s nationally recognized Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) program and other specialized assignments. The role delivers grant, contract, and fee-based courses, seeks additional funding opportunities, and supervises full-time, part-time adjunct, and contract instructors. This is a 12‑month academic position with annual reappointment based on programmatic priorities, performance, and budget. The workload distribution is 90% Extension Teaching and 10% Traditional Service. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage and coordinate specialized ARFF training, plan, develop, and deliver training to meet fire and emergency service needs within available resources. Direct oversight of the ARFF Program budget within MU and Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) requirements and guidelines; oversee the operation, maintenance, and service of the $1.5 million Mobile Aircraft Fire Trainer (MAFT) simulator under the MODOT lease agreement. Initiate and prepare course funding contracts; collaborate with airports, ARFF agencies, and other entities on scheduling and conducting training programs in the central Midwest FAA region and beyond; provide state agency reports upon request. Follow Institute procedures to set‑up, schedule, and conduct courses, ensuring facilities, instructional resources, and timelines align with policy. Perform instructional duties using multiple teaching methods; supervise students during high‑hazard training scenarios; lead live‑fire and rescue training; coordinate assigned staff and adjunct instructors to achieve program goals. Develop lesson plans with objectives, outlines, materials, and instructional aids; create oral, written, and performance tests; administer tests; grade and process course paperwork in a timely manner. Set‑up, inspect, test, return to service all equipment and technical training devices; procure new or replacement equipment as required. Operate vehicles, technical training props, and simulator systems; perform driver operator duties for over‑the‑road transport of Institute equipment trailers; maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and meet DOT requirements. Compile and tabulate course data; provide monthly and annual reports to the MU FRTI Director; monitor trends and make recommendations. Coordinate meetings of instructors, recruit, select, train, and qualify additional specialized instructors as needed. Enforce MU FRTI, Extension, and University policies; recommend policy changes or additions. Maintain positive professional relationships with statewide, regional, and local fire service organizations to assist the Director in meeting program objectives. Perform general office duties: typing, data entry, filing, mailing, paperwork, and inquiries. Participate in continuing education activities to maintain and enhance knowledge and certifications. Perform other MU FRTI duties as assigned. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The Specialist must demonstrate the ability to perform, demonstrate, and lead students in firefighting and emergency response techniques as identified in NFPA standards 1001, 1003, and 1403. Extensive travel, frequent evening, and weekend work are required. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work activities occur in office, classroom, outdoor practical training areas, confined spaces, elevated areas, water environments, live fire, and other potentially hazardous settings. The Specialist uses and wears specialized personal protective clothing and equipment for firefighters, rescuers, hazardous materials, and industrial workers. MU EXTENSION INFORMATION
The MU Office of Extension and Engagement’s mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. For more information, visit
https://extension.missouri.edu/ . UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
The University of Missouri (MU), known as Mizzou and MU, is the flagship university of the four‑campus Missouri system. MU offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs and attracts more than 30,000 students annually. MU is centrally located in Columbia, MO, which is consistently ranked as one of America’s most livable cities. MU Extension programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city. LEADERSHIP RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
The Specialist reports to the MU FRTI Director and exercises functional supervision over specialized adjunct and contract instructors qualified in ARFF and other technical areas. Additional staff may be assigned as program needs change. QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum associate degree in a suitable field of study; a bachelor’s or master’s degree is preferred. Five years of fire and emergency service work experience in ARFF, with two years at a supervisory level. Current Missouri Fire Service Instructor II certification; certifications/credentials in technical aspects of ARFF; two years of experience delivering or teaching technical fire or ARFF courses; two years of experience in coordinating or supervising training programs for fire and/or emergency services. Obtain a Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (CDL‑A) within the first six months of employment. Valid driver’s license with a good driving record; ability to travel regularly. NET NATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
NFPA 1001: Levels I and II NFPA 1003 NFPA 1403: Live Fire Instructor NFPA 1521 Certified Training Officer (CPSE or ISFSI) Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, FAA NET TRAINING PROGRAMS
Training Program Management, National Fire Academy Incident Command System: I‑100, I‑200, I‑300, I‑400 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL ALSO DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING
Effective and innovative teaching strategies; ability to integrate new and emerging technology into teaching; effective listening, written, and oral communication including public speaking and presentation; organizational, interpersonal, problem‑solving, and collaborative leadership experiences; flexibility, resiliency, and the ability to operate with minimal guidance; positive outlook, high personal standard of excellence, and passion for MU Extension. ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE
Commensurate with education and experience. APPLICATION MATERIALS
Complete the brief online application and upload: Cover Letter Resume/CV Copies of all academic transcripts List of 3–5 references Questions regarding the online application process contact MUHR@missouri.edu or call 573.882.7976. For technical problems with the online application process contact Helpdesk@missouri.edu or call 573.882.5000. COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Columbia offers small‑town friendliness with big‑city features and a high quality of life. Located on I‑70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is near St. Louis and Kansas City and offers a variety of restaurants, entertainment, and festivals. Columbia is a good place to grow career, continue education, raise a family, and retire. BENEFIT ELEGIBILITY
This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers medical, dental, and vision plans; retirement; and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on benefits, visit
https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits/ . EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
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Extension Specialist LOCATION
Columbia, Missouri HIRE ORGANIZATION
The University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MU FRTI) provides training to volunteer and career firefighters, fire specialists, fire officers, and members of industrial and institutional fire brigades nationwide. POSITION OVERVIEW
The ARFF Program Specialist manages and coordinates the operational activities of MU FRTI’s nationally recognized Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) program and other specialized assignments. The role delivers grant, contract, and fee-based courses, seeks additional funding opportunities, and supervises full-time, part-time adjunct, and contract instructors. This is a 12‑month academic position with annual reappointment based on programmatic priorities, performance, and budget. The workload distribution is 90% Extension Teaching and 10% Traditional Service. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage and coordinate specialized ARFF training, plan, develop, and deliver training to meet fire and emergency service needs within available resources. Direct oversight of the ARFF Program budget within MU and Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) requirements and guidelines; oversee the operation, maintenance, and service of the $1.5 million Mobile Aircraft Fire Trainer (MAFT) simulator under the MODOT lease agreement. Initiate and prepare course funding contracts; collaborate with airports, ARFF agencies, and other entities on scheduling and conducting training programs in the central Midwest FAA region and beyond; provide state agency reports upon request. Follow Institute procedures to set‑up, schedule, and conduct courses, ensuring facilities, instructional resources, and timelines align with policy. Perform instructional duties using multiple teaching methods; supervise students during high‑hazard training scenarios; lead live‑fire and rescue training; coordinate assigned staff and adjunct instructors to achieve program goals. Develop lesson plans with objectives, outlines, materials, and instructional aids; create oral, written, and performance tests; administer tests; grade and process course paperwork in a timely manner. Set‑up, inspect, test, return to service all equipment and technical training devices; procure new or replacement equipment as required. Operate vehicles, technical training props, and simulator systems; perform driver operator duties for over‑the‑road transport of Institute equipment trailers; maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and meet DOT requirements. Compile and tabulate course data; provide monthly and annual reports to the MU FRTI Director; monitor trends and make recommendations. Coordinate meetings of instructors, recruit, select, train, and qualify additional specialized instructors as needed. Enforce MU FRTI, Extension, and University policies; recommend policy changes or additions. Maintain positive professional relationships with statewide, regional, and local fire service organizations to assist the Director in meeting program objectives. Perform general office duties: typing, data entry, filing, mailing, paperwork, and inquiries. Participate in continuing education activities to maintain and enhance knowledge and certifications. Perform other MU FRTI duties as assigned. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The Specialist must demonstrate the ability to perform, demonstrate, and lead students in firefighting and emergency response techniques as identified in NFPA standards 1001, 1003, and 1403. Extensive travel, frequent evening, and weekend work are required. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work activities occur in office, classroom, outdoor practical training areas, confined spaces, elevated areas, water environments, live fire, and other potentially hazardous settings. The Specialist uses and wears specialized personal protective clothing and equipment for firefighters, rescuers, hazardous materials, and industrial workers. MU EXTENSION INFORMATION
The MU Office of Extension and Engagement’s mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. For more information, visit
https://extension.missouri.edu/ . UNIVERSITY INFORMATION
The University of Missouri (MU), known as Mizzou and MU, is the flagship university of the four‑campus Missouri system. MU offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs and attracts more than 30,000 students annually. MU is centrally located in Columbia, MO, which is consistently ranked as one of America’s most livable cities. MU Extension programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city. LEADERSHIP RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
The Specialist reports to the MU FRTI Director and exercises functional supervision over specialized adjunct and contract instructors qualified in ARFF and other technical areas. Additional staff may be assigned as program needs change. QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum associate degree in a suitable field of study; a bachelor’s or master’s degree is preferred. Five years of fire and emergency service work experience in ARFF, with two years at a supervisory level. Current Missouri Fire Service Instructor II certification; certifications/credentials in technical aspects of ARFF; two years of experience delivering or teaching technical fire or ARFF courses; two years of experience in coordinating or supervising training programs for fire and/or emergency services. Obtain a Missouri Commercial Driver’s License (CDL‑A) within the first six months of employment. Valid driver’s license with a good driving record; ability to travel regularly. NET NATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
NFPA 1001: Levels I and II NFPA 1003 NFPA 1403: Live Fire Instructor NFPA 1521 Certified Training Officer (CPSE or ISFSI) Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, FAA NET TRAINING PROGRAMS
Training Program Management, National Fire Academy Incident Command System: I‑100, I‑200, I‑300, I‑400 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL ALSO DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING
Effective and innovative teaching strategies; ability to integrate new and emerging technology into teaching; effective listening, written, and oral communication including public speaking and presentation; organizational, interpersonal, problem‑solving, and collaborative leadership experiences; flexibility, resiliency, and the ability to operate with minimal guidance; positive outlook, high personal standard of excellence, and passion for MU Extension. ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE
Commensurate with education and experience. APPLICATION MATERIALS
Complete the brief online application and upload: Cover Letter Resume/CV Copies of all academic transcripts List of 3–5 references Questions regarding the online application process contact MUHR@missouri.edu or call 573.882.7976. For technical problems with the online application process contact Helpdesk@missouri.edu or call 573.882.5000. COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Columbia offers small‑town friendliness with big‑city features and a high quality of life. Located on I‑70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is near St. Louis and Kansas City and offers a variety of restaurants, entertainment, and festivals. Columbia is a good place to grow career, continue education, raise a family, and retire. BENEFIT ELEGIBILITY
This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers medical, dental, and vision plans; retirement; and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on benefits, visit
https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits/ . EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
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