Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Fire Protection Technology Program Specialist

  • Title: Fire Protection Technology Program Specialist
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Level: 3

Job Summary

Under the direction of management and in collaboration with faculty and staff, the Fire Protection Program Specialist is responsible for developing and coordinating the fire skills academies and related activities; reporting and ensuring PCC’s educational and testing services and record keeping are in compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), Oregon Occupational Safety and Health statutes and other related state statutes; and for coordinating the work of the Fire Protection program’s Instructional Support Technicians, (including facilities and equipment maintenance, inventory and tracking of all equipment and supplies). Acts as a point of contact and liaison for the Fire Protection Technology Program.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collects information, maintains accurate records, and completes reports to ensure program adherence to NFPA codes and standards.
  • Coordinates and supports all IFSAC responsibilities, including developing certification exams, attending meetings, accreditation reports and site visits, inspections, certification testing protocols and ensuring compliance with IFSAC certification and accreditation requirements for both the FP program and the College.
  • Serves as PCC’s International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) liaison and voting member.
  • Participates in state consortium and advisory committees as a representative of PCC’s FP program.
  • Works closely with faculty and staff in course planning, scheduling, curricula, budgeting, and the overall development of the Fire Protection program.
  • Assists with developing and enhancing course content guides, ensuring material meets NFPA professional qualification standards.
  • Prepares, coordinates and provides oversight of course materials, setup of lab environments and Fire Skills Academies.
  • Assists faculty and staff with both FP dual credit courses and apprenticeships.
  • Collaborates with outside organizations and agencies in recruitment and outreach efforts for the program. Assists with community outreach, recruitment, and employment activities.
  • Coordinates facilities and equipment maintenance. Ensures equipment is current and operational and that expendables are of sufficient quantity to meet the needs of the program. Troubleshoots and makes recommendations for purchases of additional/replacement equipment and/or supplies as needed.
  • Coordinates the work of the instructional support techs, including inventory tracking, contracts, and ordering supplies and/or equipment.
  • Participates in hiring, scheduling, and supervising casual, student employees and work study students.
  • Assists with and can instruct and/or sub for Fire Protection classes as needed.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a variety of settings, including an office; outdoors during drill activities, off-site at regional fire academies and in a live fire training environment. Ability to provide own transportation to and from campuses and/or offsite functions may be required. Work hours may vary from term to term; including some remote work, evenings, and weekends.

Physical Requirements

May require physical effort such as lifting and handling of fire hose, fire equipment and other equipment that weighs more than fifty pounds. Often requires extended walking and standing outdoors, off-site and in inclement weather.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Degree in Fire Protection, Emergency Services, Public Administration, or related field from an accredited institution. Five years of experience as a firefighter, fire officer and/or training officer with emergency response experience.

Additionally, this position requires the following:

  • IFSAC, ProBoard, or State of Oregon DPSST FF II certification or equivalent.
  • IFSAC, ProBoard, or State of Oregon DPSST Instructor I certification or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • NFPA professional qualification standards and other NFPA standards that apply to fire service education and training;
  • IFSAC Procedures and regulations for firefighter testing and certification;
  • Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) nationally recognized standard curriculum;
  • Program coordination principles and practices;
  • Computers and applicable programs and software;
  • Safe operational procedures.
Skills in:
  • Handling multiple priorities simultaneously;
  • Safely conducting operational procedures related to emergency response, PPE, SCBA, Fire Attack, live fire training, emergency driving and apparatus operation;
  • Identifying and resolving problems;
  • Program evaluation and continuous program improvement.
Ability to:
  • Practice strong time management;
  • Coordinate multiple projects concurrently and work with minimum guidance and direction;
  • Communicate effectively, professionally, and timely in oral and written forms;
  • Maintain proficiency (especially in NFPA and IFSAC) through training, professional development, attending meetings, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility, which may require travel.
  • Work effectively with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff, and third-party contractors.

Revised: 5/2023

  • Reviewed: 12/2018
  • New: 12/2007