Public Education Coordinator

Join Our Team of Fire Service Professionals

The MTFPD is seeking a highly energetic, strongly motivated individual with a passion for working to protect our residents, businesses, and visitors from a wide variety of hazards and risks.

We are looking for someone who is ready for the challenge and rewards of planning, organizing, directing, and conducting a wide variety of community education programs to increase emergency preparedness and reduce community risk.

We are looking for a goal-oriented, think outside of the box professional that is ready to hit the ground running as the next Public Education Coordinator. This position will oversee and conduct a variety of programs, be involved in assisting residents with EMS issues, be part of our recruitment team, and actively involved in our upcoming Community Risk Reduction (CRR) process.

The Position and Ideal Candidate

The position provides the right candidate with an exciting opportunity to see the continued expansion of the Public Education Division to further increase emergency preparedness and reduce community risk. The District is seeking a community-oriented, collaborative professional who will work in conjunction with other members of the Public Education Division, department members, the public, schools and businesses and various other organizations.

Reporting to the Fire Chief, the Public Education Coordinator is a highly responsible professional position that plans, organizes, directs, and conducts the programs of the Public Education Division.

This position works a standard 40 hour week, Monday through Friday, with some occasional adjustment in hours based on programs and events.  This is an on-site position and does not have the option to work remotely.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Plans, organizes, directs, and conducts a wide variety of all-hazard community education programs to increase emergency preparedness and reduce community risk.  Examples include community risk assessment to identity at-risk populations, fire safety curriculum for schools and businesses, emergency preparedness, juvenile fire setters intervention, smoke alarms, and CPR training.
• Participates as a key staff person in the department’s Community Risk Reduction (CRR) program.
• Prepares and administers budget for assigned areas. Researches, implements, and manages grant projects.
• Recruits, trains, and supervises Public Education personnel.
• Prepares and issues public education/public relations materials including news releases, public service announcements, videos, and social media.
• Schedules and coordinates station tours, Open Houses, and other community interaction events.
• Performs a key role in the fire department’s recruitment activities including interaction with the high schools and community colleges.  Serves as a member of the department’s Recruitment and Retention Committee.
• Identifies resources and builds coalitions, working with a variety of agencies, to support public education and risk reduction efforts.
• Develops, coordinates, and conducts training programs for department personnel concerning techniques for the delivery of public education/CPR programs.
• Works in conjunction with the Fire Prevention Bureau on various emergency preparedness activities and programs.
• Conducts EMS related intervention activities with at risk residents including follow-up and referral services.  Coordinates with social service agencies. 
• Compiles information and prepares a variety of reports, proposals, and presentations on various fire safety, public education and related topics; analyzes statistical data.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and performs research to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in community risk reduction.
• Serves on committees and task groups as assigned by the Fire Chief.
• Other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.

Skills and Qualifications

This position requires the ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and procedures.  Ability to plan and organize daily work routine and establish priorities for the completion of work.  Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with the public, department members, and representatives of various organizations.

Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D. required.  Associates Degree in Education or Fire Science from a two year college or technical school is desired.  Proven work experience and knowledge can be substituted for college degree.

Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience teaching, providing instruction, or public speaking experience including class or program curriculum, fire and life safety education preferred.

Thorough knowledge of the educational techniques, methods, and procedures. Knowledge of modern training philosophies, practices, and techniques. General knowledge of the proper methods and techniques of researching, preparing and disseminating fire safety information.  General knowledge of juvenile counseling, assessment and referral techniques.

Computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Bilingual (Spanish) speaking and writing ability is a plus.

Valid Driver’s License and appropriate classification to operate passenger vehicles (position involves operating District owned passenger vehicle).

Other combinations of education and experience that demonstrate meeting these requirements may be submitted for consideration.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary range is $57,000 - $59,000 DOQ. A comprehensive benefits package includes participation in district funded 401a plan, optional 457 plan, health insurance including medical, dental, and vision coverage and life insurance. The District also offers paid vacation, personal leave, holidays, and sick leave. The District does not have a residency requirement for the Public Education Coordinator position.

Application and Selection Process

Interested and qualified applicants should go to the District website at www.mtfpd.org, select the “employment” tab and apply online and upload the required documents by Monday, May 23, 2022. Questions about this position may be directed to Fire Chief Rudy Horist at horistrudy@fire.mtfpd.org

The selection process will include a resume and qualifications review, formal interview, and classroom presentation.  Selected candidates will be contacted after May 23.  Please do not contact the District regarding the interview timeline. 

The selected candidate must also pass an extensive background check and drug testing.

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.