Operations Manager - Fire and EMS

Job Category

Regular Management

FVTC Worksite

Public Safety Training Center (PSTC)

Hours Per Week

40

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Fox Valley Technical College celebrates diversity, supports equity and inclusiveness, and encourages individual expression in our workplace.

Job Description Summary

The Manager, Fire & EMS oversees the daily operations of Fire and EMS programs within the Public Safety Division, ensuring they meet the needs of local communities and Fire/EMS departments. This role provides leadership to faculty and staff, manages program budgets, and maintains strong stakeholder relationships.

The manager coordinates EMS and Fire safety programs, training facilities, mobile training units, and remote sites while ensuring compliance with policies and procedures. Engaging with industry experts, the manager stays informed on emerging trends, evolving technology, and state-mandated certifications. This position oversees state and national certification courses, monitors enrollment, assists in hiring and evaluating part-time faculty (including adjuncts and student interns), and manages the maintenance and repair of training facilities and equipment.

As the primary logistics contact for Fire & EMS training grounds, the manager ensures compliance with all state-mandated certifications and requirements. Responsibilities also include scheduling and course assignments in collaboration with the Academic Operations Specialist, maintaining program effectiveness, and aligning instruction with industry and regulatory standards.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Program Administration

• Oversee the organization and content of Fire and EMS programs, ensuring compliance with state and national requirements.
• Serve as the Fire Coordinator, Paramedic Program Director, and Clinical Coordinator to maintain program integrity and regulatory adherence.
• Ensure that instructors meet all necessary certification and training requirements.

Equipment & Facility Management

• Manage the logistics of training equipment, facilities, and mobile training units to ensure safe operations and compliance with industry standards.
• Oversee the maintenance, inspection, and safe use of Fire and EMS equipment, including the Burn Building, gas fields and props, fire apparatus, SCBA, ladders, pumps, emergency vehicles, and other training resources related to ARFF, Fire, and EMS.

Program Development & Curriculum Review

• Work closely with faculty, the Medical Director, local and county Fire Chiefs (attend Fire Chiefs meetings), and state/national agencies to ensure the curriculum remains current, competency-based, and aligned with WTCS and employer expectations.
• Research and integrate emerging best practices, training methods, and technology into program content.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with accreditation requirements, certification standards, and safety regulations (e.g., WI DHS. CoAEMSP, NFPA, IFSAC, OSHA, and WI SPS 330).
• Develop and implement systems to measure program effectiveness and use data for strategic planning.

Field Training & Clinical Site Development

• Establish and maintain agreements with healthcare providers and fire departments for student clinical/field training.
• Ensure an adequate number and variety of field training sites are available.

Instructor and Preceptor Training

• Develop and administer training for preceptors and adjunct faculty, ensuring consistency in evaluation tools and program expectations.
• Oversee instructor certification renewals and maintain compliance with state training requirements.

Student Performance & Certification Oversight

• Monitor student progress in achieving desired outcomes in clinical/field placements.
• Serve as the primary liaison for certification processes, National Testing (NTN), overseeing exams, proctoring tests, and verifying student completion.

Budget & Grant Management

• Assist in planning and managing capital and operational budgets. Administer and oversee grant funding for program development and training initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelors Degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Academic training and preparation related to emergency medical services and fire science.
• Minimum of two years of field experience in EMS and two years of experience in fire service.
• Minimum one year of experience in adult instruction and curriculum development (preferred).
• Fire & EMS instruction experience (preferred).
• Academic training and preparation related to emergency medical services at the EMT-Paramedic level or higher.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Certified in Wisconsin as Fire Officer Level 1, Firefighter Level 2, Driver-Operator Pumper and Aerial, and Hazardous Materials Operations.
• Ability to meet Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) certification requirements.
• Ability to meet Paramedic Program Director requirements.
• Wisconsin Emergency Services Instructor 2 certification (Fire Instructor 2) (preferred)
• Class A CDL with Combination Vehicle Endorsement (preferred).
• Valid Driver's License.
• Subject to FVTC's Motor Vehicle Records Check.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Fox Valley Technical College may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.
Work Environment:

• Work Location: Primarily in-person at Fox Valley Technical College - PSTC.
• Classroom & Training Grounds: Duties are performed both indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions, including daytime and nighttime hours.
• Virtual Work: Some tasks may be completed in a hybrid or remote setting.
• Training Conditions: Work may involve high-traffic areas during live training exercises and the use of live fire equipment, burn buildings, drafting ponds, gas fields, gas props, ARFF props, trenches, confined space equipment, ladders, and emergency vehicles.
• Flexibility: The work environment may change based on college needs.

Work environment may change based upon college needs.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting: This role requires extended periods of sitting while performing tasks and utilizing computer systems.
• Mobility: While much of the work is desk-based, occasional mobility may be necessary for attending meetings, office tours, or events within the workplace.
• Lifting and Carrying: The role requires occasional/continuous lifting and carrying of light to moderate items (include weight estimate).
• Climbing: Capability to climb stairs or ladders, if applicable to the job.
• Fine Motor Skills: This role may need precise hand movements or manual dexterity for activities such as writing on a whiteboard, demonstrating experiments, or using instructional technology like computers.
• Repetitive Motions: Capacity to perform repetitive motions, such as typing, without discomfort or injury.
• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with employees, candidates, and stakeholders, both in-person and through electronic means.
• Travel: Instructor position may require off-site teaching, fieldwork, or travel for professional development.
• Driving: Valid driver's license and ability to operate a vehicle.
• Other: Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Fire Protection Equipment as needed for the job.)

EOE/ADA Statement

Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) . In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), FVTC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Nothing in this job description limits managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time . The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed . The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position . The job description does not constitute an employment agreement or affect the at-will nature of the employment arrangement between the employee and company and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Additional Information

Pay Rate: $88,400 - $104,000 per year.
Pay is based on a multitude of factors, including experience, qualifications, education, relevant certifications, internal equity, and market data. Note: Internal applicants' wage will be based upon the applicable compensation guidelines.

At Fox Valley Technical College, we recognize employees as key contributors to our mission and are committed to fostering a culture of fairness, transparency, and excellence. Our total rewards philosophy ensures equitable compensation and benefits, supporting a highly engaged workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System and 403(b)/457 plan options. Employees enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, bereavement leave, and recess periods. We offer life and disability insurance, with options for additional coverage. Work-life balance is supported through flexible schedules or remote work options (for some positions) and wellbeing programs. Professional development opportunities include training, certifications, and tuition reimbursement. Additional perks at the Appleton Main Campus include an onsite health and wellbeing clinic, dental clinic, fitness center, Parent/Child Center (onsite child care), library, cafe, printing services, Trilogy Salon & Spa, and more.

Fox Valley Technical College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution, providing equal opportunity to all persons, including members of underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, females, veterans and individuals of all abilities.
For questions regarding the Colleges nondiscrimination policy, contact: Rayon Brown - rayon.brown6751@fvtc.edu (Affirmative Action), TitleIX@fvtc.edu (sex-based discrimination or harassment), or Dan Squires - daniel.squires3328@fvtc.edu (Disability related discrimination).