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Director of Fire and Rescue Training Institute - Columbia, MO

University of Missouri-Columbia
United States, Missouri, Columbia
801 Conley Avenue (Show on map)
Oct 06, 2026
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Job ID
61255
Location
Columbia
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
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Hiring Department

University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement

University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute

Job Description

MU TITLE: Extension Specialist

LOCATION: Columbia, Missouri

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement's distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable faculty and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians including: educational attainment; environmental concerns; community, economic, business and workforce development; global food systems; and health systems. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit https://extension.missouri.edu.

The University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute provides continuing education and training, throughout Missouri and nationally, to volunteer and career firefighters, fire specialists, fire officers, members of industrial and institutional fire brigades, and members of allied emergency services organizations and agencies.

As an Extension Specialist, your workload distribution at appointment will be 20% Extension Teaching, 20% Traditional Service and 60% Administrative Activity.

This is a 12-month academic position with reappointment annually based upon programmatic priorities, performance, and department budget.

This appointment is renewable annually at the discretion of the University and workload distribution may change at the discretion of Extension leadership. Circumstances affecting continued employment include, but are not limited to, work performance, fund availability, and educational priorities.

Position Overview

The position performs the duties of the Director of the University of Missouri Extension's Fire and Rescue Training Institute, an accredited Institute of the University of Missouri. This position is responsible for the administration and management of the Institute and all related activities and programs. Following the University's extension outreach model, the Institute serves the training and educational needs of fire and emergency service responders in Missouri and beyond. This position interacts with state and national organizations and agencies and oversees the delivery of a diverse range of training programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for budget development and meeting operational needs and cost recovery requirements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the Fire and Rescue Training Institute, which is an accredited Institute of the University of Missouri, within MU Extension. Determine program goals and develop plans for the Institute in concert with those of Extension and the University.
  • Responsible for the operations of the Fire and Rescue Training Institute including the development of policies and procedures related to the planning, program development, coordination, budgeting and evaluation of programs, and related activities.
  • Coordinate with the Fire and Rescue Training Institute Advisory Council to provide requested information and review recommendations for implementation from the Council relevant to planning, operations, programming, and operational guidelines.
  • Analyze work requirements and determine appropriate staffing mix, equipment, facilities, and resources needed to accomplish objectives. Determine funding resource needs. Develop and implement plans to generate or obtain necessary funding and effectively utilize resources. The director is responsible for maintaining a balanced budget.
  • Direct the review and evaluation of Institute programs and activities for efficiency of operation, consistency with approved policies and procedures, and effectiveness in meeting program goals. Direct the implementation of changes in operations, policy, or program goals to correct deficiencies.
  • Oversee Institute program activities with other University departments and with outside agencies. Serve as the University's principal liaison on fire related training and education matters with state, regional and national organizations, agencies, and entities.
  • Ensure programming (course delivery) meets all local, state, or national standards, as applicable, and delivery models are reviewed to ensure the safety of all participants. The training of emergency responders involves high-hazard, high-risk situations and the utmost priority shall be the safety of all participants.
  • Maintain a positive professional relationship with statewide, regional, and local advisory groups and associations, Missouri fire departments and fire protection districts, county and local government agencies, industrial groups, educational organizations, national, and regional and state professional organizations to achieve cooperation and assistance in meeting University and Institute program objectives, and to facilitate the exchange of information.
  • Participate in and contribute expertise to state, regional, and national professional fire service training organizations as appropriate.
  • Administer the affairs of the Institute in accordance with good business practices and within the University's and Extension's policies and procedures. Maintain a positive work environment.
  • Recruit professional faculty and staff and make recommendations for employment to supervisor and Extension Administration.
  • Maintain the quality and relevancy of programs, courses, conferences, workshops, and seminars offered statewide.
  • Prepare reports, summaries, and analyses as needed or requested.
  • Responsible for maintaining high ethical standards within the Institute.
  • Perform other Extension and University duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

This position reports directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Extension & Engagement.

This position exercises broad managerial and leadership direction and supervision over the activities of the Fire and Rescue Training Institute. The position directly supervises program managers and coordinators, support assistants and temporary professionals of MU FRTI. Oversight management of support staff and Adjunct Faculty. Oversight of fiscal operations related to the Institute's budget in coordination with a central fiscal unit within Extension.

CORE ATTRIBUTES FOR MU EXTENSION FACULTY AND STAFF

Exhibit a high personal standard of excellence, be an effective team player, and demonstrate civility and respect for all.

Engage stakeholders and learners, maintain positive interpersonal relationships, and exhibit effective written and oral communication skills.

Operate with minimal guidance and be a self-directed learner who is flexible and adaptable to changing environments.

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou and MU, is the Flagship University of the four-campus University of Missouri System. It is one of the state's land-grant universities. MU's comprehensive undergraduate programs and its graduate, professional, and research programs attract an annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students. MU Extension and Engagement programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city.

Qualifications

Earned bachelor's degree in course of related study at time of appointment.

A minimum of five years fire and emergency service active work experience.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

Years of leadership experience with a state level fire training program or equivalent experience.

National or state Fire Service Instructor certifications, Chief Fire Officer or Chief Training Officer designation, other technical fire service and emergency medical service certifications.

Anticipated Hiring Range

This position offers a minimum starting salary of $90,000, with the final salary determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Application Materials

Complete the brief online application and be prepared to upload:

* Cover Letter

* Resume/CV

* Copies of all unofficial academic transcripts, and

* a list of 3-5 references

For 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.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

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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