Driver Operator Program Coordinator

Position Overview

The Driver Operator Program Coordinator reports to the Firefighter Training Program Manager and provides coordination, instructional support, and program oversight for designated driver/operator training programs at the Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI). This position is responsible for coordinating course requests, scheduling training deliveries, supporting instructors, updating curriculum, and assisting with course development and revision to ensure high‑quality driver/operator education is delivered across the state of Kansas.

This portfolio includes Apparatus Driver Operator Pumper, Apparatus Driver Operator Aerial, and Mobile Water Supply Operations programs and may include other related driver/operator training courses.

This position serves as a key point of contact for Kansas fire departments, instructors, and stakeholders seeking driver/operator training and support. The coordinator works closely with KFRTI managers, coordinators, instructors, and logistics personnel to ensure efficient course delivery, sound resource use, and adherence to Institute standards. This position also provides direct instruction for selected courses, participates in train‑the‑trainer efforts, and assists with the continued development of instructional capacity within assigned program areas.

As a State Fire Training organization and the State Certification Entity for Kansas, Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI) is expected to help lead change in the fire service through training and credentialing, including National Certification. Employees of KFRTI must demonstrate a customer‑friendly attitude, flexibility, and a strong desire to help the Kansas fire service as well as continue to improve their own training and education.

The Kansas Fire & Rescue Training Institute is a unit of KU Jayhawk Global, housed on the Lawrence campus. The Institute was created by the Kansas legislature to train Kansas firefighters in 1949. The Institute serves fire departments and firefighters through a “traveling instruction service” that provides 500 training events per year potentially reaching every community and every county in Kansas.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.

Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities!

• Accept and coordinate training requests from Kansas fire departments and private sector clients related to driver/operator training programs.
• Coordinate training dates, locations, and delivery details with host departments, fire service personnel, and other clients.
• Coordinate the use of contract instructors for course deliveries with Manager and Assistant Director approval.
• Select the most appropriate use of personnel, equipment, and other resources while managing costs effectively.
• Identify, select, train, coordinate, and authorize pay and travel reimbursement for part‑time instructors within assigned training programs.
• Coordinate apparatus, props, equipment delivery, and logistics support with the Logistics Program Manager.
• Identify courses requiring direct instructional support from KFRTI full‑time staff.
• Serve as lead instructor for selected Driver Operator training events and provide direct oversight of part‑time instructors when appropriate.
• Manage all aspects of assigned course deliveries, including costs, supervision, classroom presentations, practical skills training, driving exercises, pumping evolutions, and proper use of equipment and apparatus.
• Cross‑train and instruct in multiple programmatic areas as assigned, including Driver Operator Pumper, Driver Operator Aerial, Mobile Water Supply Operations, and other related…