Fire Community Education Specialist

This is responsible paraprofessional work in the development and implementation of the Madison Fire Department’s Community Education, Community Outreach and Community Risk Reduction Program. The work is assigned within the Fire Prevention Division of the Madison Fire Department (MFD) and involves collaboration with fire department operations, prevention, emergency management, and public information. The development and implementation of programs will be driven by local data to address the current risks and hazards to which City of Madison residents are exposed.

Under the general supervision of the Fire Marshal, employees exercise judgment and discretion in the strategic implementation of assigned responsibilities.

Initial placement in the Fire Community Education Specialist 1 - 3 class series is determined for each hire based on their training and experience at time of hire.

This is entry level fire and life safety, and public and community education work. The work is initially performed under supervision, but employees are expected to work with increasing independence as they gain familiarity with related methodologies, techniques and processes.

This is journey level fire and life safety, and public and community education work characterized by a fully developed knowledge of the applicable methodologies, fire and life safety techniques and principles, fire codes, fire ground operations, media and public relations, educational methods and techniques, and other related procedures and techniques. The work is performed with significant independence and requires judgment and discretion in carrying out assigned activities.

This is advanced-level fire and life safety, and public and community education work and involves staff and program leadership and coordinative responsibilities. The work includes performing the more complex assignments and is characterized by programmatic responsibility.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

• Review local data to identify areas where training and education could improve safety, reduce injuries/death, and reduce the reliance on emergency response
• Evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of existing education programs
• Recommend, initiate and coordinate community public safety events
• Participate and coordinate with community partners with development and delivery of safety and prevention programs
• Responsible for the development and implementation of new fire and life safety training programs
• Provide community education on emerging hazards and trends to promote awareness and resiliency.

• Educate and prepare MFD members on fire and life safety curriculum, delivery techniques, and consistent messaging
• Represent the City in the development of regional drills and exercises and participate in such drills
• Maintain and update knowledge of fire causes, deaths and injury statistics on a local, regional, and national level
• Identify a wide array of community risks and factors based on data and fact
• Maintain knowledge and skills on contemporary educational and teaching methods

• Participate in the Occupant Services Unit on-call rotation
• Assist the Public Information Officer in responding to requests for information from the media, public, or others
• Present fire and life safety messages on-air in the studio or in the field for both radio and TV
• Prepare news releases, flyers, brochures, information packets and public service announcements to media, external agencies and the public.

• Write grant submittals for funding
• Recommend goals and objectives for the community education unit
• Prepare…