Certification Program Specialist - Firefighter Training & Certification

State of Missouri; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Missouri seeks a Certification Specialist for the Fire Service Training and Certifications Programs. You will develop statewide curricula and coordinate certification processes to align with NFPA and national standards, while supporting instructors and evaluators across Missouri.

As a subject matter expert, you will manage documentation, reporting, and accreditation activities, engaging with fire departments and academic partners to ensure high-quality training outcomes.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited four-year high school, or equivalent, as required for employment.
• Five years of professional experience in a fire service environment or related training roles.
• IFSAC and/or ProBoard Fire Service Instructor Level I certification (required).
• + Must acquire Fire Service Instructor II within 12 months of employment.
• + Must acquire Live Fire Instructor-in-Charge within 12 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate statewide firefighter and emergency responder training and certification programs meeting NFPA standards.
• ,Coordinate course materials, exams, and evaluator assignments.
• Oversee exam validity and performance testing; maintain accreditation.
• Mentor and supervise instructors and evaluators; perform quality control audits.
• Provide technical guidance to fire service academies and colleges on programs and testing methodologies.
• Stay current on state and federal regulations affecting training and certification.
• Manage program records and annual reports to leadership and accrediting bodies.
• Engage stakeholders including fire departments and academic institutions.
• Assist with budget development for training equipment and facilities.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Curriculum development

Communication skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Office Suite

Adobe products

Job description

Job Summary – Why You’ll Love This Position

Since 1972, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety / Office of the State Fire Marshal has been the State of Missouri’s premier regulatory oversight and enforcement agency for Fire Investigations, Blaster licensing, Fire Inspections, Fire Safe Cigarettes program, Fireworks Permitting and Licensing, Elevator and Amusement Ride Safety, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety, and Firefighter Training and Certification. The Division provides direct services to over 25,000 first responders and over 51,000 businesses in Missouri, as well as indirect services to the 6.1 million residents and over 40 million visitors to the state each year.
Our vision is to work with Missouri’s First Responders and businesses to provide a safer environment for Missouri citizens and visitors by minimizing the threat of death, injury, and property loss. Our mission is to provide proactive statutory enforcement, regulatory oversight, and education to protect all lives and property from the devastation of fires, explosions, and life safety perils.
We value responsibility, integrity, professionalism, fairness, and dedication. The Division of Fire Safety is looking for someone who shares these values to join our training and certification unit team.
The Certification Specialist for the Fire Service Training and Certifications Programs is a seasoned professional responsible for developing, coordinating, and managing firefighter and emergency responder training and certification programs. This position ensures all curricula and testing align with state, national, and professional standards, including those from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The Certification Specialist provides technical expertise to instructors and evaluators, manages program documentation and reporting, and helps maintain the organization’s accreditation.

Job Description

• Curriculum and program development: Assist and advise in the development and coordination of statewide firefighter and emergency responder training and certification programs. Ensure training curricula and materials meet or exceed NFPA standards.
• Training and certification coordination: Coordinate the preparation, review, and administration of course materials, exams, and skills evaluations. Manage the process for approving and assigning instructors and evaluators.
• Quality assurance: Oversee the integrity and reliability of certification exams and performance testing. Evaluate test items and assessment tools to ensure validity and accuracy.
• Instructor management and mentorship: Train, mentor, and supervise program instructors and evaluators, ensuring consistent and high-quality course delivery. Conduct quality control audits of training sites, instructors, and exam evaluators.
• Technical expertise and guidance: Serve as a subject matter expert, providing technical guidance to fire service academies, colleges, and departments on training programs, certification processes, and testing methodologies.
• Regulatory compliance: Stay current on all relevant state and federal regulations, NFPA standards, and changes affecting firefighter training and certification. Implement changes to maintain compliance and accreditation.
• Administration and reporting: Manage and maintain extensive program records, including trainee files, course documentation, and certification status. Compile and submit all required reports to leadership and accrediting bodies.
• Stakeholder engagement: Act as a liaison and effectively communicate with internal staff and external stakeholders, including fire departments, academic institutions, and national fire service organizations. Represent the organization at meetings and conferences.
• Budget management: Assist with the development and oversight of program budgets related to training equipment, facilities, and personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited four-year high school, or, in lieu thereof, have obtained a certificate of equivalency from the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Five years of professional experience as a member of an organized fire department, including roles such as firefighter, instructor, inspector, officer, etc.
• Accredited IFSAC and/or ProBoard Fire Service Instructor Level I certification.
• Must acquire Fire Service Instructor II within 12 months of employment.
• Accredited IFSAC and/or ProBoard Live Fire Instructor certification.
• Must acquire Live Fire Instructor-in-Charge within 12 months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Public Administration, Business Management, or a related field. Significant, progressive experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Accredited IFSAC and/or ProBoard Fire Officer I (or higher).
• Chief Training Officer (CTO) credentials from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE)
• FEMA National Fire Academy course completion in Fire and Emergency Services Training Program Management

Additional Information

Lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as the sole basis for denying consideration to any applicant.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of all NFPA professional qualification standards, instructional methodologies, and curriculum development, particularly test item generation and validation.
• Demonstrated experience in program coordination and project management.
• Superior written communication skills for developing curriculum and policies.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills to effectively lead staff and communicate with stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Office Suite and Adobe products.
• The ability to work effectively in a high‑pressure, fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Physical Demands And Working Environment

• Standard office environment combined with frequent fieldwork in classroom and hazardous training environments.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with potential exposure to inclement weather, intense noise, and other hazards associated with fire training.
• Extensive travel statewide, nationally and internationally may be required to attend off‑site training, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
• May involve evening and weekend work to accommodate training schedules.

Additional Requirements

• Possess a valid Missouri driver’s license.

The salary indicated represents a base pay rate. If the individual selected or the position is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., shift, security, or years of service), it will be added to the total compensation in your paycheck. A pay differential does not raise your base pay.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and other offerings to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

Contact Details

[e-mail]