Director, Fire & Rescue Services

Wake Tech; Raleigh, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Tech in Raleigh, NC seeks a Director of Fire & Rescue Services to provide strategic leadership, development, and oversight of simulation-based training for Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management.

This role designs high-impact programs that meet certification standards, collaborates with regional agencies, manages budgets, mentors instructors, and drives innovation in live, virtual, and scenario-based training environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Safety, or related field.
• Minimum five years in Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Services with supervisory experience.
• NC Fire Fighter Level 1 & 2 certification or equivalent.
• Experience delivering training in public safety environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight for simulation-based training development and delivery.
• Design curricula aligned with certification standards and regulatory bodies.
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and cost control.
• Supervise instructors and simulation personnel; mentor staff.
• Collaborate with regional agencies to align training with workforce needs.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and safety regulations.
• Develop realistic training scenarios to enhance decision-making and teamwork.
• Oversee scheduling, logistics, and operation of simulation labs and facilities.
• Review course materials and methods; deliver instruction as needed.
• Lead program evaluation and reporting for accreditation and institutional assessment.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Staff supervision

Instructional design

Stakeholder collaboration

Project management

Public safety knowledge

Data reporting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Data reporting systems

Job description

Pay Grade: Manager 6

The Director of Fire & Rescue Services provides strategic leadership, development, and oversight of simulation-based training programs in Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management. This position is responsible for designing and managing innovative, high-impact training environments that align with certification standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

The Director collaborates with regional emergency service agencies to ensure training programs meet evolving workforce needs, enhance operational readiness, and promote safety across the public safety community.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

• Provides strategic oversight for the development and implementation of simulation-based training, including live, virtual, and scenario-driven environments
• Designs and manages comprehensive training programs aligned with North Carolina Fire & Rescue Commission standards and other applicable regulatory bodies
• Designs, implements, and continuously updates simulation-based curricula, including certification courses and advanced training programs
• Develops and manages program budgets, including forecasting, resource allocation, and cost control
• Supervises training staff, adjunct instructors, and simulation personnel
• Serves as the primary liaison between the college and fire, rescue, and emergency service agencies
• Administers delivery agency requirements for certification programs and ensures compliance with accreditation standards
• Develops realistic training scenarios that enhance decision‑making, teamwork, and emergency response capabilities
• Oversees scheduling, logistics, and operation of simulation labs, training grounds, and specialized instructional environments
• Reviews and approves course materials, lesson plans, and instructional methods
• Delivers instruction as needed in both traditional and simulation-based formats
• Integrates emerging technologies and innovative training methodologies into program delivery
• Provides leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for instructional staff
• Conducts performance evaluations, classroom observations, and simulation audits to ensure quality and consistency
• Ensures adherence to accountability and credibility standards through course visits and instructional review
• Maintains strong professional relationships with local, state, and regional stakeholders
• Collaborates with agencies to assess training needs and develop customized simulation solutions
• Represents the college at professional meetings, advisory boards, and industry events

Compliance, Safety, and Risk Management

• Ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, certification standards, and safety regulations
• Establishes and enforces safety protocols for simulation environments and training activities
• Conducts regular inspections of training facilities, equipment, and simulation systems
• Oversees risk management procedures to ensure safe and effective training delivery
• Oversees procurement, maintenance, and inventory of simulation equipment and training tools
• Implements cost‑effective strategies to maximize program efficiency without compromising quality
• Reviews and maintains service agreements for equipment and facilities
• Collects, analyzes, and maintains data on training effectiveness, participation, and outcomes
• Produces reports for accreditation, compliance, and institutional assessment
• Uses data and stakeholder feedback to continuously improve training programs and simulation effectiveness
• Ensures accurate and timely submission of required documentation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with demonstrated ability to manage instructional teams
• Extensive knowledge of Fire & Rescue Commission certification programs and standards
• Familiarity with simulation-based training tools, technologies, and instructional design principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data reporting systems
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving capabilities
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships with public safety stakeholders
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, faculty, agencies, and the public

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Public Safety, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Fire, Rescue, or Emergency Services, including Fire Officer Level supervisory experience
• Certification as a North Carolina Fire Fighter Level 1 and Level 2
• Experience delivering training in a public safety or emergency services environment
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferences

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience with Public Safety UAV/UAS programs; simulation-based training technologies and methodologies
• Community college or workforce training experience
• Experience developing or delivering online or hybrid training programs
• Emergency Management experience
• Hold multiple Instructor Certifications

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