Lab Assistant (Fire Science)

Kansas City Kansas Community College.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Kansas City Kansas Community College is seeking a Lab Assistant for the Fire Science department. This part-time role involves supporting instructors and helping students master firefighting skills while handling equipment maintenance and ensuring safety practices.

The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma and relevant fire service experience, with certifications obtainable within six months. The position requires a variable schedule of approximately 10 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Ability to demonstrate firefighting techniques.
• Experience in fire service or academy training.
• Effective communication with diverse individuals.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance during Fire Academy courses.
• Document student performance and skills.
• Monitor and enforce safety practices.

Skills

Knowledge of firefighting techniques

Ability to lift up to 100 lbs

Effective communication skills

Coaching skills in hazardous materials response

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Firefighter I and II Certifications

Job description

Lab Assistant (Fire Science)

Job Classification

Pay grade level: N/A
Compensation: $22.00 per hour
Employee category: Part-time Staff
Department: Fire Science
Reports to: Associate Professor of Fire Science
FLSA status: Non-Exempt
Job Code: AA052PTNLAB
Location: Primarily Main Campus, but any other college location as assigned by the appropriate administrator

Summary

The Fire Science Lab Assistant supports instructional staff by helping students acquire and master practical, hands‑on firefighting and hazardous materials skills. This role is also responsible for routine preventive maintenance, inventory tracking, and the setup of all academy equipment, apparatus, and training props.

This is a POOL position. Application materials for this position are accepted on an on‑going basis.

Position Description

• Provide technical guidance to students in the performance of specific educational tasks during Fire Academy courses.
• Observe and document student performance of assigned firefighting and hazardous materials skills and training evolutions.
• Ensure strict safety practices are always followed by students.
• Adhere to and enforce all required safety procedures during live fire evolutions.
• Monitor student use of college-owned turnout gear, SCBA, and equipment; promptly report malfunctioning, damaged, or worn equipment needing repair or replacement.
• Perform monthly maintenance checks on all training equipment and apparatus.
• Maintain accurate inventories of all academy equipment and tools.
• Enforce all rules, regulations, and institutional guidelines set forth by the program, KCKCC, and governing external agencies.
• Set up, tear down, and maintain practical skills stations for training exercises.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor or lead instructor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and ability to demonstrate and coach proper techniques in firefighting and hazardous materials response.
• Ability to regularly lift, carry, and maneuver equipment or objects weighing up to 100 lbs. under fireground training conditions.
• Ability to effectively communicate, support, and instruct individuals from multicultural backgrounds and varying skill levels.
• Ability to maintain a supportive, patient, and fair learning environment while objectively evaluating student competencies and providing constructive feedback.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Certifications: Currently have or the documented ability to obtain them within six months of hire
  • Firefighter I (IFSAC)
  • Firefighter II (IFSAC)
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Hazardous Materials Operations
• Three (3) to five (5) years of volunteer or career fire service experience (a combination of academy training time and field experience is acceptable).

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate of Fire Science Degree.
• Six (6) or more years of volunteer or career fire service experience (a combination of academy training time and field experience).

Working Conditions

In performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, talk, hear, walk, and sit. Occasionally, the employee may need to push or lift items. Reasonable accommodation can be provided to assist individuals with disabilities in performing the essential functions of the role.

Work Schedule

10 hours per week, or 20 hours every other week, during workdays and weekends. Must be able to work a variable schedule/hour to meet operational needs per job description. Work a minimum of 45 hours per semester to continue employment.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor. This job description may be revised upon development of other duties and changes in responsibilities.

KCKCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer