Operations Manager, Fire, Emergency, Outdoor Sciences

The Operations Manager for Fire, Emergency, and Outdoor Sciences provides strategic and operational leadership for Fire Science Technology, Emergency Management, Outdoor Education, and Park Ranger Technology programs within a dynamic academic environment. This position oversees department-wide operations supporting classroom, laboratory, field-based, and high-risk instructional activities, ensuring operational readiness, regulatory compliance, risk management, equipment oversight, accreditation support, and student certification tracking. The Operations Manager coordinates complex scheduling, logistics, purchasing, vendor and agency partnerships, fleet and equipment management, and field permitting while maintaining compliance with institutional, state, federal, NFPA, OSHA, DFPC, and land management agency requirements. The role also supports student success initiatives through advising coordination, internship partnerships, career events, and operational support for credential and degree pathways. Additionally, the position supervises office support staff and student employees, manages records and accreditation documentation, and serves as a key liaison among faculty, students, external agencies, employers, and community partners. Work is primarily performed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening, weekend, field-based, and off-site work required to support training operations, events, and partner activities. This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt position. This position has been exempted from the State Classified System. Top Three Characteristics of a Successful Candidate: Exceptional Operational and Organizational Leadership Strong Risk Management and Compliance Focus Collaborative Communication and Relationship Building Skills Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of higher education operations, including administrative processes, academic policies, and compliance requirements. Ability to coordinate complex schedules and logistics across classroom, laboratory, field, and high-risk training environments. Familiarity with student information and records systems (e.g., Banner, DegreeWorks, Cognos) and training/certification systems (e.g., DFPC RMS). Working knowledge of risk management practices in field-based and emergency services training environments; ability to apply safety standards and protocols. Understanding of procurement, contracting, invoice processing, and audit-ready documentation practices. Strong record management and documentation skills, including creation of manuals, forms, and process workflows. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to support students, faculty, and external partners with clear, accurate information. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat for documentation and electronic workflows. Ability to foster collaboration across internal departments and external agencies to support program outcomes and operational readiness. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Outdoor Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, or related field. Minimum of three (2) years of experience in program operations, logistics, records management, or administrative coordination in applied, high-risk, or public safety environments. Demonstrated experience with data/records tracking, report generation, and compliance documentation. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required. This position involves regular travel to off-site locations, meetings, or partner facilities. Substitution: A combination of education and directly related experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting public safety or outdoor education programs within higher education. Familiarity with NFPA standards, DFPC requirements, and federal land-use permitting processes. Supervisory experience managing staff and/or student employees. Experience with accreditation readiness, site visit coordination, and continuous compliance management. Demonstrated experience working in high-risk instructional environments. Physical & Cognitive Demands The following are some of the physical and cognitive demands commonly associated with this position. Moves, positions, and transports files, office materials, and program equipment; may lift and move items weighing up to 50 lbs in support of field and training operations. Constantly communicates with internal and external constituents and students must be able to exchange accurate information. Cognitive demands include comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, synthesizing, negotiating, communicating, instructing, and interpersonal skills. This position operates variably in an office environment and often uses a computer, and routinely uses standard office equipment including phones, copiers, etc. Reasonable Accommodation Statement Red Rocks Community College provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process and/or during the course of employment, please contact Jennifer Matthews, Executive Director of Human Resources, at ... or ... . Starting Salary Starting salary range for this position is $59,524 to $65,476 annually, commensurate with education and experience. This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt position. This position has been exempted from the State Classified System. To Apply All applicants must submit: Resume Detailed letter of interest (cover letter) addressing the job announcement. Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications as related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Candidates may redact any personally identifiable information on their materials including but are not limited to age, date of birth, and dates of attendance and date of graduation for educational institutions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Visit our Careers website to submit your application. If you have questions regarding this position, please contact us at ... .