PLEASE READ: If you are interested in this position, to proceed with your application, please register with Poudre Fire Authority and apply directly on our website here:
https://www.poudre-fire.org/joining-pfa/civilian-job-postings
Do not apply through Indeed.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Public Educator/Risk Reduction Specialist
Department: PFA FP & CRR Division
Salary Range: $77,304 - $111,125 annually
Anticipated Hiring Range: $77,340 - $85,759.25
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(a), Defined Contribution Plan, available Roth and 457 Plans at employee cost
Opening Date:
Closing Date:
FLSA/Career Status: Non-exempt / Classified
Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday 7:45am-5pm, Friday 7:45am-12:45pm. Occasional Overtime and On-Call
Selection Process:
- Review and Screening of On-Line Applications
- Review of Additional Documentation (If Requested)
- Interview
- Second Round Interview (If Requested)
- Background Investigation
- Drug Screen
SUMMARY: Responsible for implementing and presenting fire, health, and life safety risk reduction education programs to a variety of individual citizens and groups. Crafts and presents safety messages in traditional classroom and non-traditional settings within the PFA response area to protect life and property. Partners and coordinates with associated public agencies and community organizations to provide exceptional, responsive, and visionary services and assistance to those in need. This position works under the direction of the Public Education/Risk Reduction Manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.
- Provides outstanding service and performs duties as necessary to best serve the community within the PFA response area.
- Provides fire and life safety educational messaging to schools, colleges, university, businesses, community partners, and at-risk individuals and groups.
- Provides public engagement in non-traditional settings including demonstrations such as fire extinguisher operation, escape plans for home, businesses, and other community members.
- Operates in the public information officer role as an On-Call PIO in the rotational on-call schedule.
- Works with the PFA juvenile Fire Setters Program.
- Collaborates with PFA Staff developing and presenting pre-incident response plans.
- Collaborates with the PFA Public Information Officer and Communications Coordinator to provide a variety of public education messages, communications, and media content.
- Embraces and integrates qualified data inclusive trends and methods for community risk reduction programs and messages.
- Responds to requests for assistance from the public and stakeholders within the PFA.
- Offers assistance, direction, and solutions to citizens with needs outside the typical scope of PFA’s services.
- Builds and maintains relationships with community partners and groups with a focus on health, life and safety risk reduction.
- Promotes Poudre Fire Authority Fire and Safety programs in collaboration with the PFA Public Education/Risk Reduction Manager
- Coordinates a busy schedule of appointments over the phone and by email.
- Operates Authority vehicles in a safe manner.
- Performs all duties in a safe manner using all required PPE, safety devices and equipment.
- Uses computers and associated software for recording activities, preparing reports and e-mail communications.
- Works a 40-hour workweek. The varying schedule includes some on-call nights, weekends, and holidays. Occasional overtime assignments may be required
- Performs other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is not responsible for the supervision of other PFA employees.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the necessary functions of this position.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or GED is required.
Higher education in instruction development and presentation are desired.
3 years providing in-person instruction/teaching with an emphasis on public speaking is highly desired.
Experience working with at-risk individuals is desired.
Experience providing public education is desired.
Knowledge of community risk reduction programs and methods is desired.
History of volunteerism and/or community/public service is desired.
Fire service or other public service experience is desired.
Licensing/ Certifications:
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a good driving record and can be insured by PFA’s insurance provider.
- Must obtain Youth Fire Setting Prevention & Intervention: Level 1 Certification within 2 years of hire.
- Must obtain Fire and Life Safety Educator: Level 1 Certification within 2 years of hire.
- Must obtain Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification within 1 year of hire.
- Must obtain ICS (300, 700) Certifications within 1 year of hire.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Ability to work with people in difficult and uncomfortable situations.
- Ability to protect private/sensitive information.
- Ability to receive, understand, and take positive appropriate action from information or instructions presented verbally and/or in written form.
- Knowledge and skills to communicate tactfully and diplomatically with the public, superiors, and peers; and must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to represent the department favorably to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to operate as part of a small, focused team.
- Knowledge and ability to plan and develop educational curricula to meet identified needs.
- Ability to exercise leadership in a team environment.
- Ability to develop clear and concise written and verbal communications with all levels of management, employees, and citizens.
- Knowledge of the organization and operation of the PFA and outside agencies related to assigned duties.
- Basic Knowledge of public fire and life safety education and prevention issues.
- Skill in giving public presentations.
- Knowledge in the basic operation of multi-media and audio-visual equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to grasp, handle, or feel; talk and hear in normal situations as well as over telephones and portable radio equipment. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk; climb or balance; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and rarely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee would encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.
Normal office environment with moderate levels of noise.
Emergency Scenes for On-Call PIO include structure fires, rescues, wildfires and other incidents. Ability to operate safely in these environments during extreme weather or other hazardous conditions and during all hours, including at night.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.
If you have questions, please contact [email protected].
YOUR APPLICATION (WITH ATTACHED RESUME) MUST BE SUBMITTED AT https://www.poudre-fire.org/joining-pfa/civilian-job-postings TO BE CONSIDERED.
FIRST REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS JUNE 8, 2026.
THE POUDRE FIRE AUTHORITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $77,304.00 - $85,759.25 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Fort Collins, CO 80524: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
