SCFD Public Education and Community Outreach Specialist - Emergency Services Administration Building
3 days ago
Job description
Department:
Emergency ServicesStart Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.
Sarasota County's Fire Department has an opening for a Public Education and Community Outreach Specialist. This full-time (40-hour) position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering public education programs related to Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The role includes providing direct instruction through initiatives such as the S.A.F.E. (Safety and Fire Education) program, as well as conducting fire safety and EMS demonstrations and presentations for schools, community groups, and the general public.Additional responsibilities include supporting Community Risk Reduction (CRR) efforts through participation in Fire Station Open Houses, community events, and other safety outreach activities. The position also leads the Juvenile Firesetter Program and assists with child safety seat and bicycle helmet initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity to serve both the community and the fire department, offering opportunities for advancement, a strong work-life balance, and benefits beginning within 60 days of hire. Apply today
About the Position
In this role, you will be responsible for...
Public Education:
Plan and deliver public education programs, including school visits, safety classes, community presentations, fire extinguisher training, station tours, smoke alarm initiatives, child safety seat program, and the Juvenile Firesetter Program
Purchase and manage public education materials and child safety seats
Oversee maintenance of the Fire Safety House
Evaluate programs, track performance measures, and approve related payroll
Maintain inventory and upkeep of public education supplies and the Fire & Life Safety trailer
Community Outreach:
Support the department's Community Risk Reduction (CRR) initiatives through program facilitation and participation
Identify and implement customer-focused services to enhance public safety
Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
Contribute to strategic efforts aimed at community risk mitigation and improved public safety outcomes
About the Schedule
Work Hours:
Full-time, 40 hours per week.
Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Occasional evenings and weekends may be required for business events/needs.
As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.
About You
To be considered for this role, you must have the following:
Associate's degree in Fire Science, Communications, Education, Planning, or a related field and 2+ years of related work experience.
OR: Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Communications, Education, Planning, or a related field may substitute for the required experience.
OR: 4+ years of related community events/activities planning may substitute for the required education.
Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.
Note: 30 college credits are considered equivalent to 1 year of college.
The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:
Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration.
State of Florida certification as a Fire and Life Safety Educator, or the ability to obtain it within 1 year of your hire date. (We can help with this)
Certification as a Child Passenger Safety Technician or the ability to obtain within 1 year of your hire date. (We can help with this)
Completion of American Heart Association BLS or Heartsaver CPR and AED training within 1 year of your hire date. (We can help with this)
Completion of the National Fire Academy Youth Fire Setting Prevention and Intervention course or the ability to complete within 2 years of your hire date. (We can help with this)
Prior community risk reduction, education, or relevant government, business, or non-profit experience.
Knowledge of risk reduction principles, lesson planning, and delivery.
Ability to present and speak to audiences of varying ages and demographics.
Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years.
Physical Demands: Employees in this role must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
CJIS Clearance: The successful candidate will be subject to an extensive background check(s) as part of the hiring process.
About Everything Else
Starting Pay: $24.74/hr
Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).
If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:
1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options:
- If your position requires a Florida Driver's License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver's License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)
2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)
Benefits:
- Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits
- For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit for additional information.
- Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
- Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year)
A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.
We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.
Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally.
A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call
Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at (keywords: ADA Compliance).
Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.