Community Risk Reduction Education Specialist

Description

Are you an educator, teacher, or trainer at heart who enjoys interacting with diverse audiences and providing timely and relevant information to the public? If so, consider applying for the City of Harrisonburg Fire Department's Community Risk Reduction Education Specialist!

The Community Risk Reduction Education Specialist is a full-time position with benefits and a preferred hiring range of $21.91 - $24.10 per hour (equivalent to $45,572 - $50,128 annually); however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City policy.

As a Community Risk Reduction Education Specialist, you'll:

• Coordinate, develop, and deliver fire and life safety programs for preschool through 12th grade classes, adults of all ages, city departments, civic and community groups, and other audiences as needed;
• Collaborate with institutions of higher education, including both students and administration, to deliver fire and life safety programs;
• Coordinate risk management programs for fraternities, sororities, and the downtown block party;
• Develop and coordinate the department’s Youth Firesetter Program to provide educational intervention to children under 18 years of age or reference to appropriate mental health counselors;
• Design and implement the production of fire prevention outreach materials to be used in delivery of programs;
• Serve as a member of the planning team to coordinate department programs, including but not limited to smoke alarm canvass events, fire prevention week, free smoke alarm/pizza nights, art contests, and Camp L.I.T.;
• Direct the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installation program and fire extinguisher training for civilians;
• Supervise teams of fire personnel during outreach events;
• Develop and promote public information through various media outlets, including creating and delivering content through social media outlets and creating and editing press releases and other written documentation related to fire safety;
• Schedule and conduct local radio and television interviews, including public service announcements;
• Analyze data to understand and improve community risk reduction efforts, including the evaluation of data from social media analytics;
• Evaluate and provide feedback on community risk reduction programs for the Fire Department;
• Conduct program evaluation and justification to maintain quality of program content, technique, and relevancy.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates degree and moderate (1-3 years) experience in emergency services, education, outreach, program development, communication, or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be used to meet this requirement.
• Valid driver's license.
• Meet and maintain all department training and certification requirements for position including, but not limited to:
  • CPR/AED within 90 days of hire;
  • Public Educator I (or equivalent) within one year of hire;
  • Child Passenger Safety Technician within one year of hire;
  • Youth Firesetter I within one year of hire;
  • Basic Public Information Officer (PIO) within two years of hire; and
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) within two years of hire.
• Click here to view the physical requirements for this position.

• DMV record review;
• Drug screening;
• Criminal background check; and
• Personal History Statement.

Supplemental Information

Application Deadline: In order to be considered, all candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history, by 5:00pm EST on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave and 15.5 holidays.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status.

The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.