Interim Director, Special Programs (Fire Technology)

Interim Director, Special Programs (Fire Technology)

Position Details

• Location: 1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA
• Job Type: Interim Full-Time Mgmt - Classified Supervisory
• Job Number: CL26-01424
• Division: SAC Human Services & Technology
• Department: Fire Technology
• Opening Date: 06/23/2026
• Closing Date: 7/13/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
• FLSA: Exempt
• Start Date: As needed
• Site: Santa Ana College
• Position Duration: This interim assignment is temporary through June 30, 2027, or until the permanent position is filled through the normal recruitment process, whichever occurs first.
• 2026 Management Annual Salary: Grade H: $133,579.45 - $179,017.99

Class Summary

Has overall responsibility to a designated administrator for the supervision and administration of a specially funded program, including all assigned personnel and participants, all related records and reports; performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Representative Duties

• Designs, implements, coordinates, and directs activities related to specific projects
• Analyzes data in relation to policy questions and study purposes; creates statistical tables and graphic displays
• Writes comprehensive reports and makes oral presentations explaining research findings, implications, and applicability
• Has overall supervision and day-to-day oversight of specially funded initiatives, as appropriate
• Assists in recruiting and selecting staff in all areas under direct supervision
• Provides for in-service training
• Supervises and evaluates staff, program functions and activities
• Responsible for the timely and accurate review and preparation of budget documents, including monthly expenditure reports and such documents and summaries as required by the funding source
• Has substantial responsibility for reporting, including program accountability reports and for seeking additional and alternative funding for programs and activities
• Responsible for the development and implementation of project goals, objectives, and activities associated with program operations, including but not limited to: planning seminars, training activities, workshops, orientations, public relations and recognition events, as well as for the documentation and evaluation of project activities and outcomes as measured against stated goals and objectives in final proposal, if applicable
• Supervises the recruitment, orientation, and on-going participation of individual program participants, their organizational sponsors or mentors, as appropriate, and provides overall support necessary to establish a new community-oriented support services program
• Successfully implements and institutionalizes project activities
• Responsible for establishing collaborative partnerships with community-based and other local organizations, public and private groups, State and national entities and affiliates to further project goals and objectives and meet critical student and/or community needs
• Provides substantial leadership and support to committees directly linked to service areas, including special program steering and advisory committees, district-wide committees or task forces

Organizational Relationships

This class reports to senior administrations and supervises all staff in areas of direct responsibility.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree plus three years of related experience in project management. Experience involving work with community groups and governmental entities, documentation of program activities, and budget administration.

Knowledge and Abilities

Good Knowledge of: principles of supervision and management, record keeping, accountability, and thorough program documentation; research design and methods.

Knowledge of: state education code and district rules, regulations, and policies relating to the district's operation and administration, as well as state and federal rules, regulations, and policies.

Ability to:

• Plan and implement programs
• Develop and manage budgets
• Design and administer research studies
• Write clear and concise complex documents
• Compile reports
• Work cooperatively with other employees and the public
• Establish positive and effective relationships
• Communicate effectively in writing and speech
• Comprehend and interpret financial statements
• Analyze situations and make appropriate decisions
• Supervise the work of others

Additional Qualifications

Candidate must demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff, and the community.

Application Requirements

A Complete Application Packet Must Include the Following:

1. RSCCD Online Application
2. Cover Letter
3. Resume – details all relevant education, training, and other work experience
4. Academic Transcripts (Unofficial copies of undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate transcripts)

Foreign Degrees

Transcripts from countries other than the United States must be evaluated by an agency that is approved by or a member of the National Association of Credentials Evaluation Service (NACES), the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE), or Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Application Screening Criteria

In addition to the requirements and responsibilities listed, the following criteria (as appropriate) may be considered in selecting candidates:

1. Education experience breadth and depth
2. Work experience breadth and depth
3. Demonstrated leadership capabilities
4. Program development
5. Community involvement
6. Demonstrated experience in working with a diverse socio-economic community
7. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others

Based on the information presented in the application materials, a limited number of candidates with qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a written test and an oral interview.

Interview Process

Applicants selected for an interview may be required to take additional tests or assessments and will be notified of such prior to the date of the interview. During the oral session, those selected for interviews will be evaluated on the following factors:

• Oral communication skills
• Presentation
• Problem-solving skills

A predetermined set of questions will be asked of all applicants interviewed.

Required Application Questions

1. Describe your experience developing, administering, and maintaining instructional service agreements (ISAs) and training partnerships with fire service agencies. Include your experience coordinating with agency training officers, tracking and collecting training hours and positive attendance records.

2. Outline your experience working with the California State Fire Training Division, including your familiarity with State Fire Training policies, accredited academy requirements, curriculum standards, instructor qualifications, and certification processes.

3. Describe your instructional and teaching background in the fire service and higher education environments. Include the types of fire service, fire officer development, or specialized training courses you have taught in both classroom and hands-on training environments.

4. Explain your experience with student outreach, workforce development, and entry-level firefighter recruitment efforts. Include examples of outreach activities, partnerships with fire agencies, and high schools. Include your experience mentoring prospective students, increasing program enrollment, and assisting students in preparing for careers within the fire service profession.

Conditions of Employment

The selected candidate is required to complete the following before employment as part of the onboarding process:

1. Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States
2. Provide a certificate of Tuberculosis Exam
3. Fingerprints (by a Live Scan Agency at the candidate's expense, and clearance must be received before the first day of employment)
4. Submit official transcripts

Benefits

The District provides excellent medical and dental coverage and life insurance of a minimum of $50,000 or a maximum not to exceed the annual salary of the employee. Holidays, sick days, and vacations are earned in accordance with the Administrative Policy. Payroll deductions include the California Public Employees' Retirement System and Social Security.