Manager, Public Safety Academy, Fire Academy

Manager, Public Safety Academy, Fire Academy

Salary: $100,572.84 – $145,644.58 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2600303
Division: Office of Instruction
Department: School of Applied Science & Business
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 11/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Description

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, “dreamers”, and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

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Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

– Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
– Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
– Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
– Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
– Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Public Safety Academy Manager is responsible for the oversight of daily operations and assists the Director of the Public Safety Academy with coordination of the assigned instructional programs. The Public Safety Academy Manager is distinguished from the Director of the Public Safety Academy by its oversight of day-to-day Academy operations, whereas the latter classification assumes overall leadership of the Public Safety Academy and its instructional programs, as well as academic disciplines within the PSA.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Receives direct supervision from the Director of the Public Safety Academy (PSA) or assigned Administrator. May provide direct or indirect supervision to assigned professional, technical, and/or administrative support staff as assigned. The incumbent is expected to work independently, exercising professional judgement and initiative to achieve departmental goals.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The duties listed are only intended to provide examples of the types of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. The District reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties consistent with the classification. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

– Performs full supervisory activities, subject to management concurrence and in accordance with applicable District policies, which includes selecting and training new employees; planning, assigning, scheduling, and evaluating completed work; approving overtime; preparing and signing employee performance evaluations; responding to grievances, student removals from program, and taking appropriate disciplinary action; and, performing related supervisory activities.
– Supervises, oversees, organizes, and coordinates the day-to-day activities and communications of the Academy to ensure efficient and effective office operations, including but not limited to the investigation, troubleshooting, and resolution of a variety of internal and external issues; in conjunction with the Director of the Public Safety Academy, oversees and evaluates the instructional, technological, and remediation methods of the Academy.
– Coordinates the integration and sequencing of Academy instruction with multi-discipline learning communities; assists in developing course curricula in accordance with training and testing specifications; assists in the preparation and delivery of instruction, ensuring that mandated course outline material is delivered in an effective manner; facilitates the remediation of activities with instructors related to mandated performance objectives.
– Facilitates testing of Academy cadets and inputs student test scores via the appropriate system.
– Ensures that related course requirements including but not limited to course approvals, course control numbers, extended course outline updates, instructor resume information, safety policies, course complete data and reporting are completed as required per regulations.
– Schedules Academy and related classes and facilities use as required by College of the Desert.
– Ensures compliance with California Education Code, Title 5 Regulations, accreditation standards, District policies and other state laws, regulations, and standards applicable to the discipline.
– Serves as District liaison with internal departments and external agencies; maintains training standards by monitoring and implementing California legislative mandates for public safety training for the Academy; attends required state and regional meetings.
– Assists in budgeting, course scheduling, planning and marketing, and strategic outreach of the Academy.
– Meet project/program scheduled deadlines and timelines, organize multiple projects efficiently and effectively, and carry out required project details throughout the year.
– Compiles, assembles, and disseminates requested program data; prepares a variety of studies and reports relevant to the Academy.
– Facilitates and manages collaborative actions with partner organizations.
– Facilitates and manages employing department’s access to affiliated students and records by their department.
– Reviews, revises, and implements District, regional, and program policies and procedures.
– Seeks and participates in professional development activities. Maintain an understanding of current ideas, trends, and practices pertaining to the areas of responsibility through continued study and participation in professional organizations.
– Chair or Co-Chair assigned governance committees.
– Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

– Principles and practices of general management and supervision.
– Laws and regulations governing California Community Colleges; District policies and procedures.
– Compliance requirements for assigned academy.
– Procedures for accreditation, basic course certification review and state certification; curriculum development and process.
– Teaching methods and techniques; grant funding sources, procedures and processes, writing, and administration.
– Student learning outcomes.
– Requirements for prerequisites and course equivalencies and equivalency policies.
– New educational technologies and learning modalities.
– Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
– Oral and written communication skills.
– Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software.

Ability To:

– Plan, organize, direct, administer, review, and evaluate programs and services.
– Exercise honesty, consistency, and sound judgment in the performance of duties.
– Direct and control the delivery of the academy and direct the effective interface and integration of certified courses.
– Understand and apply governmental budgeting practices; analyze financial, statistical and narrative data related to the workforce, assist in the preparation and administration of departmental budgets.
– Assure compliance with academy requirements and Partner organizations.
– Cultivate and promote positive and substantive relationships with local business and civic organizations.
– Prepare comprehensive reports for submission to the state as required.
– Maintain current knowledge of trends related to assigned areas of responsibility.
– Communicate clearly, concisely, effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with employees, District leadership and stakeholders, especially during stressful situations; de-escalate difficult customer interactions with empathy, tact.
– Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; work independently, confidentially, organize work to meet schedules, timelines and with minimal direction; exercise tact and diplomacy when handling sensitive or confidential matters.?
– Interpret, apply, and explain District policies and legal regulations and requirements; State and federal laws and regulations related to assigned programs.
– Maintain?regular, reliable, and punctual attendance consistent with District standards and operational needs.
– Supervise, coach, evaluate and motivate a team of professionals to foster a collaborative, customer-focused team culture.
– Communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information; operate a computer and appropriate software including scheduling, email, database management, word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.
– Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of students, staff, and the community.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Each Public Safety Academy program has specific minimum qualifications for each manager role, as listed below:

For Fire Academy:

– Option 1: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of professional fire service experience.
– Option 2: An Associate degree from an accredited college or university and seven (7) years of professional fire service experience.

Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment: District Office and field environment; subject to constant interruptions and frequent interactions with others; requires evening and weekend responsibility; driving a vehicle to conduct work as necessary; Travel between sites, other locations to attend meetings or conduct work.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job; the employee is regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods of time (up to 2-3 hours), repetitive use of upper extremities including hand coordination activities. The ability to type, use phone, stand intermittently, walk, bend and stoop, occasionally lift (up to 20 pounds), carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects of light to moderate weight, work at a computer, including sitting and viewing a monitor for various lengths of time, repetitive use of keyboard, mouse or other control device, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate keyboard, ability to communicate and provide information to others.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

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SALARY PLACEMENT:

– Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.

– Retirement System: (upon meeting eligibility criteria)

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

– This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
– The primary location is Palm Desert Campus. May work at other locations.
– Requires evening and weekend responsibility. Travel between sites, other locations to attend meetings or conduct work.
– The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

– Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
– Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
– Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
– College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:

– List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

– Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
– College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
– Employment is contingent on residence in California.

– Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
– All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
– Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
– Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
– All travel arrangements will be at applicant’s expense.
– Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
– For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at or call View phone number on firstnationsjobsonline.com.

– FAQs: For additional information, click here:

TIMELINES:

– For consideration, please apply by November 8, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
– Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on January 7, 2027.
– Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

– Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
– Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate’s expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
– Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
– Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
– May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling View phone number on firstnationsjobsonline.com or sending an e-mail to [email protected] .

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD’s mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

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– California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)

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THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply, visit:

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