Support Specialist

Salary Range

3,975.00 - 5,082.00

Job Summary

At the Vancouver Fire Department, every employee plays a vital role in supporting our mission to preserve life, protect property, and ensure a safe, prepared community. Whether serving on the front lines or behind the scenes, we work together to provide exceptional public safety services through collaboration, innovation, and community partnership. Guided by our values of Service, Engagement, Respect, Integrity, Excellence, and Safety, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive. If you are looking for meaningful work that directly supports the safety and success of our community, we invite you to join our team.

Funded by Clark County Fire District #5, this three-year limited-duration position supports implementation of the Vancouver Fire Department's Strategic Plan. The successful candidate will contribute to key initiatives that enhance public safety services, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and improve service delivery throughout our community. Continuation beyond the three-year funding period is not guaranteed and is contingent upon available funding.

We’re currently recruiting for a Support Specialist in the Training Division. The primary responsibilities for the job are to provide comprehensive administrative, logistical and operational support to the Fire Department Training Division and Division Chief of Training. Supports the coordination, delivery, documentation, and ongoing management of department- wide training programs serving as organizational link between the Training Division, department personnel, instructors, outside agencies, vendors, and other City departments.

This is a full-time, limited term, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the OPEIU union. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm. This position is governed under the Civil Service Rules.

This position is open until 11/4/2026 or the first 150 applications received.

Union Pay Strategy
Salary for this position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority. Candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be at the beginning of the listed range, equal to Step 1. Directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements will be considered for step credit at hire, with such credit not to exceed Step 4, the approximate midpoint of the listed range, unless otherwise stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Job DetailsEssential Functions:

• Coordinate training schedules and events; assist with logistical planning for academies, classes, drills, and special training activities; maintain training records and documentation; and provide day-to-day administrative support for Training Division operations.
• Monitor required and recurring training across multiple learning management systems, certification platforms, and department programs to help ensure personnel remain current with established training requirements. Verify accuracy of information; research of discrepancies; record and file information.
• Assist in the planning and execution of department training events; coordinate facilities and resources, process registrations and training documentation, track certifications and completion requirements.
• Provide general clerical support; coordinate appointments and meetings for the training division; Compose, edit, and proofread a variety of documents.
• Process procurement card and reimbursement requests along with requisitions and vendor purchase orders; process mail; and order supplies.
• Provide support to fire department employees’ regarding the LMS program. Assist with preparing LMS reports and training presentations.
• Maintain and process documents for Fire Captain Step program and Fire Tuition Reimbursement program
• Provide information and answer questions concerning procedures and services of training division. Communication point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with implementing new programs, procedures, methods and systems.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QualificationsExperience and EducationExperience:

• Two (2) years clerical/administrative support

Education:

• Equivalent to a HS Diploma/GED

*Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

Intermediate Microsoft Office Suite skills

Knowledge

• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation skills.
• Fundamental principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for document creation, data analysis, and presentations

• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment

Abilities

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Frequently travel to and between sites and events

• Effectively manages workload to ensure projects are completed within established timeframes. Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service

• Maintain regular and dependable attendance.
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check a driving abstract.

Selection Process:Application Review : Candidates will be evaluated based on the content of their application and those deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Assessment (Pass/Fail): This recruitment MAY require online assessments which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.

Oral Interview (Pass/Fail based on 70%): Questions will be job related and may include but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Minimum passing score of 70% is required. The oral board will consist of a three to five member interview panel who will ask the same position-related, pre-established written questions of all candidates. The panelists' evaluations will be combined resulting in candidate interview scores. Those passing with a 70% or higher will be placed on an eligibility list.

Final Interview: As positions become available up to the top three candidates from the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a final selection interview.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us

Job Posting End Date

November 4, 2026