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Defensive Tactics Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS JASI (Justice and Safety Institute) is accepting applications for a part-time remote position as Defensive Tactics instructors for county adult probation and parole training ...

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How much do defensive tactics instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for defensive tactics instructor in the United States is $28.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defensive tactics instructor?

A Defensive Tactics Instructor is responsible for training law enforcement, military personnel, or security professionals in techniques for self-defense, control tactics, and suspect apprehension. They teach strategies to de-escalate confrontations, properly use force, and ensure officer and public safety. Instructors typically have expertise in martial arts, law enforcement procedures, and physical conditioning. Their role includes conducting hands-on training, developing curriculum, and staying current with legal and tactical updates.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defensive tactics instructor?

To thrive as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, you need in-depth knowledge of self-defense techniques, physical fitness, and instructional expertise, usually backed by relevant law enforcement, military, or martial arts certifications. Familiarity with training weapons, safety equipment, use-of-force simulators, and documentation systems is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors effectively teach diverse groups and manage high-pressure scenarios. These competencies are critical to ensuring safe, impactful training and preparing students for real-world defensive situations.

What are some common challenges faced by defensive tactics instructors?

Defensive Tactics Instructors often face the challenge of adapting their teaching methods to suit trainees with differing physical abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels. They must ensure that all exercises are conducted safely, minimizing the risk of injury while maintaining program effectiveness. Instructors are also responsible for staying updated with evolving best practices, legal standards, and agency policies regarding use-of-force. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as they frequently collaborate with other instructors and coordinate with department leadership to deliver comprehensive training programs. These aspects make the role both demanding and rewarding for those passionate about safety and professional development.

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Defensive Tactics Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defensive Tactics Instructor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,960 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Physical Fitness and/or Defensive Tactics Instructor

Cheltenham, MD

SGI Global
Police Protection • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about SGI Globalexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

SGI Global is seeking Physical Fitness and/or Defensive Tactics Instructors for the United States Capitol Police (USCP). Qualified instructors will responsible for providing general entry-level and inservice training instructions to all sworn and civilian employees, supervisors, mid-level managers and command staff.

Responsibilities

The Instructor shall provide training, including but not limited to, the following:

  • Prepare and deliver the course materials including content, sequence, timing, presentation and instructional methodology.
  • Rate and score students/ officers/ and officials (who participate in training programs) and make initial determination on whether they qualify or fail to qualify to meet departmental standards.
  • Continuously analyze training policies and other training related processes, making recommendation to management on necessary revisions based off validated research, industry standards and /or Departmental policy changes.
  • Research and analyze relevant case law for inclusion in course presentation, and evaluate and revise course content as necessary. Determine and outline coverage, specific goals, techniques, instructional aids and timing for each phase of each lesson.
  • Write and prepare lesson plans, course materials, evaluations and management recommendations in an accurate, concise manner without need
    for grammatical or content editing.
  • Deviate from course lesson plans as necessary and approved to adjust to changes in law enforcement procedures, equipment and techniques.
  • Evaluate and advise on students' progress by observing performance of students and by developing and administering tests on materials studied.
  • Stay abreast of literature and other materials in assigned training areas, evaluate the potential of new materials and instructional aides and participates in training workshops, seminars, and courses. May be required to perform such administrative support training duties as class scheduling and coordination, record keeping and property management.

Qualifications

  • Must have successfully completed the Federal Law Enforcement Center's (FLETC) Law Enforcement Fitness Coordinator Training Program (LEFCTP)and/or Law Enforcement Control Tactics Instructor Training Program (LECTITP) or equivalent.
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University in exercise science, physical education or kinesiology or equivalent.
  • Must have at least 5 years of experience in managing a physical fitness or wellness program and/or defensive tactics for law enforcement. Any years of Physical Fitness/Defensive Tactics Coordination experience in excess of 5 years may substitute for education, where 1 year of experience = 1 year of collegiate level education.
  • Must have a range of anatomic and physical fitness knowledge and training experience in fields to include the following:
    • Legal Aspects of Exercise Admin
    • Lifestyle Management
    • General Physical Preparedness (GPP)
    • Nutrition
    • Physical Efficiency Battery
    • Developing Fitness Progressions
    • Progressive Strength Training
    • Flexibility
    • Physical Assessments
    • Functional Anatomy
    • Exercise Adherence
    • Physical Testing Protocol
    • Principles of Weight Management
    • Injury Prevention

SGI Global provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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