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Fire Instructor Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Safety Trainer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$74K - $97K/yr

Support VelocityEHS data entry and reporting; track open corrective actions and overdue items * Assist with routine inspections of eyewash stations, fire extinguishers, PPE, and safety signage

Notifies appropriate persons in regard to unsafe conditions (electrical, fire, chemical, equipment ... Communicates with clinical instructors and/or department heads as necessary. Facilitates medical ...

Notifies appropriate persons in regard to unsafe conditions (electrical, fire, chemical, equipment ... Communicates with clinical instructors and/or department heads as necessary. Facilitates medical ...

Notifies appropriate persons in regard to unsafe conditions (electrical, fire, chemical, equipment ... Communicates with clinical instructors and/or department heads as necessary. Facilitates medical ...

Notifies appropriate persons in regard to unsafe conditions (electrical, fire, chemical, equipment ... Communicates with clinical instructors and/or department heads as necessary. Facilitates medical ...

Fire Instructor information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$8

$22

$44

How much do fire instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire instructor in Columbia, SC is $22.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.25 and $27.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Fire Instructors?

Fire Instructors are professionals who teach and train firefighters and other emergency responders in fire safety, firefighting techniques, rescue operations, and emergency procedures. They develop lesson plans, conduct classroom and hands-on training sessions, and ensure that all trainees understand safety protocols and best practices. Fire Instructors also evaluate trainees’ performance and keep up to date with the latest industry standards and firefighting technology.

What is the difference between Fire Instructor vs Firefighter?

AspectFire InstructorFirefighter
CertificationsFire Instructor Certification, CPR, First AidFirefighter Certification, EMT/Paramedic
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, classrooms, fire academiesFire scenes, emergency response, fire stations
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, training academies, safety organizationsFire departments, emergency services, rescue teams

Fire Instructors focus on training and educating firefighters and the public, working mainly in classrooms and training facilities. Firefighters respond to emergencies, fighting fires and rescuing people at fire scenes. While both roles require fire safety certifications, their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Instructor, you need extensive firefighting experience, knowledge of fire science, and typically certifications such as Fire Instructor I or II. Familiarity with training simulators, instructional technology, and learning management systems is often required. Strong communication, leadership, and adaptability help engage diverse trainees and address dynamic situations. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, safety, and preparedness in high-risk emergency response environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Fire Instructors when training new recruits?

Fire Instructors often encounter challenges such as effectively communicating complex firefighting techniques to recruits with varying levels of experience and learning styles. Ensuring safety during live-fire training scenarios is another significant concern, requiring strict adherence to protocols and close supervision. Additionally, keeping training sessions engaging and realistic while meeting certification standards can be demanding. Building teamwork and trust among recruits is also a key focus, as these skills are critical in emergency situations.
What are popular job titles related to Fire Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC? For Fire Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Instructor jobs in Columbia, SC are:
Infographic showing various Fire Instructor job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, and 65% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,625 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Summary:  The Fire Captain directs the activities of all Fire personnel during an assigned shift.  Responds to emergencies and performs fire suppression/EMS activities, rescue, damage control and property preservation.  Maintains a state of readiness of facilities and equipment by scheduled inspections, testing and maintenance.  Promotes the health and safety of the department.  Directs and assumes control for the personnel in the absence of the Fire Chief and/or Assistant Fire Chief. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Supervises all subordinate personnel in their assigned duties. 

  • Provides effective leadership for all personnel necessary to carry out the business and mission of the Department.   

  • Maintains discipline and ensures that personnel follow department rules and regulations.  Renders corrective action per company policy/procedures. 

  • Implements department goals and objectives, establishes work priorities, schedules and coordinates work to be accomplished per shift.  Responsible for daily log, emergency calls and reports, overtime and injury reports. 

  • Response to alarms as an officer of a firefighting company (shift); performs variety of firefighting and EMS (if applicable) functions, including incident command. 

  • Participates in daily training exercises and classroom lectures, prepares and conducts trainings for the department when assigned. 

  • Conducts fire inspections, supervises shift inspections, assigns work projects, and approves completed work. 

  • Participate in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs. 

  • Conducts demonstrations, tours, participates in providing training/lectures on fire safety, fire prevention, CPR, fire extinguishers, first aid, and other subjects. 

  • Responds to complaints, requests for information and guidance as required by the Fire Chief. 

  • Participates in the selection, training, motivation, and evaluation of assigned personnel. 

  • Assists in Monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures. 

  • Will stay up-dated on latest Fire Department/EMS standards and trends and evaluate possible implementation. 

  • Provide expertise in fire prevention, fire suppression, and fire investigation strategies. 

  • Ensure safe and effective command of incident operations. 

  • Assigns personnel and equipment to such duties as the Department requires. 

  • Meets the job description requirements for Industrial Firefighter and/or Industrial Firefighter/EMT (as required). 

  • Responsible for cleanliness of station and maintenance of apparatus, tools, equipment, and all other Fire/EMS equipment/supplies. 

  • Must be able to drive all assigned vehicle per NorthStar’s driving policies. 

  • Will adhere to NorthStar’s and Department specific Standard Operating Procedures. 

  • Performs other duties as required. 

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Must be at least 21 years of age. 

  • High school diploma or GED. 

  • Class E driver license. 

  • Current CPR / AED for Health Care Provider or BLS certification. 

  • IFSAC / ProBoard Firefighter II. 

  • NFPA 1002 Ch. 4 or equivalent Emergency Vehicle Driver Training or Apparatus Operator (AO) Certification. 

  • NFPA 1002 Ch. 5 or equivalent Fire Department Pumper Operations 1 

  • IFSAC / ProBoard Fire Instructor 2 or NFPA 1041 equivalent. 

  • IFSAC / ProBoard Fire Officer 2 or NFPA 1021 equivalent. 

  • NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 

  • OSHA 30 Certification is preferred.  Will be required within 12 months of hire. 

  • Certified Fire Department/Incident Safety Officer NFPA 1521 

  • Live Fire Instructor-In Charge NFPA 1403 

  • Pass a background check. 

  • Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with fellow employees, clients, assigned facility/plant employees and contractors, neighboring emergency service agencies, NorthStar EMS/NorthStar Industrial EMS and Fire (NorthStar) management, and the general public. 

  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

  • Must be able to handle conflict situations with good judgment, professionalism, and courtesy. 

  • Firefighters must meet the medical training requirements for each location’s Scope of Work, i.e., Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), EMT Basic, Advanced EMT or Paramedic. 

  • Preference given to Firefighters who are an EMT Basic, Advanced or Paramedic. 

Driving Requirements: 

  • Valid Driver’s license. 

  • Must pass Motor Vehicle Records check 

  • Meets NorthStar’s insurance requirements to drive company vehicles. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Successful ability to complete the departments physical agility requirements including, but not limited to walking, climbing, crawling, bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, and maintaining balance over less than ideal terrain. 

  • Must have good physical stamina and endurance, measured by the ability to undertake, without adverse effects, lifting, carrying, and balancing loads in excess of 125 pounds (250 pounds with assistance), climbing ladders and stairs while carrying equipment/tools, lifting/carrying and pulling hose lines, lifting/carrying  required tools and equipment. 

  • Must have the ability to see different color spectrums. 

  • Eyesight must be correctable to 20/20 in at least one eye. 

  • Must have good eye-hand coordination and sufficient manual dexterity to manipulate equipment, instrumentation, and medications. 

  • Must be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings in human physical conditions by using visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile observations. 

  • Must be oriented to reality. 

STRESS FACTORS: 

Frequently:  Intense tasks, busy environment. 

Constantly:  High pressure. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: 

Occasionally: Extended day.  Available for immediate recall, as needed. 

Constantly: While performing the duties of this job the employee may work outdoors. This may include exposure to wet, humid, hot, and inclement weather conditions. The employee may work near moving mechanical parts, under hazardous, life-threatening conditions, such as, but not limited to, heights, confined spaces, temperature extremes, crowds, loud noises, limited visibility, in the presence of hazardous materials, in the presence of victims of death and/or dismemberment. The employee must work effectively as a team member and/or leader of a fire company, communicate professionally with peers and superiors, one-on-one and in groups. 

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Frequently:  Analyzing, decision making. 

Constantly: Simple reading and writing, high math and writing skills, clerical, memorization, perception/computation, problem solving, simple math skills, judgment, reasoning. 

EQUIPMENT USED: 

Occasionally: Tablet computer, computer, keyboard, stapler, 3-hole punch, sharpener, calculator. Biomedical equipment 

Frequently: Telephone, cell phone, Fire and EMS medical equipment. 

PUBLIC RELATIONS: 

  • Participates actively in public awareness and community educational programs. 

  • Maintain professional appearance of the approved uniform, maintains hygienic and grooming standards. 

  • Work on special projects as delegated by management staff. 

COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS: 

  • Needs to communicate tactfully and sensitively to others. 

  • Shall remain apolitical while representing NorthStar. Shall abstain from any and all political involvement with outside agencies while on duty or representing NEMS. 

  • Must speak English clearly and write legibly. 

  • Must possess basic teaching skills.Â