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Fire Instructor Jobs in Omaha, NE (NOW HIRING)

Fire Instructor information

See Omaha, NE salary details

$8

$23

$46

How much do fire instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire instructor in Omaha, NE is $23.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.66 and $28.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire instructor?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire instructor?

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 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 popular job titles related to Fire Instructor jobs in Omaha, NE?

For Fire Instructor jobs in Omaha, NE, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Instructor jobs in Omaha, NE look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Instructor jobs in Omaha, NE are:

Infographic showing various Fire Instructor job openings in Omaha, NE as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,897 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Fire Protection Specialist (Fire Marshal)

Omaha, NE • On-site


US Department of the Interior
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 853 rated public administrative organizations

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

This position is a Fire Protection Specialist (Fire Marshal), GS-0081-GS-13 working in Omaha, NE for the DOI Central Office - NPS Fire.
More information about the surrounding location can be found here.

Qualifications:

***This announcement has been extended. Previous applicants need not to reapply. ***
In order to qualify for this position, you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.

Selective Placement Factor(s) (SPF): This position requires a special qualification that has been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as a screen out element. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualifie

SPF #1: Successful completion and have currency in the following from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (NPQS/Pro Board):
  • Fire Instructor I, AND
  • Fire Inspector III, AND
  • Hazmat Awareness, AND
  • Plans Examiner AND
  • Must be able to obtain a Fire Investigator IFSAC or NPQS/Pro Board certification within 1 year of employment.
SPF #2: Candidates must possess prior structural firefighting experience. Experience that may be credited: volunteer firefighter, paid call firefighter, and/or structural firefighter with the Federal government or in an equivalent position outside the Federal government; suppressing fires that occur within buildings, ships, vehicles, airstrips and aircrafts, and other non-wildland firefighting. You must clearly demonstrate this experience in your resume, including the months, days and hours per week at which the work was performed in order to be considered.

Structural Fire: The Department of the Interior defines structural firefighting experience as any firefighting experience except wildland firefighting. Structural experience may be gained though work in suppressing fires such as those in buildings, ships, vehicles, airstrips and aircraft, and other non-wildland firefighting. This experience may be gained by serving in a structural firefighting position within the federal government or in an equivalent position outside the Federal government. Periods of structural firefighting gained as a volunteer or paid call firefighter can also be credited. In some instances, candidates may be hired in a dual wildland and structural firefighting role. Candidates must meet the qualifications required for either the wildland or structural fire function.
Only experience and education obtained by 08/27/2026 will be considered.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. Please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.
For the GS-13 level:
Applicants must have at least one year of specialized work experience in a related field at the GS-12 or equivalent. Examples of specialized experience are: Directed and supervised a structural fire management program; Directed, reviewed and analyzed structural fire management plans; Applied an extensive knowledge of building construction, International and National Fire Codes, directives, and regulations; Performed as a leader of a group of structural fire professionals in achieving program goals and requirements; Lead small groups of structural fire professionals in achieving program goals and requirements; Provided professional guidance in a non-supervisory role; Applied a high degree of tact and diplomacy in dealing with a wide variety of individuals to include senior executive personnel, park leadership, engineers, and skilled tradesmen; Exercised a firmness in obtaining cooperation in the corrections of existing or potential fire hazards.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Physical Demands: The work of this position is mostly sedentary but may require periods of high intensity physical exertion while in the field. All Risk Emergency Incident Management Team assignments, fire inspections, program audits, fire suppression classes, and other field assignments may require an extensive amount of walking, bending, hiking, carrying, and climbing. The incumbent is expected to maintain incident qualifications to participate in program activities that require high intensity arduous work and exposure to live fire conditions in a hazardous setting.
Working Conditions: Much of the work is performed in an office setting that is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the position has the potential for exposure to potentially dangerous situations while in the field. The incumbent is expected to be able to teach components of any one of the NPS training classes for structural fire. While on a training or fire location, the work environment may involve hazardous environmental conditions such as exposure to fire, heat, chemicals, and loud noise for extended periods of time. The work may require the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus. Travel may be required to the Washington office, regional offices, and field areas for meetings, training, on-site inspections, and policy implementation.

Eligibility and Qualification Requirements: Applicants must meet both eligibility and qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement. Specifically,i. Area of Consideration.ii. Time-in-grade (TIG) requirements as specified in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.iii. Time after competitive appointment as specified in 5 CFR 330.502.iv. Qualification requirements outlined in OPM's Qualifications Standards for General Schedule Positions.

Education:There is no substitution of education for experience at the grade level(s) of this announcement. For more information regarding this, please visit OPM Qualification Standards - 0081.Employment Type: OTHER


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