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Fire Science Certificate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY The Fire Science department is seeking a positive, supportive, and dynamic Fire Science ... certification, plus 2 years of full-time related occupational experience. * May include day ...

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Fire Science Certificate information

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$31K

$105.6K

$183K

How much do fire science certificate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire science certificate in the United States is $105,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire science certificate?

A Fire Science Certificate is a specialized educational program designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills in fire prevention, firefighting, emergency response, and fire safety. These certificate programs are often offered by community colleges or technical schools and can be completed in less time than a degree program. The curriculum typically includes courses in fire behavior, fire protection systems, hazardous materials, and emergency medical response. Earning a Fire Science Certificate can help individuals begin or advance a career in firefighting, fire inspection, or related public safety fields.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a fire science certificate?

To thrive with a Fire Science Certificate, you need a solid understanding of fire behavior, emergency response principles, and safety protocols, typically acquired through formal coursework and hands-on training. Familiarity with firefighting equipment, incident command systems, and certifications such as EMT or hazardous materials handling is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help professionals excel in high-pressure situations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring effective emergency response, personal safety, and successful collaboration in fire service roles.

What hands-on experience do I gain while pursuing a fire science certificate?

While pursuing a Fire Science Certificate, you can expect to participate in practical training sessions such as fire suppression drills, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials handling. These experiences are often conducted in collaboration with local fire departments or training academies, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in realistic scenarios. This hands-on approach helps build critical skills and confidence, making graduates well-prepared for entry-level positions like firefighter, fire inspector, or emergency responder. Additionally, working closely with experienced professionals during training can provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into the day-to-day realities of the fire service.

What is the difference between Fire Science Certificate vs Firefighter?

AspectFire Science CertificateFirefighter
Required CredentialsCertificate program, possibly some EMT certificationHigh school diploma or GED, fire academy training, EMT certification
Work EnvironmentClassroom, laboratory, some practical trainingFire scenes, emergency response, physical demanding tasks
Employer & Industry UsageEducational programs, entry-level positions, trainingFire departments, emergency services, public safety agencies

The Fire Science Certificate provides foundational knowledge and training in fire safety, prevention, and emergency response, often serving as a stepping stone or supplement for those pursuing firefighting careers. In contrast, a Firefighter is a trained professional actively responding to fires and emergencies, requiring additional certifications and physical readiness. Both roles are integral to fire safety but differ in scope, training, and job responsibilities.

Is a fire science certificate worth it?

A fire science certificate can enhance qualifications for entry-level firefighting and emergency response roles by providing foundational knowledge of fire behavior, safety protocols, and firefighting tools. It often complements on-the-job training and may improve job prospects or advancement opportunities in fire departments or related emergency services.

What jobs can I get with a fire science certificate?

A fire science certificate can qualify you for roles such as firefighter, fire inspector, fire investigator, or emergency management coordinator. These positions often require knowledge of fire behavior, safety protocols, and emergency response procedures, and may involve working in fire departments, safety agencies, or industrial settings.
More about Fire Science Certificate jobs

What states have the most Fire Science Certificate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Fire Science Certificate jobs include:

Infographic showing various Fire Science Certificate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,577 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Contingent Fire Science Skills Evaluator

Palatine, IL • On-site

Harper College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Harper College rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Educational Requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Fire Service Instructor II certification, or an equivalent Instructor II certification issued by another state fire marshal or recognized authority, is required.
  • Certification in the specific course(s) evaluated, as issued or recognized by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) or an equivalent state agency, is required.
  • An associate degree from an accredited institution and relevant professional experience are required.

Experience Requirements:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience working in the fire service field.
  • Experience conducting or evaluating fire and emergency services training programs.
  • Experience teaching fire service courses and evaluating student performance in fire skills training preferred.

Other Requirements:

  • Must maintain all required OSFM certifications.
  • Ability to wear firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) and operate safely in training environments following NFPA 1403 and 1010 guidelines.
  • Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Contingent, part-time position. Work schedule varies by semester based on Fire Academy training needs. May include daytime, evening, or weekend hours depending on scheduled skill evaluations.

The Fire Science Technology Department within Harper College's Career and Technical Programs provides education and certification pathways that prepare students for careers in the fire service. Programs integrate academic knowledge with hands-on technical training to meet Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) standards and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) performance criteria.

Duties of Position:

The Fire Science Skills Evaluator is responsible for supervising and evaluating student performance during practical skill sessions and examinations within the Fire Science Technology program, including the Basic Operations Firefighter Academy. The evaluator works under the direction of the Lead Instructor and supports the Lead Instructor in facilitating and assessing course skill components to ensure compliance with established standards and safety protocols.

Responsibilities include:

  • Administering and evaluating live skill assessments for OSFM and NFPA aligned courses such as Basic Operations Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Operations, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Advanced Technician Firefighter, Rope Operations, and others.
  • Ensuring all training and evaluation activities meet NFPA 1403, OSFM, and Harper College safety standards.
  • Providing clear feedback and performance documentation for student skill demonstration sand evaluations.
  • Assisting with setup and breakdown of training props and equipment.
  • Collaborating with instructors and academy staff to ensure consistency in evaluation criteria and student support.
  • Maintaining accurate records of skill completion and attendance in accordance with department and OSFM guidelines.
  • Serving as a professional role model for students, reinforcing the importance of safety, teamwork, and professionalism in the fire service.

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