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Fire Science Instructor Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Associates degree in Emergency Management, Fire Science or Fire Technology/Engineering Technology ... Fire Instructor certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Juvenile Fire ...

Degree in Fire Science and/or Business-related field. * Sales or Client Management experience ... Minnesota Board of Fire Training Qualified Instructor. * Basic Life Support Instructor ...

Fire Science Instructor information

See Austin, TX salary details

$13.4K

$58.2K

$99.6K

How much do fire science instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire science instructor in Austin, TX is $58,198.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $66,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Fire Science Instructors when teaching both new recruits and experienced firefighters?

Fire Science Instructors often encounter the challenge of balancing curriculum to meet the needs of both entry-level students and seasoned professionals seeking advanced training. They must deliver complex, up-to-date information on fire behavior, safety protocols, and emergency response in a way that is engaging and accessible for all experience levels. Additionally, instructors must stay current with evolving technologies and regulations, adapting lesson plans accordingly. Managing hands-on training safely while fostering teamwork and critical thinking is another key aspect of the role.

What are Fire Science Instructors?

Fire Science Instructors are educators who teach courses related to fire prevention, firefighting techniques, emergency response, and fire safety. They often have experience as firefighters or in related emergency services and use that background to train future firefighters, emergency responders, and safety personnel. Fire Science Instructors work in community colleges, technical schools, fire academies, and sometimes universities. They develop lesson plans, conduct practical training, and evaluate student performance to ensure readiness for real-world emergencies.

What is the difference between Fire Science Instructor vs Firefighter?

AspectFire Science InstructorFirefighter
CredentialsFire science degree, certifications in firefighting and teachingFirefighter certification, EMT/paramedic licenses
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, training facilities, some on-site fire trainingFire scenes, emergency response, fire stations
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, fire academies, training centersFire departments, emergency services

While both roles involve firefighting knowledge, a Fire Science Instructor primarily teaches and trains future firefighters in classrooms and training facilities, requiring educational credentials. In contrast, a Firefighter responds directly to emergencies in the field, focusing on fire suppression and rescue operations. The two careers share certifications but differ in work environment and daily responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Fire Science Instructor, you typically need extensive experience in firefighting or emergency services, a relevant degree in fire science or a related field, and appropriate instructor certifications such as Fire Instructor I/II. Familiarity with learning management systems, fire simulation software, and modern firefighting equipment is important for effective teaching. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to engage and motivate students are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure instructors can deliver accurate, up-to-date training that prepares future firefighters for real-world challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Fire Science Instructor jobs in Austin, TX? For Fire Science Instructor jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Science Instructor jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Science Instructor jobs in Austin, TX are:
Fire Marshal Deputy Assistant I

Fire Marshal Deputy Assistant I

Travis County

Austin, TX • On-site

$80K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Travis County rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary Conducts operations within the Fire Prevention Division or Fire Inspection Division. Reports to an Assistant Fire Marshal or Fire Marshal. Distinguishing Characteristics This is the first in a series of five fire marshal-related job classifications within the Public Safety/Emergency Management job family.

This classification is distinguished by the years of experience related to Fire Safety and Prevention. This classification requires a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the department, including frequent evenings and weekends. Duties and Responsibilities May assist in Juvenile Fire Intervention Program by counseling and training juvenile offenders.

Initiates and completes assigned inspections, reports and related documents. Conducts follow-up inspections. Prepares affidavits for administrative search warrants and executes them.

Prepares cases for presentation to county attorney's office. Testifies before grand jury, justice of the peace court, state and federal courts. Supports emergency operations in fire protection, rescue, aviation, law enforcement, hazmat, homeland security and emergency management.

Instructs classes on fire prevention. Makes public presentations related to fire prevention education. Maintains county vehicle and equipment if assigned.

Schedules and responds to citizen requests for fire inspections. Conduct Plan Reviews. Performs inspections of homes, businesses, schools and other structures.

Detects fire hazards and makes recommendations for corrections. Performs timely follow-up inspections to insure compliance. Performs inspections of county owned and leased facilities in conjunction with Risk Management and Facilities Management.

Maintains records and reports of inspections. Makes public education presentations. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements Education and Experience: Associates degree in Emergency Management, Fire Science or Fire Technology/Engineering Technology or a directly related field AND two (2) years' experience in public safety (fire protection, fire inspector/prevention) related field for a government agency; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Basic Fire Inspector certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Possession of a valid Texas Driver's License.

Preferred: Fire Investigator certification issued by Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Fire Instructor certification issued by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. Juvenile Fire Intervention Specialist.

Knowledge of: Fire inspection procedures, including NFPA 101, International Fire Code, NFPA 13 and NFPA 72. Incident Command System (ICS). Appropriate response to urgent fire code violations.

Policies, practices, procedures and terminology. Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines. Budgetary and fiscal process.

Online computer searching. Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and variety of software packages. Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in: Research, analysis, compiling, preparing and presenting technical data/information and reports. Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language. Problem solving and decision-making.

Both verbal and written communication, including presentations. Ability to: Instruct, advise, plan, assign and coordinate activities. Work independently.

Maintain accurate logs. Read and comprehend technical publications. Communicate effectively.

Work calmly, effectively and decisively. Reason and make judgments and decisions. Manage time well and perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.

Perform in a stressful environment, while maintaining a professional manner. Work on a wide variety of tasks simultaneously and produce timely and tangible results. Utilize online resources.

Work as a team member within a diverse organization. Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, representatives of outside agencies, public safety agencies, attorneys, emergency services professionals and the general public.

Work Environment & Other Information Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer, monitor, keyboard, printer, fax machine, copier, adding machine, typewriter and basic office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, lifting, carrying, crouching/crawling, vision to monitor, pushing, and stooping/kneeling to perform the essential functions. Must be available to work in inclement weather.

Subject to contact with dust, dangerous machinery, noise, fumes, potential harm, vibration, communicable diseases, and hazardous chemicals. May be subject to performing physically challenging work in environmentally adverse and dangerous conditions. Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity.

As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions. Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday. Works some holidays, Works some nights, Works some weekends Location: Granger Building Department: Emergency Services Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

For updates or questions on this position, contact: Katy.Westfall@traviscountytx.gov This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.


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