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Fire Science Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details Posting Summary Posting Number S00492P Position Title Fire Science Adjunct Position ... Firefighter lll or Advanced Technician Firefighter, & Instructor I. Responsibilities 1. Utilizes ...

IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Fire Instructor I * IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State ... Associate of Science degree in Fire Science. * EMT-B or higher * IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State ...

IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Fire Instructor I. * IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State ... Associate of Science degree in Fire Science. * EMT-B or Paramedic. * IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD or State ...

Associate of Science degree in Fire Science. * EMT-B or higher. * IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Fire Inspector I. * IFSAC, Pro-Board/DoD, or State Certified Fire Instructor I. * IFSAC, Pro ...

EMT Adjunct

River Grove, IL · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Teaching experience in EMS, First aid, fire science, CPR or etc. * Illinois Department of Public Health Lead Instructor Responsibilities 1. Utilizes active learning and student success strategies in ...

Teaching experience in EMS, First aid, fire science, CPR or etc. Illinois Department of Public Health Lead Instructor Responsibilities - 1. Utilizes active learning and student success strategies in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Science Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13.9K

$60.5K

$103.5K

How much do fire science instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire science instructor in Chicago, IL is $60,484.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $69,000.00 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 cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Fire Science Instructor jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Fire Science Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Fire Science Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,484 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Contingent Fire Science Skills Evaluator

Contingent Fire Science Skills Evaluator

Harper College

Palatine, IL

Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


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.