ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fire Science Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

$35/hr

Science Instructors must be able to access Zoom. * Paid mandatory one-on-one with the Curriculum ... Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsFire Science Instructor Jobs

Fire Science Instructor information

See salary details

$13.5K

$58.7K

$100.5K

How much do fire science instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire science instructor in the United States is $58,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $67,000.00 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 is a fire science instructor?

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?

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.
More about Fire Science Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Fire Science Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Fire Science Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Science Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Fire Science Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Fire Science Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Fire Science Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fire Science Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Science Instructor jobs are:
Fire Science Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Science Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,714 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Contingent Fire Science Skills Evaluator

Harper College

Palatine, IL

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Harper College rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 616 rated colleges and universities

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.

What Harper College employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply