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Firefighting Instructor Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

ES Fire Instructor I

West Chester, PA ยท On-site

$21.14/hr

NFPA Certified Fire Instructor I NFPA Certified Firefighter I Assist with Hazmat Operations Level training or higher. Basic Vehicle Rescue Training At least 100 hours of certified emergency training.

Firefighter I Pro Board Certification, required. * Obtain Firefighter II Pro Board Certification ... Fire Instructor I, within one (1) year. * Valid driver's license with the ability to be insured ...

Fire Administrator

Wexford, PA ยท On-site

$24.04 - $26.44/hr

Firefighter I Pro Board Certification, required. * Obtain Firefighter II Pro Board Certification ... Fire Instructor I, within one (1) year. * Valid driver's license with the ability to be insured ...

Firefighting Instructor information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$33.6K

$59.7K

$119.3K

How much do firefighting instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for firefighting instructor in Pennsylvania is $59,703.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,100.00 and $65,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Firefighting Instructor vs Firefighter?

AspectFirefighting InstructorFirefighter
CertificationsFirefighting certification, instructor certificationFirefighting certification, EMT certification often required
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, classrooms, on-site trainingFire scenes, emergency response, fire stations
Primary RoleTeach firefighting techniques, safety protocols, and training programsRespond to fires, rescue operations, emergency response

While both roles require firefighting certifications, Firefighting Instructors focus on training and educating others in fire safety and techniques, often working in classrooms or training facilities. Firefighters, on the other hand, are primarily involved in responding to emergencies and fighting fires in the field. The two roles are interconnected but serve different functions within the fire service industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Firefighting Instructors when training new recruits?

Firefighting Instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting training methods to suit recruits with varying experience levels and physical abilities. Ensuring safety during realistic, hands-on drills is a top priority and requires constant vigilance. Additionally, instructors must keep recruits engaged and motivated while teaching both technical skills and critical decision-making under pressure. Balancing administrative duties, such as developing curriculum and maintaining training records, alongside practical instruction is also a key aspect of the role.

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

To thrive as a Firefighting Instructor, you need extensive firefighting experience, relevant fire science certifications, and comprehensive knowledge of fire safety protocols. Familiarity with training simulators, instructional technology, and certification programs such as NFPA Instructor I or II is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities distinguish outstanding instructors in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively training future firefighters, ensuring safety, and maintaining high professional standards.

What are Firefighting Instructors?

Firefighting Instructors are professionals who teach and train individuals in the skills and knowledge needed for firefighting and emergency response. They design and lead courses on fire safety, rescue techniques, hazardous materials handling, and the use of firefighting equipment. Instructors often have significant field experience as firefighters themselves and use real-world scenarios to prepare trainees for emergencies. Their role is crucial in ensuring that firefighting personnel are well-prepared, safe, and effective when responding to fires and other incidents.
What are popular job titles related to Firefighting Instructor jobs in Pennsylvania? For Firefighting Instructor jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Firefighting Instructor job openings in Pennsylvania as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,703 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

ES Fire Instructor I

County of Chester

West Chester, PA โ€ข On-site

$21.14/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary Support the Mission of the Department of Emergency Services; to promote and assist in providing safety and security to Chester County citizens so they can work, live, and grow in a healthy and safe community. The Emergency Services Fire Instructor I, provides safe, up-to-date, and productive instruction to emergency responders through courses provided by the Department of Emergency Services in fire, rescue, and hazardous materials in order to provide a safe and quick response to the citizens of Chester County. This position requires availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

All Department of Emergency Services employees are essential personnel and may be required to work during non-business hours for extended periods of time. Essential employee duties may involve assignments within the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), deployment to a field location, or other duties as required during periods of emergencies or training/exercise. Emergency assignments may be performed under adverse conditions, continue for periods ranging from a few hours to several weeks, and may require travel.

Essential Duties Provide productive, professional, and objective instruction to emergency responders. Ensure that students are safe at all times during training. Ensure the required paperwork for class instructors is accurate and complete.

Attend meetings when required. Attend required training update sessions. Support Emergency Services Instructor II and III.

Assist with the Emergency Operations Center's (EOC) activations and drills, as needed. Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects, as assigned. Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience High School Diploma or General Educations Degree (GED).

One or more years of active emergency service in fire, rescue or HAZMAT or any combination of education and experience. NFPA Certified Fire Instructor I NFPA Certified Firefighter I Assist with Hazmat Operations Level training or higher. Basic Vehicle Rescue Training At least 100 hours of certified emergency training.

Knowledge of Emergency Services Instructor methodology. All DES employees must successfully complete the following FEMA course within 6 months of hire: IS100 - Introduction to the Incident Command System IS200 - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents IS700- National Incident Management System, An Introduction IS800 - National Response Framework, An Introduction IS2200 - Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills. Strong organizational and time management skills.

Ability to work individually or as part of a team and proceed with objectives. Accurate and detail oriented with strong verbal, written skills. Ability to create and present succinct, articulate presentations.

Ability to establish and maintain strategic priorities, goals, and objectives. Ability to follow protocols to handle and resolve recurring problems. Exhibits sound judgement and easily adapts to changes in the work environment.

Strong leadership skills. Able to remain focused on daily operations and proceed with objectives. Ability to use common sense understanding to carry out written and verbal instructions.

Flexible, with an ability to carry multiple tasks and projects to completion Exhibits a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn new tasks. Professionalism, integrity, and honesty with an ability to handle confidential matters Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience: Four or more years of active emergency services in fire, rescue, and HAZMAT. Technical fire knowledge, HAZMAT knowledge, and technical Rescue knowledge.

Experience in the operation of fire engines and pumps. General knowledge and understanding of County of Chester policies and procedures. General knowledge and understanding of Emergency Services Department policies and procedures.

Additional Information Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is give per County policy. Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have: Basic to Intermediate Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer) Basic to intermediate OutLook skills (Email and Calendar) Working knowledge of Audio/Visual technology and SMART technology. Basic knowledge of records management systems.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand. Occasionally, the employee is required to walk; reach with hands and arms; bend or twist at the waist; kneel, stoop, crouch, or squat; work with arms above shoulder height; and climb stairs. The employee will also need to lift and carry all equipment necessary for the training classes, and drive to and from locations.

Must be able to perform all physical functions associated with practical firefighting, rescue and/or hazardous materials skills as set forth in the NFPA standards. Physical Abilities Ability to work with a team of instructors. Ability to communicate with students/employees/public.

Must be able to hear and speak to students. The special requirements for this position are: Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less) - office work. Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more) - training grounds.

Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors). - smoke color, hose color. Ability to recognize and identify the audible and visual signals.

Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point) - for safety while working during training or at an incident scene. Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet but can be moderate to loud depending on the assignment. Work assignments can change rapidly.

Will occasionally be exposed to outside weather and adverse weather conditions. Indoor/Outdoor environment. Required to work in all weather conditions, producing and simulating real life emergency scenarios to prepare emergency responders.

Must perform required duties in all types of weather conditions, many of which may be extreme. Will be required to operate a motor vehicle; at times this may include hazardous driving conditions. Drive vehicle from site to site to conduct business of the campus.

Ability to attend meetings on site and off site (various hours). Hands-on firefighter/rescue instruction (including water rescue / HAZMAT while outside at a controlled setup). Most training sessions are held at night and on weekends.

Emergency environments include constant interruptions, multiple tasks. and moderate to loud noise levels. Ability to stand and instruct in a classroom setting.

May be for extended periods of time. Other: Will occasionally be required to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and holidays. Driver's license required to drive from site to site.to conduct department business