Fire Science Tenure-Track Instructor

Position Overview

Position Responsibilities

• Teach Fire Science Technology courses and certification programs aligned with Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal requirements.
• Develop and maintain curriculum, syllabi, and instructional materials aligned with industry needs.
• Deliver active, applied, and technology-supported instruction.
• Assess student learning, provide feedback, and submit grades by required deadlines.
• Provide student support, maintain office hours, and refer students to College resources.
• Maintain records and complete required institutional, state, and federal reporting.
• Participate in faculty meetings, governance, committees, program reviews, and advisory committees.
• Maintain current subject knowledge, comply with College training, and uphold professional ethics.

Departmental Duties

• Assist with software, equipment, and instructional materials selection.
• Collaborate on recruitment plans, enrollment monitoring, and prospective student recruitment.
• Help develop print and digital marketing materials for the program.
• Maintain relationships with College leaders, colleagues, community partners, and industry partners.
• Develop student internship opportunities and support placement in fire science or related fields.
• Sponsor an approved student leadership organization or promote participation in competitive events.

Areas of Expertise

• Knowledge of fire behavior, fire dynamics, suppression tactics, and tactical decision-making.
• Knowledge of fire prevention, code enforcement, inspection practices, and hazardous materials response.
• Experience developing fire service curriculum aligned with NFPA, OSFM, and IFSAC standards is valuable.
• Ability to build relationships with fire departments and public safety agencies is valuable.
• Practical experience in a fire department or public safety agency is strongly preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Advanced Technician Firefighter / Firefighter III certification or recognized legacy equivalent.
• Fire Service Instructor II certification or recognized legacy equivalent.
• Company Fire Officer / Fire Officer I certification or recognized legacy equivalent.
• A degree in fire science, emergency management, public safety, public administration, education, leadership, or management is preferred, but another degree may qualify with substantial fire service experience or advanced credentials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Fire Officer / Fire Officer II certification is preferred.
• Additional advanced OSFM certifications, including Chief Fire Officer, Training Program Manager, Incident Safety Officer, Fire Prevention Officer, or Fire Inspector, are desirable.
• Postsecondary teaching, fire service training, curriculum development, program coordination, accreditation, or adult instructional design experience is preferred.
• A relevant master's degree and additional OSFM or National Fire Academy certifications are preferred.
• Experience teaching or mentoring diverse student populations is preferred.

Application Materials

• Applicants must attach a cover letter, CV or resume, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and a one-page teaching philosophy statement.
• Official transcripts are required upon hire.
• Employment sponsorship is not available.