Firefighting Instructor (Public Safety Teacher)

Exempt Full-time 7.33 Hours/Day 210 Days/Year 10.5 Months/Year

This position is within Career and Technical Education (CTE) specifically Firefighting under the Law Public Safety Corrections and Security career cluster. The instructor provides classroom laboratory and field-based instruction aligned with industry standards and student learning outcomes including safety teamwork communication critical thinking and emergency response skills.

Instruction occurs in classroom and training environments including simulated and live-fire scenarios where appropriate and through High-Quality Work-Based Learning (HQWBL) experiences with local fire and emergency service agencies. Instruction may also include virtual or hybrid delivery when applicable.

The firefighting program integrates academic and technical content with real-world training experiences. The instructor ensures all instruction aligns with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards including NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) competencies for Firefighting (17543). Students gain knowledge of fire behavior suppression techniques rescue operations hazardous materials awareness and use of firefighting equipment and technologies.

The instructor prepares students for industry certification postsecondary pathways and careers in fire and emergency services.

SUPERVISION:

Reports to the Norfolk Technical Center Site Coordinator and Career and Technical Education (CTE) administrators.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma required; associate or bachelors degree in Fire Science or related field preferred.
• Current Firefighter certification (NFPA 1001 Firefighter I/II or equivalent).
• Certification as a Fire Service Instructor (NFPA 1041) or eligibility to obtain.
• Minimum of three years of recent firefighting or emergency services experience.
• Eligible for or in possession of appropriate Virginia teaching licensure.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of fire service operations fire behavior rescue techniques hazardous materials awareness and emergency response protocols.
• Understanding of safety regulations including OSHA and NFPA standards.
• Ability to safely supervise students in hands-on and live training environments.
• Knowledge of instructional methods curriculum development and student assessment practices.
• Strong communication leadership and teamwork skills.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with fire departments and emergency service agencies.
• Proficiency in instructional technology and firefighting equipment.

NATURE OF POSITION / DUTIES:

• Teach firefighting theory and practical skills including fire behavior fire suppression search and rescue incident command and hazardous materials awareness.
• Plan and deliver instruction using lectures demonstrations simulations and hands-on training aligned with NFPA and VDOE standards.
• Supervise students in practical training environments including drills and controlled live-fire exercises ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Instruct students in the proper use maintenance and care of firefighting tools equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Prepare students for Firefighter I certification and other industry-recognized credentials.
• Assess student performance through written exams skills evaluations and scenario-based assessments.
• Maintain accurate student records attendance and certification documentation.
• Establish partnerships with local fire departments emergency services and training agencies to support work-based learning opportunities.
• Create a safe structured and inclusive learning environment that promotes discipline teamwork and professionalism.
• Communicate regularly with students families (when appropriate) and program stakeholders to support student success.
• Participate in professional development to stay current with firefighting techniques technologies and regulations.
• Contribute to program development advisory committees and CTE initiatives.
• Supervise students in SkillsUSA activities and other co-curricular experiences.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Requires frequent standing walking lifting climbing and physical exertion during training activities. Ability to demonstrate firefighting techniques and operate equipment in physically demanding environments.

HAZARDS:

Exposure to risks associated with firefighting training including heat smoke physical exertion and use of specialized equipment. All activities follow established safety standards and protocols.

UNUSUAL DEMANDS:

Work occurs in classroom training grounds and offsite locations. May include outdoor instruction in varying weather conditions. Occasional travel may be required for training certification and student events. Instruction may occur in in-person hybrid or virtual formats.

Required Experience:

IC