Instructor, Fire Academy

Fire Academy Instructor, Health and Public Service Department: Student Learning and Success Pay Classification: Faculty Reports To: Dean of Health and Public Service FLSA Status: Exempt Job Summary: The Fire Academy Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction and hands-on training in accordance with Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) standards and institutional guidelines.

This position supports the development of cadets by teaching fire science principles, firefighting techniques, emergency response procedures, and safety practices in both classroom and field environments.

The instructor ensures students are prepared for certification testing and entry-level careers in the fire service.

The role requires expertise in fire protection, strong communication and instructional skills, and the ability to foster a safe and disciplined training environment.

The Fire Academy Instructor works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners to maintain program compliance, support student success, and advance the mission of the Fire Academy.

Minimum Required Education: Associate's degree in emergency medical services or a fire-related field, or a combination of education/experience equivalent Certified/Licensed Paramedic.

Must possess the following current certifications: Texas Commission on Fire Protection Level II Instructor, Texas Commission on Fire Protection Advanced Firefighter, and TCFP Field Examiner.

Minimum Required Experience: Three years of professional experience as a licensed paramedic.

Five years of professional experience as a TCFP-certified Firefighter.

Two years of teaching experience in a directly related field.

Core Duties and Required Knowledge: Deliver classroom lectures, skills demonstrations, and hands-on training in firefighting, rescue operations, hazardous materials response, and related areas.

Teach assigned courses and carry out all duties of a college instructor, including lesson planning, student assessment, and instructional support.

Evaluate student performance through written exams, practical skill assessments, and observation of field exercises.

Enforce safety protocols during all training activities to ensure the well-being of students, staff, and the public.

Assist the Fire/EMS Program Coordinator in the preparation of the annual program budget and monitoring expenditures.

Work closely with faculty, the Program Coordinator, and the Dean to plan, develop, revise, and evaluate courses and curricula in compliance with TCFP standards and workforce needs.

Serve as a resource to faculty and adjunct instructors regarding instructional strategies, curriculum design, and problem-solving.

Assist with recruitment, selection, onboarding, and evaluation of full- and part-time instructional staff; recommend appointments or dismissals to the Program Coordinator.

Provide status reports on program activities, accomplishments, needs, and future plans as directed.

Collaborate daily with the Program Coordinator to manage class coverage and coordinate substitute instructors when needed.

Attend and contribute to Fire/EMS Advisory Committee meetings by reporting program progress, needs, challenges, and future goals.

Oversee instructional materials, equipment, and training facilities; maintain inventory, ensure security, and coordinate repairs or replacements as needed.

Participate in student recruitment, advising, mentorship, and orientation to promote retention and completion.

Engage in professional development to remain current with fire service practices, instructional methods, and certification requirements.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and effective operation of the Fire Academy.

Strategic Vision and Program Development: Contributes to the development and review of curriculum and general education assessment.

Collaboration: Participates as a faculty representative at convocations, commencement, and honors day assemblies; works individually and collaboratively with others to recruit and retain students.

Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a welcoming and safe environment that provides a sense of belonging for all.

Demonstrated Attributes: Sets high standards in academic and scholarly excellence, personal integrity, and professional ethics; maintains professional development and engagement in the field.

Other Information: Security sensitive position.

Travel for recruiting and performances as necessary.

Texas driver's license required.

Physical Requirements: Light work; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

The use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of force greater than that for Sedentary Work.