Fire Science Tenure-Track Instructor

The Fire Science Department at Harper College is actively seeking a student-centered, diverse pool of candidates to fill a full-time faculty position specializing in Fire Science. Successful candidates will assume responsibilities that encompass a broad spectrum of courses, including, but not restricted to, Fire Behavior and Combustion, Fire Prevention, Fire Administration, Hazardous Materials, Building Construction for Fire Protection, Fire Investigation, and Emergency Medical Care courses.

The Fire Science program provides theory and hands-on training in the skills essential to equipping students to enter or advance careers in fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency management, and related public safety fields. The program combines classroom instruction with practical, scenario-based training that mirrors the real demands of the fire service, preparing students to think clearly and act decisively under pressure.

Harper College provides excellent facilities to students and faculty in the Fire Science program. The College's learning environment includes dedicated fire science classrooms, hands-on training labs, and simulation equipment supporting fire behavior, hazardous materials response, and emergency medical care instruction, along with strong partnerships with area fire departments and public safety agencies that extend learning beyond the classroom.

The successful candidate will be able to teach a wide variety of introductory courses to students of diverse backgrounds and varying levels of college readiness, using traditional and alternative delivery methods. We encourage interested candidates to familiarize themselves with our course offerings. This position teaches a standard load of fifteen (15) credit hours per semester (30 credits per academic year), consisting chiefly of Fire Science courses. This may include reassigned time for chair/coordinator duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

• Teach Fire Science Technology courses and certification-based programs aligned with Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) requirements. Instruction may span multiple levels and disciplines of fire service professional development, including firefighter, instructor, fire officer, incident safety, and other advanced or specialized OSFM certification programs offered by the College.

• Develop, prepare, and maintain current curriculum, course syllabi, and instructional materials that align with industry needs

• Deliver course content using a variety of teaching styles, incorporating active, applied, and technology-supported learning

• Conduct all classes as scheduled, in accordance with the approved syllabus and course materials

• Assess student learning, provide timely feedback, and submit midterm and final grades electronically by required deadlines

• Provide instructional support to students and refer them to additional College resources when appropriate

• Maintain and post current teaching schedules and office hours, and be available for student consultation in person, by phone, or by email

• Use appropriate College policies and procedures to document and resolve student complaints, concerns, and problems

• Administer additional assessments of student learning outcomes as requested by the department, and report results as required

• Encourage and review course evaluations, using feedback to improve course delivery

• Maintain accurate office, grade, and division records, including required institutional, state, and federal reporting

• Attend faculty meetings and participate in college governance, departmental and divisional committees, and program advisory committees

• Adhere to current compliance training mandated by the College, including Title IX “Responsible Employee” and, where applicable, Clery Act Campus Security Authority requirements

• Maintain current knowledge of the subject matter and a high level of professional ethics

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean

DEPARTMENTAL DUTIES

• Conduct regular program reviews

• Assist in the selection of software, equipment, and instructional materials

• Collaborate with advisors, staff, and campus partners to build recruitment plans, monitor enrollment, and recruit prospective students

• Assist in the development of print and digital marketing materials to promote the program

• Maintain strong working relationships with the Dean, Program Coordinator colleagues, and community and industry partners

• Work diligently to maximize student placement in fire science or related fields

• Develop opportunities for student internships

• Sponsor an approved student leadership organization and/or promote student participation in competitive events

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The ideal candidate will bring a well-rounded foundation across both the technical and leadership sides of the fire service, with hands-on credibility that translates directly into the classroom.

• Fire behavior and suppression tactics — understanding of fire dynamics, tactical decision-making, and hands-on suppression skills that reflect current fire service practice

• Fire prevention and hazardous materials response — knowledge of code enforcement, inspection practices, and safe, effective response to hazardous materials incidents

• Fire service curriculum development and accreditation standards — experience building and maintaining coursework aligned with standards such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)

• Community and agency partnerships — a track record of building relationships with local fire departments and public safety agencies to support student training and career pathways

• Field experience — practical experience gained through active service in a fire department or public safety agency is strongly preferred

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A degree in fire science, emergency management, public safety, public administration, education, leadership, or management is preferred. Candidates with a degree in another discipline may qualify when accompanied by substantial professional fire service experience, advanced fire service certifications, and/or demonstrated fire service leadership, training, or instructional experience.

Candidates must possess the following Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) certifications, or recognized legacy equivalents:

• Advanced Technician Firefighter / Firefighter III

• Fire Service Instructor II

• Company Fire Officer / Fire Officer I

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Advanced Fire Officer / Fire Officer II

Additional advanced OSFM certifications relevant to the Fire Science Technology curriculum, fire service leadership, training, and professional development are highly desirable. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Chief Fire Officer

• Training Program Manager

• Incident Safety Officer

• Fire Prevention Officer

• Fire Inspector

• Other advanced or specialized OSFM certifications relevant to the College’s Fire Science Technology and firefighter training programs

Multiple advanced OSFM certifications and demonstrated ability to meet instructor qualification requirements across multiple OSFM certification programs are highly desirable.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

The following are preferred knowledge, skills, and experiences for a successful candidate. These go beyond the minimum qualifications and help distinguish a strong fit for the coordinator role.

• Teaching experience — Prior experience teaching at the postsecondary level, particularly in a community college setting, or equivalent instructional experience within the fire and emergency services. 

• Relevant fire service — Experience in areas of fire academy instruction, department or company-level training, officer development, curriculum development and delivery, certification-based instruction, or responsibility for coordinating and delivering fire service training programs.

• Master's degree — A master's degree in fire science, public administration, education, or a related field

• Instructional design — Experience developing course materials, lab exercises, or scenario-based training for adult learners

• Program leadership — Experience with program coordination, accreditation processes, or department-level administrative duties

• Advanced certifications — Additional OSFM or National Fire Academy (NFA) certifications beyond the minimum requirement

• Diverse student populations — Experience teaching or mentoring students from varied educational, cultural, and professional backgrounds

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

Applications are accepted until the position is filled, though priority will be given to applications received on or before October 15, 2026.

SPECIAL NOTES

You will not be able to complete the application without attaching the following documents:

• Cover letter

• CV/Resume (does not substitute for a completed application)

• Copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts from regionally accredited institutions

• A one-page, single-spaced statement of your teaching philosophy, including how you approach classroom management, how you assess students, and how you use instructional technology

Official transcripts are required upon hire. Employment is contingent upon a criminal background check. Employment sponsorship is not available.