ABOUT US
We are Harper College…the college in your community.
The College was established by referendum in 1965 and opened
September 1967. It is named for Dr. William Rainey Harper, a
pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the
first president of the University of Chicago.
Harper College is now one of the nation’s premier community
colleges and one of the largest, serving approximately 29,000
students annually in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. The College’s
academic programs prepare students for rewarding careers and for
transfer to four-year universities. Harper offers associate degree
and certification programs, advanced career programs, workforce
training, professional development, continuing education classes,
accelerated degree options for adults and developmental education
programs.
At Harper College, we are committed to fair and equitable
compensation for all employees. In compliance with Illinois state
law, we prioritize transparency in salary information. Our salary
ranges reflect our dedication to attracting and retaining top
talent while ensuring equitable pay practices.We encourage open
discussions about compensation and invite you to reach out with any
questions you may have regarding salary details. Harper College
typically offers compensation up to the median market rate for this
position. We aim to ensure our pay is competitive while aligning
with both the role's requirements and the candidate's experience.
To review all benefit information visit us at:
https://www.harpercollege.edu/about/directory/hr/index.php
QUALIFICATIONS JOB DESCRIPTION
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.
42.11306
ABOUT THE TEAM
With continuous advancement in patient carer, health care workers
with training in the latest technology and best practices are in
constant demand. The Harper College Health Careers Division
prepares students for a career in a variety of health settings,
from hospitals and clinics, to nursing homes and community based
organizations.
RESPONSIBILITIES 
