Practical Skills Instructor - Fire Academy

RRCC seeks applicants who understand and have first-hand experience working with diverse populations, which may include but are not limited to, historically marginalized populations such as people of color, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans, first generation graduates, and people with disabilities.

Job Summary:

The Fire Science Department at RRCC is seeking Practical Skills Instructors for the fire academy training program. This position will deliver high-quality instruction through the delivery of didactic and experiential lessons that focus on fire service fundamentals, fire behavior, suppression tactics, fire prevention, hazardous materials, and other critical aspects of fire service operations covered in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1010 and 470. The successful candidate will be committed to preparing students for careers in the fire service by providing rigorous, safety-focused training in both classroom and practical settings.

This position reports to the Faculty Department Chair, Fire & Outdoor Studies. The Fire Academy is conducted during the work week, with sessions typically scheduled between 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM at the Lakewood campus. However, please note that specific days, hours, and location may fluctuate based on the evolving needs of the program.

The compensation for this position is $40.44 hourly, commensurate with education and experience. This is a part-time, FLSA exempt position and may work up to 28 hours per week, depending on budget and need.

This posting will remain open on a continuous basis, and applicants will be selected as needed until the position is filled or the posting expires.

Please note:

• Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
• Completed applications will remain active for 12 months from the date of submission.
• There is no need to reapply during this 12-month period unless there are updates to your application materials.
• After the 12-month period, applicants are welcome to reapply if the position is still open.

Competencies/KSAs:

• Knowledge of NFPA 1010, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications
• Knowledge of NFPA 470, Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Standard for Responders
• Familiarity with International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) materials.
• Ability to perform and teach all applicable Job Performance Requirements as listed within NFPA standards and all accrediting bodies.
• Ability to teach and supervise fire science training effectively.
• Ability to work in a diverse educational environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to teach daytime, evening, or weekend labs.
• Ability to assess and guide students in practical training scenarios.
• Ability to maintain a professional and supportive relationship with students, faculty, and the community.
• In-depth knowledge of fire service operations, fire behavior, suppression tactics, and safety procedures.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex fire service concepts and practical skills to a diverse student body.

Required Qualifications:

• Firefighter II certification with IFSAC or ProBoard endorsement
• Proficiency in utilizing simulation technology and hands-on training methods.
• Strong commitment to promoting safety and excellence in fire service training.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in fire science education.
• Commitment to student engagement, success, and instructional excellence.
• At least 4,000 hours of paid, non-teaching fire service experience within the last seven years; alternatively, a recognized fire service certification (e.g., Firefighter II, Fire Officer, Fire Instructor) may be considered. Demonstrated experience teaching or training in fire service operations, preferably within an academy or similar setting.
• Ability to obtain a post-secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) credential upon offer of employment.

Physical & Cognitive Demands

The following are some of the physical and cognitive demands commonly associated with this position.

• Ability to lift and move up to 225 lbs. when handling fire training equipment.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting during lab instruction.
• Exposure to outdoor training environments and fire service equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and provide verbal instruction in a high-risk and potentially high-stress environment.
• This position operates in both a classroom and outdoor environment and constantly uses a computer, fire equipment and routinely uses standard office equipment including phones, copiers, etc.
• The person in this position constantly communicates with internal and external constituents and students. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Cognitive demands include comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, synthesizing, negotiating, communicating, instructing, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fire Instructor I certification with IFSAC or ProBoard endorsement

Selection Process:

Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications as related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Candidates may redact any personally identifiable information on their materials including but are not limited to age, date of birth, and dates of attendance and date of graduation for educational institutions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Instructions:

Advertised Hourly Pay

The compensation for this position is $40.44 to $53.92 hourly, commensurate with education and experience. This is a part-time, FLSA exempt position and may work up to 28 hours per week, depending on budget and need.

This position has been exempted from the State Classified System.

To Apply

All applicants must submit:

1. Resume
2. Detailed letter of interest (cover letter) addressing the job announcement.

Visit our Careers website to submit your application.

If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Steven.Gillespie@rrcc.edu, Faculty Department Chair, Fire & Outdoor Studies.

Apply Now

Additional Information/Benefits:

Benefits

Medical insurance is offered to instructors and other variable hour employees who have worked, on average, at least 30 hours per week in a 12-month period. RRCC/CCCS uses an initial 12-month measurement period to determine medical benefit eligibility, and a 12-month standard measurement period. Student employees are limited to working no more than 20 hours a week when classes are in session, and may work up to 28 hours a week, during academic breaks or breaks between terms at the discretion of the college, and non-classified hourly and temporary staff are limited to 28 hours in a workweek, depending on budget and need. Additional information about medical insurance, and Life and Disability benefit information can be found at the CCCS Employee Benefits site under "Instructor & Variable Hour Employee Benefit Information."

Sick leave is granted in accordance with SB20-205, Sick Leave for Employees, accrued at one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours per year.

Instructors and non-student hourly are required to contribute to Colorado PERA at a fixed percentage of their salary and do not contribute to Social Security. RRCC/CCCS student employees are not eligible to participate in PERA. RRCC/CCCS offers three tax-deferred investment plans, including 401(k), 403(b) and 457. Employee assistance services such as counseling, professional coaching, financial planning, and more, are available to you and members of your household at no cost through the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP). State employees are eligible to participate in BenefitHub which offers discounts for retailers and services and other benefits resources. Employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Additional information about this program can be found on the Colorado Division of Human Resources website.