Professor - Firefighting

Seneca Polytechnic; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Seneca Polytechnic’s School of Fire Protection Technology at the Newnham campus seeks an experienced educator to lead the Firefighter, Pre-Service Education & Training program. The role focuses on academic leadership, curriculum development, and effective learning environments across delivery modes.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of ten years in firefighting and fire-ground operations, five years teaching at the post-secondary level, a Master’s degree in Fire Protection or related

Qualifications

• Ten years’ firefighting and fire-ground operations experience.
• Minimum five years’ teaching experience at the post-secondary level.
• Master Degree in Fire Protection or related engineering or equivalent.
• IFSAC or Pro Board accreditation including NFPA 1001, 1031, 1035, 1041.
• Ability to deliver in-person, online and hybrid teaching.
• Strong presentation, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to equity in education and industry engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership in the classroom and create an effective learning environment.
• Engage students with course objectives, delivery methods, and evaluations for active learning.
• Deliver in-person courses with inclusive, evidence-based teaching practices; integrate lab-based learning.
• Mentor students through academic advising and feedback; support quality improvements.
• Design and update biotechnology/molecular sciences curricula; collaborate with leadership and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to program quality via curriculum review and continuous improvement; select relevant learning materials.
• Engage in applied research and industry engagement; support departmental collaboration.

Skills

Teaching

Communication

Leadership

Industry connections

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Fire Protection or related engineering

IFSAC or Pro Board accreditation NFPA 1001/1031/1035/1041

Job description

Faculty/School

School of Fire Protection Technology

Program: Firefighter, Pre‑Service Education & Training

Campuses: Newnham

Number of Openings: 1

Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026 (may be adjusted based on completion of recruitment process)

Responsibilities

Responsible for providing academic leadership in the classroom and ensuring an effective and compelling learning environment for students. You will…

Teaching Excellence

• Engage students with course objectives, delivery approaches, and evaluation methods to promote active learning.
• Deliver courses across in‑person format using inclusive and evidence‑based teaching practices.
• Integrate laboratory‑based learning and applied scientific techniques to enhance student outcomes.
• Support students through academic advising, mentoring, and individualized feedback.
• Foster an engaging learning environment enriched by real‑world applications and current scientific practices.

Course and Curriculum Development

• Design and update curriculum aligned with current developments in biotechnology and molecular sciences.
• Develop assessments that reflect diverse learning styles and applied competencies.
• Collaborate with program leadership and industry stakeholders to ensure program relevance.
• Contribute to program quality through curriculum review and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Select and develop learning materials reflecting current research and industry practices.

Academic Leadership

• Contribute to academic planning and program development.
• Participate in applied research and industry engagement activities.
• Support departmental collaboration and mentorship.
• Stay current in emerging scientific trends.

What You Bring to Seneca

• Minimum ten (10) years’ experience in firefighting and fire‑ground operations is required.
• Minimum five (5) years’ teaching experience at the post‑secondary level is required.
• Minimum completed Master Degree in Fire Protection, related engineering or equivalent.
• Completed IFSAC or Pro Board accreditation in the following is required:
  • NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I & II
  • NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector Level I
  • NFPA 1035 Fire & Life Safety Educator Level I
  • NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor Level I
• Demonstrated competencies to deliver in‑person, online and hybrid teaching.
• Demonstrated exceptional presentation, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of an academic team.
• Strong relationships with industry contacts and network connections is an asset.
• Commitment to a team approach for problem‑solving and conflict resolution.
• An understanding and commitment to equity in education.

Note

A teaching demonstration will be required during the recruitment process.