Clinical Instructor - Fire Science

Rock Valley College; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 76,000; Part time

Job summary

Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL seeks a part-time Clinical Instructor (Fire Science) for the Fall 2026 semester to lead and assist live-fire and classroom training. The role emphasizes safety, NFPA 1403 compliance, and hands-on instruction of IDLH and simulated evolutions.

The instructor coordinates with the Dean of Health Sciences, ensures PPE readiness, and supports student skill development in fire behavior and tactical firefighting. This is a non-visa-sponsoring position.

Qualifications

• Flexibility in work schedule is necessary.
• Associates Degree in Fire Science or commensurate years of fire service experience.
• 5 years or more of fire experience and IL OSFM FF2 or Basic Operations Firefighter certification.
• IL OSFM Instructor I Certificate is required.
• IDPH EMS licensure (EMT or paramedic) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the lead officer/Instructor responsible for training exercises, both live-fire and non-IDLH.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA 1403 and College SOPs for all live fire operations.
• Ensure all necessary tools, equipment, and PPE are in a ready-state prior to conducting the training.
• Assist in the preparation, execution, and shutdown of live-fire scenarios.
• Supervise fuel loading and ignition activities per NFPA 1403 and manufacturer guidelines.
• Conduct pre-burn inspections and safety checks of structures, props, and fuel sources.
• Coordinate with the Instructor-in-Charge and Safety Officer before, during, and after live fire evolutions.
• Participate in safety briefings and understand roles, risks, and emergency procedures.
• Manage and inspect PPE and SCBA to ensure readiness and compliance.
• Assist with classroom instruction as needed.

Skills

Flexibility in schedule

Education

Associates Degree in Fire Science

Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or related field

IL OSFM FF2 or Basic Operations Firefighter certification

IL OSFM Instructor I Certificate

IDPH EMS licensure (EMT or paramedic)

Job description

Position Title: Clinical Instructor (Fire Science)

Division: Health Sciences (HLT)

Employee Status: Part Time (Fall 2026 Semester)

Group: NA

Grade: NA

Salary: ($36.00-$55.00 hourly)

FLSA: Non-Exempt

ICCB Classification: Teaching

Rock Valley College does not offer sponsorship for employment-based visas for this position now or in the future. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Dean of Health Sciences

Supervision Exercised: None

Job Summary

Reporting to the Dean, the Fire Science Clinical Instructor is responsible for the safe and effective preparation, coordination, execution, ignition, and shutdown of Fire Science skills-based training, including both Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) and simulated IDLH training evolutions. The Clinical Instructor ensures all live-fire training complies with NFPA 1403: Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions, and other applicable safety regulations. This position plays a critical role in the instruction of Fire Science students, and their development of necessary skills. This position also provides instruction to Fire Science students while on training ground and in the classroom setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Additional related duties may be assigned.

• Assist the lead officer/Instructor responsible for training exercises, both live-fire and non-IDLH.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA 1403 and College SOPs for all live fire operations.
• Ensure all necessary tools, equipment, and PPE are in a ready-state prior to conducting the training.
• Assist in the preparation, execution, and shutdown of live-fire scenarios.
• Supervise all fuel loading and ignition activities per manufacturer and NFPA 1403 recommendations, maintaining control of fire behavior throughout training.
• Conduct pre-burn inspections and safety checks of structures, props, and fuel sources.
• Coordinate with the Instructor-in-Charge, Safety Officer, and other Adjunct Faculty before, during, and after live fire evolutions.
• Take part in safety briefings and understand roles, risks, and emergency procedures.
• Manage and inspect personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to ensure readiness and compliance.
• Provide assistance, when directed, in the instruction to recruits and firefighters in fire behavior, fire dynamics, and tactical firefighting skills.
• Maintain cleanliness and operational readiness of burn buildings, props, and training grounds.
• Assist with classroom instruction as needed.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Flexibility in work schedule is necessary. Interest in serving a diverse student population is essential.
• Associates Degree in Fire Science or commensurate years of fire service experience
• 5 years or more of fire experience and
• IL OSFM FF2 or Basic Operations Firefighter certification
• IL OSFM Instructor I Certificate

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science or related field
• OSFM Instructor II certification
• Current or previous IDPH EMS licensure (EMT or paramedic)
• Prior community college and/or fire service teaching experience

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works both indoors and outdoors. Standard fire service activities are conducted on-campus and at satellite locations. Frequently exposed to extreme heat, smoke, loud noises, and physical hazards. Work involves physically demanding tasks including lifting, crawling, and climbing.

Physical Demands

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Strength:Ability to lift and carry heavy objects (e.g., equipment, hoses, ladders, victims).
• Endurance:Ability to perform sustained physical activity and work for extended periods.
• Agility and Mobility:Ability to climb ladders and stairs, traverse uneven terrain, crawl through confined spaces, and maintain balance in challenging environments.
• Sensory Abilities:Reliance on sight, hearing, smell, and touch to assess situations, maintain safety, and make critical decisions.