Fire Science Tenure-Track Instructor

About the role

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.

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

Responsibilities

• 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