Fire Academy, NJ Certified Fire Instructor, Part Time

The Fire Academy Instructor (NJ Certified Fire Instructor), a part-time position with Mercer County Community College, is responsible for the safety and instruction of students in noncredit courses offered by the Mercer County Fire Academy (Fire Academy). The Instructor will teach, assist and/or oversee instructional non-credit courses and skill sessions relevant to the fields of Emergency Services and Emergency Preparedness. The Instructor is competent and knowledgeable in the topic areas he or she is presenting. Depending on the content area of instruction, the Instructor may be required to possess and maintain one or more specific certifications or licenses.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Designs or obtains instructional curriculum and materials.

• Delivers identified curriculum for classroom and/or skills training sessions so that learning student learning objectives are achieved, students are actively and positively engaged in the learning process, safety is a key focus, and Fire Academy resources are used appropriately to enhance the learning process.

• Is responsive and receptive to student questions, comments and concerns.

• Provides explanation when able or directs student to appropriate staff member.

• Serves as an Instructor and/or Safety Officer for customers utilizing the training grounds.

• May be required to attend initial and refresher training regarding training ground operations and duties.

• May be required to attend mandatory instructor in-service sessions and meetings.

• Inspects and prepares classroom and/or training props so that all equipment or materials are present and functioning prior to the training session.

• Constantly monitors the safety of all students and staff, identifies safety hazards, and takes appropriate action including stopping evolutions as needed. Reports and/or reconciles identified safety deficiencies.

• Completes Fire Academy forms and paperwork as necessary. Submits forms and paperwork in a timely fashion.

• Follows and enforces the established rules and regulations for the applicable non-credit course, program or activity that the Instructor is participating in.

• Is responsible to ensure the safe and proper use of Fire Academy resources and ensures the security and restoration of these resources after use.

• Follows and applies as appropriate all Mercer County Fire Academy policies and procedures so that policies are achieved and procedures are followed by students and instructors.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum qualifications: High School Diploma or GED and one (1) year experience in the instruction of emergency services or emergency preparedness. Depending on the content area of instruction, the Instructor may be required to possess and maintain one or more specific certifications or licenses.

• New Jersey Firefighter 1 

• Certification New Jersey Fire Instructor 1 or 2 

• Certification New Jersey IMS Level 2 

• Certification New Jersey Haz Mat Ops & Awareness Certifications

• 7 years of fire service experience

• Advanced instructor certification(s) where available

• Emergency Medical Technician-Basic or Paramedic

• Experience as an Officer in an emergency services organization

• Qualified apparatus & pump operator

• Prior teaching experience, particularly in non-credit courses and with adult learners

• Successful completion of college-level course work or degree.

Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures. 

Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that gives them confidence in one's intentions and those of the organization.

Customer Focus: Making customers and their needs a primary focus of one's actions; developing and sustaining productive customer relationships.

Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.