Special Hazards Instructors- Contractor

Job Description

The Department of Fire Services, through the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA), provides training for firefighters from local fire departments at our Stow, Springfield and Bridgewater facilities, as well as regionally throughout the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy delivers nearly 1,000 courses to approximately 14,000 students each year.

The Department of Fire Services is currently looking to expand our instructor pool to accommodate the needs of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Subject areas we are looking to expand are:

• • Hazardous Materials
  • Rapid Intervention
  • Technical Rescue

Opportunities to teach in other programs may be available based on the needs of the Academy.

The ideal candidate will be able to work two to three days per week in any program area and be willing to travel to deliver programs across the Commonwealth. MFA contract employees are required to work a minimum of 200 hours over a two-year period. This is a part-time contract position with no benefits.

In order to be considered for instructor candidate, you must upload your resume and proof of Firefighter I/II and Fire Instructor I certifications.

Instructor Candidate duties include:

• Works under the direction of an assigned instructor.
• Observes the delivery of training by an experienced instructor.
• May assist the instructor in classroom setup.
• May deliver a segment of instruction under the guidance of the instructor.
• Observes student skills development and evaluates.
• May assist in demonstrating skills.
• Complete the assigned 36-hour audit process.
• Reviews lesson plans.
• Completes mandatory Commonwealth employee on-line training by required deadlines.

Upon successfully completing the instructor candidate audit requirements and obtaining a favorable performance evaluation, the candidate will be eligible for promotion into the Instructor I position.

Instructor I duties include:

• Works under the direction of a lead instructor.
• Delivers instruction from a prepared lesson plan.
• Sets up audio/visual equipment.
• Conducts demonstrations as called for in the lesson plan.
• Coaches students when necessary.
• Completes all paperwork that is required.
• Assists the Officer of the Day, or other staff, as assigned.
• Evaluates/grades specific skills including subjective evaluations.
• Completes mandatory Commonwealth employee on-line training by required deadlines.

Requirements to teach any live fire courses:

• Complete the MFA Live Burn Training
• Mask fit tested by DFS once per year
• Complete the online respirator course in LMS once a year.
• Complete a medical questionnaire provided by the DFS Environmental Safety Officer once only.

Successive opportunities for advancement to Instructor II, Instructor III and Instructor IV will be at management discretion and based upon demonstrated knowledge, ability, and qualifications, as outlined in the DFS Instructor series job specifications. Specific duties of these advancement opportunities are incorporated in the DFS employment contract, which is executed upon hire.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

1. A minimum of five years of relevant fire service experience such as a firefighter, fire/EMS, fire officer, fire investigator, or fire prevention position with a fire department.

2. Must be an active or retired member of the fire service.

3. Must be a Massachusetts and/or certified Firefighter I/II with the National Professional Qualification Board or the International Fire Service Accreditation Council.

4. Must be a Massachusetts or certified Fire Instructor I with the National Professional Qualification Board, the International Fire Service Accreditation Council, or Department of Defense.

5. Must successfully complete a Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructor methodology course. A teaching certificate or certificate of completion from another instructor methodology program may be accepted in lieu of the instructor methodology course pending review of curriculum.

6. Must have superior communication skills

7. Must have the ability to work under direct supervision

8. Must be a good listener

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.