Fire Officer Professional Development Instructors - Contractor

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:

• Fire Officer
• Fire Prevention
• Fire Investigation
• Community Risk Reduction

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.
• Evaluates/grades specific skills including subjective evaluations.

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.        

 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 certifie