Contingent Fire Science Skills Evaluator

Contingent, part-time position. Work schedule varies by semester based on Fire Academy training needs. May include daytime, evening, or weekend hours depending on scheduled skill evaluations.

The Fire Science Technology Department within Harper College’s Career and Technical Programs provides education and certification pathways that prepare students for careers in the fire service. Programs integrate academic knowledge with hands-on technical training to meet Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) standards and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) performance criteria.

Duties of Position:

The Fire Science Skills Evaluator is responsible for supervising and evaluating student performance during practical skill sessions and examinations within the Fire Science Technology program, including the Basic Operations Firefighter Academy. The evaluator works under the direction of the Lead Instructor and supports the Lead Instructor in facilitating and assessing course skill components to ensure compliance with established standards and safety protocols.

Responsibilities include:

• Administering and evaluating live skill assessments for OSFM and NFPA aligned courses such as Basic Operations Firefighter, Hazardous Materials Operations, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Advanced Technician Firefighter, Rope Operations, and others.
• Ensuring all training and evaluation activities meet NFPA 1403, OSFM, and Harper College safety standards.
• Providing clear feedback and performance documentation for student skill demonstration sand evaluations.
• Assisting with setup and breakdown of training props and equipment.
• Collaborating with instructors and academy staff to ensure consistency in evaluation criteria and student support.
• Maintaining accurate records of skill completion and attendance in accordance with department and OSFM guidelines.
• Serving as a professional role model for students, reinforcing the importance of safety, teamwork, and professionalism in the fire service.

Educational Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Fire Service Instructor II certification, or an equivalent Instructor II certification issued by another state fire marshal or recognized authority, is required.
• Certification in the specific course(s) evaluated, as issued or recognized by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) or an equivalent state agency, is required.
• An associate degree from an accredited institution and relevant professional experience are required.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of experience working in the fire service field.
• Experience conducting or evaluating fire and emergency services training programs.
• Experience teaching fire service courses and evaluating student performance in fire skills training preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Must maintain all required OSFM certifications.
• Ability to wear firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) and operate safely in training environments following NFPA 1403 and 1010 guidelines.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.