Full-time Fire Protection Instructor

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Rhinelander Campus, 5364 College Drive, Rhinelander, WI
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number:
Department: Public Safety
Opening Date: 09/08/2026

Position Summary
Under the general direction of the Dean of Public Safety & Transportation, the Fire Protection Instructor serves as the primary instructional lead for the College's fire protection program while providing operational support for fire training resources and public safety programming. This position oversees the preparation, coordination, and operational readiness of training equipment, vehicles, props, and instructional resources while supporting curriculum implementation and program effectiveness. EMS instruction is not a primary responsibility, but may be assigned based on the candidate's qualifications and program needs.
The position is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction, supporting curriculum implementation, coordinating training equipment readiness, and ensuring instructional facilities and resources support effective learning. Responsibilities are performed primarily at the Rhinelander Campus, with regular travel to designated outreach locations and training sites throughout the Nicolet College District. Work schedules are variable and may include daytime, evening, and weekend assignments based on instructional and program needs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Develop, maintain, and deliver instruction in academic programs, workforce development, and K12 settings in accordance with the mission, vision, and philosophy of Nicolet College in the above-described instructional areas.
• Curriculum development evaluation, revision, and continuous quality improvement.
• Maintain courses in WIDS (Worldwide Instructional Design System) and Nicolet College's LMS (Learning Management System).
• Participation in Nicolet College's program review process.
• Support students in every aspect of their coursework. Provide regular and substantive interaction with students.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with students to maximize their motivation and engagement in courses.
• Responsible for classroom and clinical instruction, including compliance with policies and procedures of state, federal, or other external agencies.
• Plan, develop, and schedule courses and related activities.

Instruction-Related Support

• Support instruction in a variety of formats, including face-to-face classroom, laboratory, live-fire, field-based, hybrid, and online instruction.
• Coordinate instructional support and provide guidance to Fire & EMS adjunct instructors to ensure consistent delivery of curriculum, assessment, and student outcomes.
• Support delivery of academic programs, workforce development offerings, and K12 outreach initiatives.
• Collaborate with advisory committees, colleagues, and industry partners to enhance program effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain relationships with business and industry partners to facilitate student opportunities and program growth.
• Participate in regional fire service advisory committees, fire chief meetings, and other industry stakeholder discussions.
• Coordinate routine maintenance needs, inventory, and ordering of supplies, materials, and equipment.

Professional Development and Service to the College

• Participate in department, program, and college-level activities, projects, and committees.
• Maintain all required faculty qualification assurance standards for the Wisconsin Technical College System.
• Maintain professional affiliations and certifications.
• Collaborate with public safety faculty, administrators, and WTCS to improve courses through program review, curriculum and course development, assessment of student learning, and feedback from public safety and fire advisory committees.
• Participate in professional organizations and activities that support ongoing development as a fire educator.
• Support and promote agreements and pathways with high schools and four-year colleges.
• Participate in program marketing and recruitment to drive student enrollment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Principles of adult learning and effective instructional practices.
• Current fire service and EMS standards, regulations, certification requirements, and industry best practices.
• Curriculum design, assessment methods, and competency-based education.
• Learning management systems and instructional technologies used in higher education.
• Safety practices applicable to classroom, laboratory and field instruction.
• Deliver effective classroom, laboratory, live-fire and hands-on instruction.
• Evaluate student learning through written, practical, and competency-based assessments.
• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and external partners.
• Utilize instructional technology, learning management systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple instructional and administrative responsibilities.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Adapt instructional methods to meet diverse learning needs.
• Foster an inclusive, professional, and safe learning environment.
• Teach cognitive knowledge and psychomotor skills required for fire and EMS education.
• Build collaborative relationships with faculty, students, and community partners.
• Analyze student performance and implement continuous instructional improvement.
• Learn and apply new technologies, educational practices, and industry developments.
• Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee must demonstrate strong attention to detail and must be able to problem-solve and perform complex tasks without error.
• The employee must be able to read and understand documents/displays, type/write, and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to normal office conditions and usual office equipment, as well as a variety of health care agencies and related equipment.
• The employee must have gross motor skills: ability to maintain balance, move within confined spaces, reach, push, pull, or stabilize and move and/or lift 25 pounds.
• The employee must have fine motor skills: pick up and grasp small objects, pinch/squeeze or work with fingers, twist/turn objects using hands.
• The employee must maintain physical endurance (work on your feet 8 hours or more).
• The employee must maintain mobility: ability to squat, stand, walk, and climb stairs.
• Specific hearing abilities required by this job include hear normal speaking-level sounds, hear faint voices or whispers.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include see objects up to 20 inches away, see objects up to 20 feet away, use depth perception, use peripheral vision, distinguish color and color intensity.
• The employee must use tactile senses: feel vibrations, detect temperature (skin, solutions, environmental), feel differences in surface characteristics.
• The employee must be able to detect body and environmental odors and tolerate exposure to allergens, heat, and humidity.
• The employee must maintain emotional stability: provide emotional support, adapt to changing environment/stress, focus attention on task, cope with strong emotions, and respond to the unexpected.
• This position requires regular and punctual employee presence.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Fire Protection, Fire Science, Emergency Services, or a related field; candidates without a degree may be considered with the ability to obtain the degree within three (3) years of hire.
• Must be certified as a Wisconsin Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I.
• Wisconsin Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Current Wisconsin Firefighter II certification.
• Wisconsin Fire Officer I certification or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of hire.
• Wisconsin Driver/Operator - Pumper certification or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of hire.
• Ability to meet Wisconsin Technical College System faculty qualification standards.
• Minimum of five (5) years (10,000 hours) of occupational experience related to the program(s) being taught.
  1. At least one (1) year (2,000 hours) of the required occupational experience must have been acquired within the past five (5) years.
  2. In lieu of the recent occupational experience requirement, applicants may qualify with:
  3. Two (2) years of postsecondary teaching experience in the appropriate occupational field within the past five (5) years, defined as:
  4. Eight (8) semesters of part-time teaching, or
  5. Four (4) semesters of full-time teaching at an accredited postsecondary institution.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, Fire Protection, Emergency Services, Education, or a related field.
• Experience teaching fire service education in a Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) institution, fire academy, accredited training center, or similar educational setting.
• Hazardous Materials Technician certification.
• Fire Inspector I certification.
• Experience delivering instruction in classroom, laboratory, live-fire, and simulation-based environments.
• Experience developing curriculum, lesson plans, assessments, or instructional materials for fire service education.
• Experience using a learning management system (e.g., Canvas, D2L, Blackboard, Moodle) and instructional technology.
• EMS-related qualifications are preferred for candidates who may support EMS instructional needs.
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor certification, or ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of hire if BLS instruction is an assigned responsibility.
• Experience with online delivery modalities.
• Experience coordinating fire academy operations, training facilities, equipment, or fire service instructional programs.

Other
Compensation:

The salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience; this includes placement based on the faculty by the highest completed degree level.

• Pre-Bachelor's Degree: $69,707.00 - $101,391.00
• Bachelor's Degree: $73,517.00 - $106,933.00
• Master's Degree or Higher: $81,570.00 - $118,646.00

This position includes a comprehensive benefits package.
Application Procedure:

Apply atAttach a cover letter addressing how your background and experience are consistent with the required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and unofficial college transcripts. Applications received by 4 p.m. on Friday, September 25th, 2026, will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
We're proud to offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package and competitive wages. Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

• Paid Time Off - holidays, bereavement leave, and six-weeks paid time off for FT employees
• Health Insurance with UMR - employer pays 88-91% of premiums
• Direct Primary Care
• Employer contribution to HSA for employees enrolled in HDHP
• Dental Insurance with Delta Dental - employer pays 95% of premiums for single; 92% for family plan
• Vision Insurance with Superior Vision - optional; 2 plans to choose from
• Life Insurance - employer pays 100% for Basic coverage; optional Additional and Spouse/Dependent coverage
• Long Term Disability Insurance - employer pays 100%
• Short Term Disability Insurance - optional; paid by employee
• Employee Assistance Program - employer pays 100%
• Required participation in Wisconsin Retirement System
• Optional Participation in Section 125 Plan - Flexible Spending Account
• Optional Participation in Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan -- 403(b) and 457(b) plans
• Professional Development Funding
• Degree Pursuit Reimbursement - by application, after 1 year of service
• Employee Mentoring Program
• Wellness Initiatives
  • Ergonomic assessments
  • On-site mammograms and flu shots
  • Support for mothers
  • Teladoc online medical services
  • Tobacco Cessation
  • Walking trails
  • Weight loss and nutrition programming
  • Hinge Health as a virtual physical therapy option paid by employer

Benefits are pro-rated for some part-time positions. Eligible employees will receive timely notification if/as they become eligible to participate in benefit programs.

Additional services and on-site resources include:

• - Highlights collaboration with local non-profits, public art on campus, social gatherings, and dynamic conversations.
• - We believe learning is for life! Get creative with classes in a variety of areas:
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Computers & Technology for Home
  • Food & Cooking
  • Health & Fitness
  • Personal Enrichment
• Food and Dining
  • A' La Carte Service - grab 'n go items, operated by Culinary students.
  • Lakeside Cafe and Market - located in the Lakeside Center.
  • - a student-run restaurant offering a range of cuisine prepared and served by student chefs. Operates durin