Fire Investigation Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era where safety is paramount, the role of fire investigation instructors has never been more critical.

As safety standards evolve, the need for skilled professionals who can teach, guide, and update our fire investigation protocols is increasingly vital.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a fire investigation instructor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of fire investigation instruction,

You’ve found the right place.

Today, we present a customizable fire investigation instructor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Fire Investigation Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Fire Investigation Instructors carry out the vital role of educating students about the principles of fire investigation.

Their duties involve delivering engaging lessons, conducting practical exercises, and sharing their knowledge about fire behavior, fire causes, and investigative techniques.

Their key responsibilities include:

• Preparing and delivering comprehensive lesson plans about fire investigation
• Educating students on the fundamentals of fire science, including fire behavior and the different causes of fire
• Teaching investigative techniques such as scene documentation, evidence collection, and interviewing witnesses
• Demonstrating safe and effective use of fire investigation tools and equipment
• Conducting practical exercises and simulations to provide hands-on experience
• Assessing students’ progress and providing constructive feedback
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of fire investigation practices and sharing this knowledge with students
• Ensuring compliance with safety regulations during practical exercises
• Coordinating with other instructors and professionals to continuously improve the curriculum

 

Fire Investigation Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a knowledgeable and experienced Fire Investigation Instructor to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching students the principles and methods of fire investigation, instructing on best practices and ensuring that all safety procedures are strictly followed.

Our ideal candidate is a dedicated and experienced fire investigator with a solid background in instructional methods and safety procedures.

The role requires a deep understanding of fire science, the legal aspects of fire investigation, and the ability to deliver engaging and effective training courses.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fire investigation training programs
• Deliver engaging and informative lectures on fire science and investigative techniques
• Ensure all safety procedures are strictly followed during practical exercises
• Assess and grade students on their understanding and practical application of course materials
• Keep up to date with the latest developments in fire science and investigation techniques
• Contribute to the development of training materials and resources
• Provide mentorship and guidance to students
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to improve training programs

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Fire Investigator or related role
• Experience in instructional methods and curriculum development
• In-depth knowledge of fire science and investigation techniques
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Valid certification as a Fire Investigator
• Able to pass a physical fitness and health examination
• Experience in legal aspects of fire investigation is a plus
• High school diploma; Degree in Fire Science, Criminal Justice or relevant field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Fire Investigation Instructor
• Work Environment: Classroom, online, and field training exercises. Some travel may be required for conferences or workshops.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Training Director or Department Head.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Fire Investigation Instructor Do?

Fire Investigation Instructors are specialized professionals often associated with fire departments, law enforcement agencies, or educational institutions.

They can also work as independent consultants.

They deliver comprehensive instruction on fire investigation techniques, principles, and methods to students or trainees.

These might include firefighters, law enforcement officers, insurance investigators, or individuals aspiring to work in this field.

Their job involves teaching how to determine the origin and cause of fires by analyzing fire patterns, studying burn injuries and fire-related deaths, and examining fire scenes.

They explain the science of fire behavior, including how different materials react under various fire conditions.

Fire Investigation Instructors also cover the legal aspects of fire investigation, such as crime scene preservation, evidence collection, and witness interviewing procedures.

They might also discuss the role of fire investigators in court proceedings, including how to present findings and testify as an expert witness.

Beyond lectures, they may also design and conduct practical exercises or simulations to provide hands-on experience in fire investigation.

This could involve setting controlled fires and instructing trainees on how to investigate them.

Ultimately, a Fire Investigation Instructor’s role is to ensure their students have a solid understanding of the complexities of fire investigation, enabling them to conduct thorough and accurate investigations in their professional capacities.

 

Fire Investigation Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Fire Investigation Instructor should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Experience and expertise in fire investigation, fire science, and related fields to provide comprehensive and accurate training.
• Effective communication skills to clearly explain complex concepts related to fire investigation and fire dynamics to students of varying levels of knowledge and experience.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with students, colleagues, and professionals in the field, promoting a positive learning environment and fostering professional relationships.
• Instructional abilities to design, develop, and deliver high-quality training materials and lessons to educate students on fire investigation techniques and procedures.
• Problem-solving skills to identify learning challenges and adapt instructional strategies to meet students’ needs.
• Knowledge of current fire investigation tools, techniques, and regulations to ensure training content is up-to-date and relevant.
• Ability to demonstrate practical applications of fire investigation theories, such as recreating fire scenes or interpreting fire patterns.
• Commitment to continuous learning and development in the field of fire investigation to ensure the most current information is being taught.
• Physical fitness to withstand the demands of the job, including potential fieldwork and demonstration of practical skills.

 

Fire Investigation Instructor Experience Requirements

Fire Investigation Instructors should ideally possess a strong foundational background in fire science, including relevant education and on-the-field experience.

A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Fire Investigator or in a related firefighting role is generally required.

It’s important for them to have a thorough understanding of fire cause determination, arson investigation, fire safety standards, and fire prevention techniques.

This in-depth knowledge and experience can be acquired through a variety of avenues, such as working for a fire department, law enforcement agency, or an insurance company.

In addition to experience in fire investigation, teaching or mentoring experience is highly valuable.

Fire Investigation Instructors are often required to teach complex concepts in an easily understandable way.

Therefore, experience as a trainer, teacher, or mentor in the field is very beneficial.

Those with more than 10 years of experience in the field, including some years dedicated to training or teaching, are highly sought after for senior or lead instructor roles.

Having a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) or a similar certification is often a significant advantage.

In addition to the technical skills, Fire Investigation Instructors are also expected to have excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, gained and honed from their years of experience in the field.

 

Fire Investigation Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Fire Investigation Instructors typically have a bachelor’s degree in fire science, fire engineering, or a related field.

These programs cover a wide range of subjects, including firefighting tactics, fire prevention, and fire equipment operations.

A strong background in principles of fire behavior, fire codes and standards, and fire investigation procedures is essential.

In addition to the degree, several years of experience in firefighting or fire investigation is usually required to become a Fire Investigation Instructor.

This experience gives them practical knowledge that they can pass on to their students.

Furthermore, certification in fire investigation is also recommended, which is offered by organizations like the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) or the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).

Some positions may require the instructors to possess a master’s degree in a related field or an advanced certification.

Additionally, since the role involves teaching, excellent communication skills and some experience or training in teaching or instructing can be beneficial.

Continued professional development is important in this role, as it helps instructors stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, tools, and advancements in fire investigation.

 

Fire Investigation Instructor Salary Expectations

A Fire Investigation Instructor can expect to earn an average salary of $58,760 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the size and resources of the employing organization, and the region in which they are based.

 

Fire Investigation Instructor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Fire Investigation Instructor need?

A Fire Investigation Instructor should ideally have a degree in Fire Science or a related field.

They should also be certified fire investigators, with significant experience in the field of fire investigation.

Prior teaching experience is a plus.

 

What skills are important for a Fire Investigation Instructor?

A Fire Investigation Instructor should have comprehensive knowledge about fire investigations, be able to effectively convey complex concepts to students, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

They should also be able to demonstrate the practical application of theories and should have good organizational and planning skills.

 

What should you look for in a Fire Investigation Instructor resume?

Check for the individual’s education and certification in fire investigation.

Look for their previous experience in fire investigation, as well as any teaching or training experience.

Any publications, presentations or research in the field of fire investigation would also be a plus.

 

What are the daily duties of a Fire Investigation Instructor?

A Fire Investigation Instructor might start their day by preparing lesson plans or grading assignments.

They may spend a portion of their day conducting classes, where they teach fire investigation techniques and theories.

They may also spend time setting up practical demonstrations for their students, or they could be involved in developing or revising the fire investigation curriculum.

 

What qualities make a good Fire Investigation Instructor?

A good Fire Investigation Instructor should have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of fire investigation.

They should also be passionate about teaching and be able to create engaging, informative lessons for their students.

They should have excellent communication skills, be patient, approachable, and have the ability to inspire and motivate their students.

 

Conclusion

So, now you know.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a fire investigation instructor.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about fighting fires.

It’s about teaching the art of investigation, one clue at a time.

With our go-to fire investigation instructor job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully prepared to make your next move.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon for crafting pinpoint-accurate listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every clue unraveled is a piece of the larger puzzle.

Let’s solve the mysteries of fire. Together.

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