Firefighter Technology / Public Safety Teacher

Richmond County Schools 

Position Posting: Firefighter Technology / Public Safety Teacher 

Position Title: Firefighter Technology / Public Safety Teacher 

Department: Career and Technical Education (CTE) 

Reports To: CTE Director / Principal 

Work Location: Richmond Senior High School, Richmond County Schools, NC 

Term of Employment: 10 months 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Salary Grade: Based on NC Public School Teacher Salary Schedule plus local supplement 

Position Summary 

Richmond County Schools is seeking a Firefighter Technology / Public Safety Teacher to join our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The instructor will prepare students for success in firefighting, emergency services, and public safety careers through classroom and hands-on training aligned with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Firefighter Technology curriculum. The position emphasizes safety, teamwork, leadership, and professional readiness while preparing students for Firefighter I & II certification through the NC Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM). 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Teach Firefighter Technology and related Public Safety courses following NCDPI CTE curriculum standards and blueprints. 

• Deliver engaging lessons that combine classroom instruction with hands-on training and simulated emergency scenarios. 

• Maintain a safe instructional environment that meets OSFM safety standards and district procedures. 

• Prepare students for industry-recognized credentials including Firefighter I & II, Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations, and Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator (preferred). 

• Supervise students in live or controlled fire and rescue training activities. 

• Maintain equipment, classroom, and training areas in accordance with safety regulations. 

• Collaborate with local fire departments, rescue squads, and emergency management agencies for guest instruction, field exercises, and internships. 

• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, grades, and credential attainment as required by CTE and district policies. 

• Participate in CTE program planning, advisory committee meetings, and professional development. 

• Support student participation in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) such as SkillsUSA. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal or CTE Director. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Candidates must meet NCDPI CTE Licensure Area 74099 – Public Safety (Firefighter Technology Pathway) requirements as listed in the 2025 CTE Licensure Policies and Procedures Manual. 

Education and Work Experience Requirements: 

Examples of qualifying work experience: Firefighter, Fire Instructor, Fire Marshal, Fire Officer, Rescue Technician, Fire Inspector, or Emergency Services Trainer. 

Required Industry Credentials (must hold or obtain within first year) 

• NC Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Qualified Firefighter Instructor, or 

• Firefighter II Certification (NC OSFM or equivalent), and 

• Hazardous Materials Operations Certification 

• FEMA/NIMS ICS-100, 200, and 700 course completions 

Additional credentials such as Emergency Vehicle Driver/Operator or EMT certification are preferred. 

Licensure Pathways 

Initial (CTE Restricted) License: May be issued to qualified individuals entering from the fire service. Must complete CTE New Teacher Induction / Institute and 18 semester hours of approved professional education coursework (pedagogy, literacy, classroom management, etc.) within three years. 

Continuing Professional License: Granted upon completion of all CTE coursework, experience documentation, and maintenance of current industry credentials. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience teaching or training firefighters or emergency responders. 

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. 

• Active membership in a local fire department or emergency services organization. 

• Demonstrated ability to motivate and prepare students for postsecondary and workforce success. 

Working Conditions 

• Instruction delivered in classroom, lab, and outdoor training environments. 

• Exposure to smoke, heat, noise, and physical activity during controlled training exercises. 

• Must be physically capable of safely demonstrating and supervising firefighting operations. 

Compensation and Benefits 

Salary per the North Carolina Public School Teacher Salary Schedule plus Richmond County Schools local supplement. Full benefits package including health insurance, retirement, and professional development opportunities. 

Application Process 

Interested applicants should submit the following through the Richmond County Schools Employment Portal at https://www.richmond.k12.nc.us → Employment Opportunities: 

• Online application 

• Current resume 

• Cover letter 

• Copies of relevant certifications and transcripts 

• Documentation of related work experience