Instructor of Fire Protection Services

Western Illinois University•Macomb, IL

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) at Western Illinois University invites applications for a full-time Instructor position in Fire Protection Services. This is an Associate Faculty appointment beginning January 2027. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate courses in fire protection and related fire science fields, advising and mentoring students, and contributing to school, college, and university service. The role involves delivering high-quality instruction in both traditional and online formats, developing and revising curriculum, assisting with program administration, and ensuring continuous quality improvement of the educational program. The instructor will also be responsible for the orientation, training, and supervision of capstone field internships, and advising students on academic planning and career goals. Maintaining national and state certifications is also a requirement. While scholarly research is encouraged, it is not required. Service contributions include participation in university committees, professional service through academic associations, community outreach, and partnerships with fire agencies. The position also involves assisting with fire protection student recruitment and retention activities.

Requirements

Graduate degree (MS, MA, or equivalent) in Fire Science, Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Criminology, Sociology, Public Administration, or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
A minimum of five (5) years firefighting experience.
Demonstrated ability to teach at the university level.
Commitment to excellence in teaching and student success.
For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree-ranting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body).
Unless otherwise stated, the degree must be conferred at the time of appointment.

Nice To Haves

Rank of Captain or higher.
Professional experience in firefighting, arson investigation, and EOP design.
Evidence of successful teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Experience with online instruction and modern educational technology.

Responsibilities

Deliver high-quality instruction in LEJA Fire Science courses, including core and elective offerings, in both traditional and online formats.
Develop and revise curriculum that reflects current theory and practice in fire protection services.
Assist with administration, organization, and supervision of the program.
Continuous quality review and improvement of the educational program.
Utilize inclusive, student-centered pedagogies and integrate real-world applications into the classroom.
Orientation/training and supervision of capstone field internship.
Advise and mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students regarding academic planning and career goals.
Maintain all national and state certifications.
Participate in school, college, and university committees and initiatives.
Engage in professional service through involvement in academic associations, community outreach, and partnerships with fire agencies.
Contribute to recruitment, retention, and program development efforts.
Assist with Fire protection student recruitment and retention activities.