National Fire Academy Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

Course: Hazardous Materials Operating Site Practices (R/N0229)

Curriculum: Hazardous Materials

This course focuses on the relationship of incident priorities, strategies and tactics as they relate

to implementing safe procedures for alleviating the risk at an accidental or intentional hazardous

materials incident. It concentrates on integrating risk-based decision-making and knowledge

about hazardous materials chemistry, storage, transportation and release scenarios with

information about local response plans and systems. Through risk-based decision-making

activities, the course participants apply the knowledge and skills gained from the course.

Subjects covered include, among others, regulations and standards as they apply to hazmat

teams, hazard interpretation, damage assessment, site characterization, use and interpretation of

environmental monitoring instruments, selection of personal protective equipment, assessment

of tactical options, and development of operational plans.

Criteria for Contract Instructor Selection

All new contract instructors shall be evaluated in three consecutive course deliveries in

accordance with the National Fire Academy’s (NFA’s) Contract Instructor Evaluation program.

Existing contract instructors are subject to evaluation in accordance with this program.

1. Academic Requirement

a. It is preferred that the candidate possess a bachelor’s degree from an institution

that is accredited in fire science, health science or chemistry or related science or

equivalent with a strong emphasis in chemistry, toxicology, physiology or

related courses. Consideration will also be given to those candidates with an

associate degree from an institution that is accredited in fire science, health 

science or chemistry or related science or equivalent with a strong emphasis in 

chemistry, toxicology, physiology or related courses.

b. Certification as a hazardous materials technician.

c. Completion of ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400 or equivalents.

d. International Fire Service Accreditation Congress or Professional

Qualifications Board Fire Service Instructor II certification is recommended.

e. Course attendance as a contract instructor trainee upon preliminary approval

of the application.
2. Instructional Experience

a. Documented ability to explain technical science and risk management topics

relating to hazardous materials response above the operations level to a diverse

student population with a broad range of training and experience.

b. Ability to instruct courses or materials similar to the course content, at the

community college, state or regional level, demonstrated by documentation of

experience and a copy of at least three student or supervisor evaluations of

instructional ability from courses taught with similar content.

3. Documented Knowledge and Experience in the Subject Area

a. Current knowledge and significant experience in providing hazardous materials

response demonstrated by documentation of experience or equivalent training or a

combination of both experience and training.

b. Current knowledge about weapons of mass destruction demonstrated by

documentation of experience or equivalent training or a combination of both

experience and training.

c. Current knowledge of National Fire Protection Association 472, Standard for

Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction

Incidents as demonstrated by documentation of work experience, training or a

combination of both.

d. Documentation demonstrating experience as a command or general staff officer at

hazardous materials incidents with ongoing operations above the hazardous

materials operations level over multiple operational periods.

e. Demonstrated knowledge of the current standard of care affecting hazardous

materials response including ongoing preparedness initiatives, standards

development, and technological advances as they relate to responder health and

safety.

4. Additional Submittals

a. For one subject or course related to the subject matter, provide a 12- to 18-minute

video or digital video disk demonstrating your instructional style. This video will

be used to evaluate your teaching style in a student-centric adult learning

environment, or attend the course “Hazardous Materials Operating Sites Practices”

and successfully teach a component of the course that is designated and evaluated

by the Training Specialist, Instructional Systems Specialist or Manager.

b. Submission of a written essay not to exceed 500 words explaining how the

instructor candidate has effected successful organizational change within the

fire/EMS field or related discipline.
5. Continuing Practice or Education

Ability to maintain currency in the field and the specific course by:

a. teaching a similar course at a training academy, college or university;

b. taking a similar course within the last five years;

c. teaching the course at the NFA or in the field;

d. writing and researching a paper or article related to the course topic for at least

one of the fire service or related disciplines’ trade journals within the last two

years; or

e. current certification as a Certified Safety Professional or Certified Hazardous

Materials manager or other associated certifications requiring currency.

Failure to provide approved documentation of ongoing training or instruction may result

in revocation of the contract instructor status.

6. How to Submit an Application 

The following documents are required with each submission:

a. A cover letter listing the courses you want to teach.

b. Your résumé.

c. Documentation that clearly addresses how you meet the instructor selection criteria 

for each course you are seeking to teach (e.g., academic requirement, instructional 

experience, knowledge and experience in the subject matter, and continuing 

practice or education). This document needs to be written in that order. Incomplete 

packages will not be processed.

d. Three references from persons who are knowledgeable about your character as 

well as your teaching ability. One reference letter should be from the department 

or agency head in your organization or certifying organization.

e. Include a current email address so we can communicate more efficiently with you.

Application package(s) must be submitted to:

National Fire Academy

fema-nfainstructorapp@fema.dhs.gov