POSITION OVERVIEW
This document describes duties that the Academy expects of adjunct faculty members. Adjunct faculty are non-permanent, temporary faculty who are hired on a semester-by-semester basis.
TEACHING
This position provides hands-on firefighting instruction to undergraduate students during lab sessions. Working with the lead instructor, the lab assistant will provide training that results in the student’s receiving successful knowledge, understanding and proficiency of NVIC/STCW Assessments related to marine firefighting. Duties may include time spent in the laboratory, industrial facilities, or training ship(s) and in immediate preparation for these; maintaining and improving competence in subjects being taught; preparing contemporary teaching materials; conferring with students on course materials; directing individual and group studies and practica; reviewing written examinations and papers; evaluating presentations; and assigning grades according to existing Academy policy.
OTHER ASPECTS OF FACULTY PERFORMANCE
Collegiality, as well as professional and ethical conduct, enhances teaching, learning and the general reputation of all persons in the academy. Therefore, all faculty members are expected to serve in a collegial fashion and in accordance with professional and ethical principles when dealing with other faculty members, students, administrators, and members of the public.
DUTIES
- Teach undergraduate level labs in firefighting.
- Monitor student participation and course progress to ensure timely completion of learning requirements.
- Maintain accurate student records, grades, and course documentation within the Canvas LMS. Generate reports on student progress, course completion, and grading as requested by program manager.
- Maintain confidentiality of student records and comply with institutional policies regarding academic records and data security.
- Respond promptly to student and instructor inquiries regarding course content, assignments, grading, technical navigation, and course expectations.
- Provide advice and support to students.
- Inform students of their progress by promptly returning assignments, quizzes, papers and exams.
- Office Hours required per week: Varies by assignment, typically 2-3 for an adjunct teaching 12 credits or more.
- Maintain situational awareness and enforce fire and health and safety regulations applicable to the teaching location.
LAB SESSION TOPICS
- Fire Gear Familiarization
- Fire Fighter’s outfit, PPE, Fit Tests
- Vessel Familiarization Tours
- Hose Handling
- Class B fire approach
- Timed Donning
- Search and Rescue Evolutions
- Fire Extinguisher training
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Ability to teach a fire-fighting lab course.
- Knowledge of fire-fighting principles.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the manager of Fire Fighting.
- Familiarity with maritime education, USCG/STCW training requirements, and adult learning principles is preferred.
- Ability to supervise academic work by undergraduate students.
- Proven record of ability to manage time and work to strict deadlines.
- Ability to write clearly and tailor communication style to meet the needs of the recipient.
- Ability to work collaboratively.
- Commitment to high quality teaching and fostering a positive learning environment for students.
- Commitment to MMA’s policy of equal opportunity and the ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students of all genders, cultures and backgrounds.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills are essential.
- Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
- High degree of professionalism.
- Demonstrated integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Fire Fighter training experience.
- Prior successful teaching/training experience desired.
- Membership in relevant professional organization(s).
- Applicable professional license(s).
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- Background check is required.
- Tobacco-free campus.
- Must present original copies of transcripts.
PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Position requires boarding and navigating the Training Ship State of Maine environment.
- Requires frequent standing, walking, and/or climbing and good balance and working in a variety of weather conditions.
- Requires lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds of force.
COURSES/POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Serve as the lab instructor for the USCG1 fire-fighting training course. Labs are offered for up to 9 weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11, 11-1, and 1-3 between September 29, 2026, and November 16, 2026. Make-up labs may also be offered at the same times between December 3, 2026 and December 5, 2026. Preference will be given to applicants who can teach all of the lab sections, with secondary preference given to applicants who could teach all of the Tuesday only or Thursday only lab classes.
Compensation is $7,000 (7 units for all sections).