Police Training Specialist and Firearms Instructor

Compensation Grade:

S18-H

Salary Range:

$36.12-$52.38

Opening Date:

October 30, 2026

Closing Date:

November 14, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

Police Training Specialist and Firearms Instructor

As the Police Training Specialist and Firearms Instructor, you will plan, coordinate, develop, deliver, administer, document, and evaluate comprehensive training programs for sworn and civilian personnel for the Airports Authority Police Department. Serving as a department firearms instructor and may be assigned responsibility for additional specialized law enforcement training disciplines based upon Department operational and training needs.

Develops and delivers instruction in firearms, use of force, force-on-force and reality-based scenarios, control tactics/defensive tactics (CT/DT), active violence response, officer safety and survival, de-escalation, constitutional policing, legal updates, and other law enforcement-related disciplines. Applies evidence-based adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and contemporary law enforcement training practices to develop and deliver effective training programs and ensure compliance with applicable laws, DCJS requirements, Department policies, accreditation standards, and recognized law enforcement training practices.

Serves in the Office of Public Safety at Washington Dulles International Airport.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Plans, coordinates, schedules, administers, and evaluates Department-wide training programs for sworn and civilian personnel.

Conducts training needs assessments using operational data, performance trends, policy changes, legal developments, employee performance, incident reviews, and stakeholder feedback to identify and prioritize training requirements.

Develops annual and recurring training plans and coordinates instructors, facilities, equipment, schedules, course materials, and other resources necessary to deliver Department training.

Serves as a Department firearms instructor and conducts firearms instruction, qualifications, re-qualifications, remedial training, and related range operations.

Serves as a firearms safety officer and assists with the safe operation, security, maintenance, and administration of Department firearms training facilities and equipment.

Develops and delivers instruction in firearms, use of force, force-on-force and reality-based training, control tactics/defensive tactics, officer survival, active violence response, de-escalation, officer safety, constitutional policing, report writing, legal updates, and other law enforcement disciplines.

Develops and conducts practical skills, scenario-based, simulation, and performance-based training, including remedial and proficiency training when deficiencies are identified.

Researches, designs, develops, revises, and maintains lesson plans, instructor guides, presentations, practical exercises, scenario-based exercises, examinations, online learning modules, training bulletins, and other instructional materials.

Develops and administers written examinations, practical skills assessments, scenario-based evaluations, and other methods of measuring trainee competencies; evaluates trainee performance, document results, identify deficiencies, and coordinates appropriate remedial instruction.

Coordinates and supports the Department's instructor cadre, including instructor assignments, certifications, recertifications, continuing education, and professional development.

Maintains accurate and confidential training records, certification files, instructor credentials, course documentation, and electronic training records, including administration of Department learning management systems and electronic training databases.

Monitors compliance with Virginia DCJS training and instructor certification requirements, Department directives, accreditation standards, and other applicable regulatory requirements, and track required training, certifications, qualifications, recertifications, and expiration dates.

Prepares statistical, compliance, accreditation, audit, after-action, and management reports and maintains documentation necessary to demonstrate Department compliance during audits, accreditation assessments, inspections, and regulatory reviews.

Incorporates applicable changes in federal and Virginia law, court decisions, legislation, regulations, accreditation standards, Department policies, and law enforcement best practices into training programs and maintain current knowledge of emerging training methodologies, instructional technology, and professional standards.

Participates in instructor development programs, professional conferences, specialized training, accreditation activities, policy development, committees, and Department special projects, and represent the Department professionally when coordinating or participating in training activities with other law enforcement agencies, governmental organizations, and external training providers.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Three (3) years of related firearms training experience.

Thorough knowledge of contemporary law enforcement principles, practices, tactics, training methodologies, and adult learning principles.

Thorough knowledge of curriculum development, instructional design, performance-based training, and evaluation methodologies.

Knowledge of constitutional law, criminal procedure, search and seizure, use-of-force law, Virginia criminal law, and other legal issues affecting law enforcement operations.

Knowledge of firearms safety, firearms training, range operations, use-of-force training, defensive tactics, reality-based training, and scenario-based instruction.

Knowledge of Virginia DCJS training and instructor certification requirements, learning management systems, electronic training databases, instructional technology, and training records management.

Ability to effectively instruct adult learners in classroom, virtual, practical, and scenario-based training environments and develop comprehensive instructional materials, practical exercises, examinations, and performance evaluations.

Ability to assess trainee performance, identify training deficiencies, and develop appropriate remedial measures.

Ability to analyze training data, operational trends, legal developments, and regulatory requirements and translate findings into effective training programs.

Ability to manage multiple training programs, projects, deadlines, and competing priorities; communicate effectively, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and establish effective working relationships with sworn personnel, civilian employees, supervisors, command staff, outside agencies, training organizations, and partner organizations.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's degree or higher.

Experience serving as a firearms instructor.

Experience in law enforcement.

One or more of the following certifications: Virginia DCJS Defensive Tactics Instructor Certification, Virginia DCJS Driver Training Instructor Certification, Force-on-Force or Reality-Based Training Instructor Certification, Active Violence Instructor Certification, TASER Instructor Certification, Less-Lethal Instructor Certification, Firearms Armorer Certification, CPR/AED/First Aid Certification, FEMA ICS/NIMS Certifications, or another nationally recognized law enforcement instructors or specialty certifications.

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

A state driver’s license in good standing.

Virginia DCJS General Instructor Certification, within six (6) months of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

Virginia DCJS Firearms Instructor Certification, within six (6) months of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Must maintain all required instructor certifications and qualifications throughout employment.

May be required to lift and move training equipment weighing up to 60 pounds.

Must be able to safely participate in physically demanding training activities, including firearms qualifications, defensive tactics, force-on-force exercises, scenario-based training, and other practical skills training.

May be required to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours when necessary to support operational training.

Is subject to holdover and recall for essential services and emergencies. May be required to work night hours, weekends, or special shifts.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family’s health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here. 

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.