Fairfax and Lorton, Virginia, with occasional DMV-area travel
Job Type:
Part-time /
Assignment-basedPay:
$20-$35 per hour, based on certifications and experience
Schedule:
Primarily evenings and weekends, based on class schedules and instructor availability About Trouble Defense Trouble Defense LLC is a veteran-owned firearms and personal-safety training company serving Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Since 2012, we have helped students become safer, more knowledgeable, and more confident through professional, patient, hands-on instruction. With more than 400 five-star Google reviews, Trouble Defense is known for making firearms education approachable—especially for women, first-time firearm owners, nervous students, and individuals who may not feel comfortable in traditional firearms-training environments. About the Position Trouble Defense is expanding its women-focused training programs and seeking a certified firearms instructor with a genuine passion for helping women feel safe, respected, prepared, and confident. This instructor will help lead and support our B.A.B.E. women's training program, beginner courses, private lessons, concealed-carry classes, and live-fire range sessions. The right candidate understands that being an excellent instructor requires more than shooting ability. We need someone who can build trust, explain techniques without condescension, correct students without embarrassing them, and create an environment where every question is taken seriously. Candidates with demonstrated experience teaching women, beginners, and nervous shooters are especially valued. Primary Responsibilities Lead or assist with women-focused firearm-safety and live-fire training. Support B.A.B.E. classes, private lessons, beginner programs, and concealed-carry courses. Teach safe handling, loading, unloading, storage, grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, and basic marksmanship. Help students select techniques and equipment appropriate for their comfort, hand size, strength, experience, and personal-safety goals. Address common concerns involving recoil management, firearm selection, safe storage, carrying options, and building confidence. Provide respectful hands-on coaching while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and obtaining permission before making physical corrections. Supervise students during live-fire exercises and enforce all range-safety procedures. Adapt instruction for different learning styles and experience levels. Inspect training firearms and equipment before and after classes. Assist with classroom setup, targets, training materials, attendance, and course records. Represent Trouble Defense professionally at classes, ranges, community events, and partner locations. Help create a welcoming environment where women feel comfortable learning, asking questions, and developing their skills. Required Qualifications Current nationally recognized firearms-instructor certification, such as NRA Certified Pistol Instructor or an equivalent credential. Demonstrated firearms-safety and handgun-handling knowledge. Experience coaching students in a classroom or live-fire range environment. Strong communication, patience, professionalism, and emotional awareness. Ability to teach without intimidation, judgment, ego, or unnecessary tactical jargon. Legally permitted to possess and handle firearms. Reliable transportation. Availability for occasional evening and weekend assignments. Willingness to travel to approved training locations. Ability to complete a lawful background screening. Commitment to following Trouble Defense lesson plans, policies, and safety standards. Preferred Qualifications Experience teaching women and first-time firearm owners. NRA Range Safety Officer or Chief Range Safety Officer certification. Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. instructor credentials. Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructor certification. CPR, AED, First Aid, or trauma-care certification. Experience with concealed-carry, home-defense, personal-safety, or women's empowerment programs. Military, law-enforcement, security, emergency-management, counseling, coaching, or adult-education experience. Interest in helping develop future women-focused classes, workshops, and community events. What We Offer Competitive compensation based on qualifications and assignments. Flexible, assignment-based scheduling. A professional and supportive instructional environment. Opportunities to expand into additional courses as credentials grow. The opportunity to help shape and expand Trouble Defense's women-focused programs. Meaningful work helping women become safer, stronger, and more confident. How to Apply Apply directly through Indeed and provide: A current résumé. Copies of relevant instructor and range-safety certifications. Your general evening and weekend availability. A brief description of your teaching or firearms-training experience. A short statement explaining why women-focused firearms education matters to you and how you create a comfortable learning environment for new or nervous students. Two professional references. Trouble Defense LLC welcomes qualified applicants from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from individuals whose experiences and perspectives are underrepresented in the firearms-training profession. Hiring decisions are based on qualifications, teaching ability, safety, professionalism, and alignment with our mission.
Pay:
$20.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
Employee discount Flexible schedule Professional development assistance Referral program