THE
UNIVERSITY OF
Position Description
TITLE: Fire Safety Specialist
DIVISION: Administration
REPORTS TO: Director of Public Safety
GRADE: 11
SUPERVISES: Fire Safety Inspectors and support staff
BASIC FUNCTION:
Support the development, implementation, and management of University fire prevention and life safety programs and policies for the University’s Campuses, addressing compliance with applicable fire and life safety statutes, codes, regulations, and policies. Supervise a team of University Fire Safety Inspectors to identify and initiate corrective action to address deficiencies in University facilities and promote best practices for fire prevention and life safety.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support the Director of Public Safety while serving as the University’s principal source of technical expertise and guidance on matters of fire code compliance, fire prevention, fire protection, building evacuation, bringing that expertise to bear in the design of new buildings, building renovations, the use and occupancy of existing facilities, and in emergency planning and response to emergency situations.
Supervise and coordinate the work activities of Fire Safety Inspectors in a proactive fashion to meet and exceed code compliance requirements for fire and life safety in University buildings and other facilities, working with Facility Services, building occupants, and others as required to achieve that end.
Serve as the University’s primary liaison with the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office, communicating and cooperating with the State Fire Marshal, inspectors, and bomb squad personnel in the event of fire or other emergency condition, responding to State Fire Marshal inspections, facilitating in the event of post fire investigations, assisting in the State Fire Marshal’s plans and specification review process for new construction and renovation of University buildings, performing plan review on behalf of University related projects, subject to the authorization of the State Fire Marshal.
Work closely with the Departments of Facility Services, Capital Planning and Design, Capital Projects, architectural and engineering firms, and fire safety engineering consultants to assure that University maintenance and repairs, renovations, upgrades and construction address fire code compliance.
Serve as the University’s lead contact with the Kingston Fire District and its fire Chief for the Kingston Campus as well as fire departments responsible for responding to other University Campuses, working with those fire companies to facilitate their prompt and effective response to fire and other health safety emergencies.
Manage the University’s program for the conduct of fire drills as well as training and information programs for students, faculty, and staff that promote awareness and best practices for fire prevention.
Represent the University in interactions with the Rhode Island Fire Safety Board of Appeals and Review, preparing and presenting information as required to secure rulings and approvals from the Board of Appeals.
Participate in the development and ongoing enhancement of the University’s Emergency Response Plan.
Assist with the Fire Safety inspectors in the review of set-up plans for special events to assure that there compliance with applicable codes and regulations and health and safety requirements, communicating with the local fire company serving the location of such events.
Assist Director of Public Safety in the enforcement of occupational health and safety rules & regulations.
Maintain and update the fire safety section of department home page.
Represent Public Safety Management on committees and at meetings and serve as liaison with other agencies as it relates to fire safety.
OTHER DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform other related duties as required.
LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
Cell phones, radios, personal
computers, printers, word processing, database management, excel; valid driver’s
license; must be familiar with various fire protection systems and safety
equipment such as fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, fire
extinguishers, and emergency and exit lighting, fire fighter and hazardous
materials protective equipment, gas detectors, etc.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The incumbent is subject to both inside and outside work and extreme cold
and hot temperatures may be encountered as well as noise hazards, hazardous
materials, atmospheric conditions, oils, may need to wear a respirator. Position involves traveling throughout the
University and could, on occasion, require bending, reaching, ascending and
descending, ladders and stairs, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling,
standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying. Position requires 24-hour callback in cases
of emergency.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in fire safety science, occupational health and safety, engineering, or a degree in related scientific field of study and three to five years of direct fire safety and health experience, including fire inspection, fire and building code interpretation, and the development and implementation fire safety programs; working knowledge of NFPA, building and fire codes, State and Federal regulations pertaining to fire safety and occupational safety and health; ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment; thorough knowledge of safe work habits; ability to recognize unsafe conditions and to determine the necessary corrective actions; ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both verbally and in writing; ability to organize, coordinate and supervise support staff.
TO
APPLY:
Submit (no emails
or faxes, please) a resume and cover letter postmarked by 03-27-09 to:
J. Vernon Wyman, Search Chair
Requisition # 12318
University of Rhode Island
PO Box G
Kingston, RI 02881
An Affirmative Action/Equal
ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY
ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. The