Fire & Life Safety Specialist

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Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: The Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) provides the focus for the administration of all safety programs to Duke University, Duke University Medical Center, and Duke University Health System.  OESO has the responsibility for developing institutional safety plans and policies; providing information and training to meet all regulatory requirements; providing technical consultation and guidance; conducting exposure and risk assessments; conducting safety audits; monitoring compliance with all safety policies; and investigating accidents, injuries, and reported unsafe conditions.

Specific to the Fire & Life Safety Division:

The Fire & Life Safety Division is charged with the responsibility to design, implement, and manage a vigilant fire safety program. The Fire & Life Safety Division conducts periodic assessments for compliance with the Life Safety Code and is highly effective at identifying, and minimizing the risk of fire in all Duke Health System, University, and Medical Center properties.

Primary Purpose of Position:

Assist in the development/implementation and management of quality assurance programs relating to all Joint Commission Life Safety and Environment of Care programs for the Fire & Life Safety Division.  Assists with the contractor based fire extinguisher, automatic fire alarm testing and maintenance, automatic fire sprinkler inspection and maintenance, and cooking hood cleaning/fire suppression system inspection/maintenance programs for all Joint Commission Accredited Facilities to include on-site and off-site health system clinic facilities.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to the primary duties, the Fire and Life Safety Specialist will:

• Conduct and document Joint Commission Environment of Care (EoC) and Life Safety Audits in accordance with NFPA 99, 101, and other pertinent rules and standards.
• Prepare necessary reports for each assigned Joint Commission Accredited License facilities.
• Assist in the development of schedules for contract testing/maintenance and verify and coordinate for approval all invoices for services received.
• Participate in the inspection, maintenance, and testing of automatic and/or fire alarm systems to include, but not limited to, examinations, adjustment, calibration, parts replacement and cleaning of all systems and system components.
• Assist in the management of all scheduled maintenance, inspections, and tests of fire hydrants, sprinklers and standpipes located throughout the University and Health System to include water flow tests, pressure tests, and general maintenance to ensure reliability of equipment in an emergency situation.
• Maintain automated records of inspections on fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and related safety equipment.
• Conduct fire drills, fire detection/suppression testing to ensure fire safety proficiency in the Joint Commission and University environments.
• Assist Fire and Life Safety Division management in implementing general fire prevention policies and measures in accordance with all Federal, State, Local, and Joint Commission EoC and Life Safety standards.
• Assist in the development and conduct training courses for employees and students in fire prevention and emergency procedures, fire extinguisher selection/use and other topics promoting fire and general life safety.
• Determine fiscal requirements and provide budgetary recommendations for fire safety equipment to include fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and other fire alarm/system equipment.
• Conduct general inspections of facilities to detect existing or potential fire hazards.  Take appropriate actions to mitigate hazards ensuring compliance with specific codes, regulations and standards. 
• Review construction plans and documents for new construction, major renovations, and occupancy changes.
• Perform administrative functions to include preparing correspondence, filing reports and records, electronic file plans and other administrative duties as directed by the Fire Safety Division Director.
• Prepare appropriate reports and track hazard abatement process through close-out.
• Attend meetings as determined necessary and serve as the OESO Fire and Life Safety liaison providing input and guidance.
• Conduct Community Based Fire and Life Safety Surveillance at special events and in the event of emergency evacuation, implement evacuation procedures IAW local policies and directives. 

Other Position Characteristics:

• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, short notice after-hours shifts and weekends. 
• Must be able to respond to after-hours call backs when on a call back stand-by notice.
• Must be available by phone or other immediate communication method at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must have a complete working knowledge of Joint Commission Life Safety and Environment of Care Standards as well as NFPA Life Safety Code 101, NFPA 99, and other pertinent standards.
• Proven knowledge and familiarity with training techniques.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and standards pertaining to fire and life safety.
• Ability to utilize computer technology to develop and access data, maintain records, generate reports and develop training programs.  Must be proficient in use of Microsoft Office Applications and programs.
• Creative problem solving to recognize and correct fire safety issues and concerns and to develop training programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan and coordinate work schedules.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science, Fire Protection Management, Fire Prevention, or related field.

Experience:

• No experience for level 1; three years’ experience for level 2; five years’ experience for level 3.
• Preferred: Documented 2-4 years’ experience conducting Joint Commission Life Safety and Environment of Care audits and surveys (at the hospital level).

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:

• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to take and pass the Certified Fire Protection Specialist exam within two years of hire if deemed necessary.
• NFPA Certified Fire Prevention Inspector Certification (preferred).

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.