"Fire and Life Safety Specialist"

Position Summary

The Fire and Life Safety Specialist position in the Environmental Health, Safety, and Laboratory Operations department will oversee daily fire and life safety operations (administrative and technical work) and ensure compliance with safety regulations within the campus setting. This role is the first responder to the fire alarms on campus, coordinates fire safety inspections, manages fire protection and detection systems, performs workplace hazard evaluations, and implements safety protocols to maintain a safe and secure work environment.

The ideal candidate for the Safety Specialist position will be a reliable, adaptable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented professional with a strong background in fire, life safety, and emergency response within a campus or institutional setting.

Workplace Requirements

• Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment, including respirators, and respond to health and safety emergencies
• Must be willing to work with fire protection systems and hazardous materials
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs. and climb stairs
• This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person on the Rice University campus. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Proposed Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $65,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
• 2 years in a related field (e.g., experience as a firefighter, first responder, or environmental health and safety professional).
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis

Skills

• Excellent communication, training, and presentation skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in fire detection and suppression systems
• Experience in safety requirements and compliance related to fire and life safety
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to walk long distances and lift items up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to wear half-face and full-face respiratory protection

Preferences

• Safety certifications such as CFPS, ASP, or CSP
• Experience conducting hazard identification and risk assessments
• Experience working in a fire and life safety-focused position within an Environmental Health and Safety Department

Essential Functions

• Coordinate routine fire safety inspections, ensuring the proper functioning of fire protection systems
• Maintain accurate records of fire safety equipment, inspections, and maintenance
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding fire and life safety
• Monitor campus safety practices and ensure adherence to established fire and life safety policies and regulatory requirements
• Conduct regular safety inspections and audits of campus buildings and equipment
• Assist in the development and implementation of fire and life safety policies and procedures
• Provide training to campus personnel and students on proper fire and life safety practices and emergency response techniques
• Schedule and perform fire drills in the residential colleges
• Attend construction design and construction meetings for housing and dining projects
• Attend event planning meetings for the residential colleges
• Keep updated on changes in fire and life safety regulations and communicate these changes to the campus community
• Investigate and report fire and life safety incidents or near misses and recommend corrective actions
• Oversee the inventory and maintenance of fire and life safety equipment
• Serve as a point of contact and response for emergency situations involving fire safety

Additional Functions

• Ability to be trained in multidisciplinary roles in all areas of EHSLO, including life, fire, biological, chemical, radiation, and occupational safety
• Serve as essential personnel in support of campus facilities in emergency situations and adverse weather conditions
• Other duties as assigned

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in PDF format to the Supporting Documents section of the application.

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