Fire Safety Systems Specialist

The Fire Safety Specialist provides fire and life safety technical expertise in support of the Universitys Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Fire Safety Program. This position serves as a subject matter expert on uniform fire codes fire alarm and suppression systems and life safety features. The role leads fire code enforcement building inspections fire drills special event oversight hazard evaluations and fire safety training while also providing technical support for fire and life safety system maintenance and testing.

Essential Functions (Major Duties & Responsibilities)

Fire Drill & Emergency Evacuation Programs
Supervises fire drills and evacuation programs for assigned academic buildings and residence halls.
Coordinates with building supervisors and emergency personnel to ensure safe and efficient building evacuations.

Special Events & Large Assembly Inspections
Conducts inspections for special events large assemblies and temporary installations such as tents stages pyrotechnics and electrical setups.
Ensures compliance with life safety requirements including means of egress occupancy loads and crowd management.

Training & Fire Safety Education
Provides fire safety training for faculty staff and students including fire extinguisher usage evacuation procedures and fire safety awareness.
Supports campus fire safety outreach initiatives.

Emergency Response Support
Responds as needed to fire and hazardous materials incidents.
Assists in responding fire departments by providing facility information pre-planning support and system knowledge during emergency situations.

Hazard Identification & Abatement
Evaluates hazardous conditions in buildings labs and operations.
Recommends and implements corrective actions to eliminate or reduce fire and life safety hazards.

Support for EH&S Programs
Assist other EH&S programs when needed contributing to department-wide safety initiatives.

Fire Code Enforcement & Inspections
Assist and conduct fire code compliance inspections as needed walk-throughs and re-inspections for university buildings.
Consults with departments on corrective actions and timelines to resolve identified fire code violations.
Documents deficiencies and provides expert guidance to ensure compliance with university state and national fire codes.

Supporting Duties (Fire Safety Systems Support)

Fire & Life Safety System Assistance
Supports the inspection testing troubleshooting and maintenance of fire alarms sprinklers smoke evacuation systems fire/smoke dampers fire doors emergency lighting exit signage and extinguisher programs.
Provides field support for vendors performing inspection testing and maintenance activities.
Enables/disables fire alarm systems to support maintenance testing and construction activities.

Technical Troubleshooting
Performs advanced diagnostics using blueprints wiring diagrams and equipment manuals to identify system failures and assist in resolution.

Compliance & Documentation
Ensures adherence to NFPA standards the Florida Fire Prevention Code and university policies.
Maintains accurate inspection reports service records and equipment inventories within the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).

Team & Operational Support
Provides guidance mentorship and technical directions to fire safety technicians or student employees assigned.
Participate in on-call rotation and emergency response assignments including hurricane preparedness and fire watch coverage.
Maintains workspaces vehicles and tools to ensure operational readiness.

Minimum Qualifications:
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in fire alarm sprinkler or life safety systems inspection maintenance or repair.
Degree Equivalency Clause:
Two (2) years of direct experience for an associate degree.
Four (4) years of direct experience for a bachelors degree.
Related work experience may not substitute for required licensure certification or registration.

Preferred Qualifications:
Associates degree in Fire Science Electronics or a related technical field.
State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I certification.
NICET Level II or higher in fire protection systems.
Experience working in a large institutional or campus environment.
Knowledge of NFPA codes fire alarm/sprinkler systems and digital inspection software or CMMS platforms.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of fire codes NFPA standards and life safety regulations.
Understanding fire detection suppression and alarm systems.
Ability to interpret plans schematics and technical documentation.
Strong communication customer service and public-speaking skills.
Ability to identify hazards and propose effective corrective actions.
Ability to work independently prioritize tasks and document work accurately.

Additional Information for Applicants:

-Valid Florida Drivers License.
-Successful completion of required background check.
-Fieldwork across campus buildings and outdoor event spaces.
-Requires walking climbing standing kneeling and lifting up to 50 lbs.
-May require after-hours weekend work or participation in on-call rotations.
-Occasional travel to other USF campuses.

This is an essential personnel position and may be required to report to work during emergencies or university closures.