Senior Fire and Life Safety Professional

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S12541P

Working Title Senior Fire and Life Safety Professional

Department ESD-Fire Safety

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website https://esd.uga.edu/

Posting Type Internal (PEP)

Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

Occasional after hours and weekends

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date 08/19/2024

Open until filled No

Closing Date 08/23/2024

Proposed Starting Date 10/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.



Position Information

Classification Title Safety/Risk Management Professional

FLSA Exempt

FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

Position Summary

A Senior Fire and Life Safety Professional is responsible for inspection of existing structures for compliance with the Life Safety code and all other applicable codes and regulations, inspection of renovation projects and new construction, review of building plans and issuance of "hot work" and "fireworks and pyrotechnic" permits. This person acts on behalf of the Director of Fire and Life Safety during an absence. Also provides University departments with general recommendations and guidance for improving fire safety standards, and assist departments with resolving structural and non-structural code violations, accompany the State Fire Marshal during official visits and maintain a comprehensive building file system. This person assists with training and development of new and less experienced fire inspectors and assists them in the review of the more complex construction/renovation plans. This person assists in campus fire safety training, emergency pre-planning, and performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Fire and Life Safety. This person provides written reports in a professional manner.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Working knowledge of NFPA and ICC codes as well as O.C.G.A. § 8, 25 and State regulation 120-3-3.
• Proficient in the use of computers including e-mail, internet research, software programs and Microsoft Office applications: Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.
• Work effectively as part of a team and with other members of the University community including interaction with a variety of personalities at all levels, exercising tact, sound judgment, diplomacy, and flexibility to promote positive working relationships and job effectiveness.
• Read and understand construction design plans and apply appropriate life safety codes and standards to plan review and approvals.
• Organizational and analytical skills with the ability to follow-through on assignments with minimal direction and oversight.
• Interpret policies, procedures, codes, and regulations and to propose solutions to problems.
• Produce clear and well written inspection reports.
• State of Georgia certification as a Fire Safety Inspector.

Physical Demands

Travel around campus extensively, climb ladders and stairs, and lift 40 lbs. Travel outside of the Athens area for two to six weeks per year. Work some weekends and non-traditional hours. Enter laboratories using chemicals, biological and radioactive agents, lasers and high power magnetic fields. Driving as needed to perform job related duties.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.



Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Fire and Life Safety Assessments, Inspections, and Investigations

• Inspection of existing buildings, facilities, and public assembly areas:
  • Conduct Life Safety Inspections on occupied structures using complex Life Safety Codes, International Building Codes, International Fire Codes, and modifications dictated by State Regulations.
  • Assess the condition and functionality of Life Safety electrical, mechanical and suppression systems (i.e., fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, cooking hood suppression systems and clean agent systems.) with authority to order repairs or shut down of these systems pertinent to safety/emergency conditions based on their training, experience, and professional judgement.
  • Consult with units and departments to resolve structural and non-structural code violations noted during first-time, follow-up, special, or annual inspections. Provide department with accurate information and assistance in correcting noted deficiencies.
  • Conduct follow-up inspections on consultations and provide updated reports.
  • Provide University units and departments with general recommendations and guidance for improving fire safety standards.
• Inspection of New Building Construction and Renovation of Existing Structures:
  • Evaluate and analyze architectural and engineering drawings and ensure implementation in buildings being constructed.
  • Conduct on-site inspections of new construction and renovations based on interpretation of complex Life Safety Codes and Building Codes.
  • Determine if egress passageways have been constructed properly.
  • Determine if electrical and life safety systems are installed and constructed properly.
  • Using professional judgement, require changes to construction to meet required codes with the authority to halt construction if deemed necessary.
  • Accompany the State Fire Marshal on 80% inspections, 100% inspections, follow-up inspections and consultative visits for new construction, renovation projects and other activities. Provide information and set appointments to facilitate visits from the State Fire Marshal's Office.
  • Recommend the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy through the State Fire Marshal's Office, as authorized though the current Memorandum of Understanding, based on professional judgement of overall compliance.
• Fire/ Arson Investigations:
  • Cooperatively investigate any fires on campus along with state and local law enforcement, and the local fire department to secure the scene, determine the cause and determine if arson is involved.
  • Provide information to other investigative agencies as well as UGA Insurance and Claims Management regarding investigation findings.

Percentage of time 40 Duties/Responsibilities

Plans and Plan Review

• Construction and Renovation Plan Review:
  • Review architectural/engineering schematic plans of new building construction and renovation of existing structures for compliance with complex life safety codes and State of Georgia regulations and laws in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding with the State Fire Marshal's Office. Plans will be reviewed for compliance with State Law, N.F.P.A. and ICC standards as well as other applicable codes and regulations.
  • Determine occupancy loads and exiting capacities.
  • Determine height and square footage limitations of structures based on occupancy types and construction materials.
  • Provide written comments to the submitting person/organization and issue building permits as needed.
  • Assist less experienced staff in their review of the more complex projects in other areas of campus.
  • Serve as UGA's liaison with the Georgia Public Safety Fire Investigators Association which trains and certifies fire and arson investigators statewide.
• Develop, review and update building pre-plans:
  • Assess current University facilities and provide/update emergency pre-plan information in the format required by the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department.
  • Work closely with the Facilities Management Division and the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department or other applicable Fire Departments in reviewing emergency pre-plan information and needs assessment.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

Fire and Life Safety Management at Public Assemblies and Large Event

• Monitor ingress/egress paths at large scale events, ensure gates/doors are open and authorized to have obstructions removed including displays, vendors and any other object or personnel threatening Life Safety.
• Use Life Safety formulas to determine size of crowds to necessary crowd control managers ratios.
• Work with event planners and staff to quickly evaluate any fire, smoke, or heat alarms and quickly determine the need to evacuate an area or entire event space including the use professional judgement to shut down events and/or evacuate venues if and when necessary.
• Patrol and maintain open fire lanes prior, during, and after events to ensure first responder access including coordinating the removal of vehicles blocking fire and emergency access lanes.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

Fire and Life Safety Permits and Activity Approval

• Fireworks
  • Assess setup for compliance with NFPA 1123 through 1126.
  • Calculate fall-out zone based on the size of fireworks shells, types and effects.
  • Make on-site judgements of the suitability of conditions for the fireworks/pyrotechnics to be displayed including wind directions and speeds, humidity, fire conditions etc. in order for the display to take place.
  • Cancel or shut-down fireworks/pyrotechnic displays if deemed necessary.
• Blasting
  • Review applications for blasting permits on-campus and authority to approve or deny permits.
  • Evaluate on-site conditions to determine if blasting is safe.
  • Evaluate safety precautions being take for a safe blast (i.e., ground coverage, matting, etc.).
  • Review and analyze seismic monitoring and data readout.
  • Use professional knowledge and judgement to shut down or delay a blast when deemed necessary.
• Carnival and Amusement Rides
  • Inspect and assess carnival and amusements ride set-up and mechanical features including evaluation of hydraulic systems.
  • Calculate fall zones between rides and other hazardous impediments.
  • Assess electrical systems and generators for code compliance, including proper grounding and grounding rod materials.
  • Discontinue the use of any carnival ride if determined to be unsafe.
• Hot Work Permits
  • Review job sites for the suitability of issuance of Hot Work Permits.
  • Inspect equipment used in the process of hot work for suitability and safety of use.
  • Issue hot work permits if it is deemed safe and appropriate.
  • Stop work and revoke hot work permits if deemed necessary.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

Recordkeeping and Reporting

• Maintain a comprehensive building/facility file containing all pertinent fire safety documents with the files maintained in a manner that can be easily understood and accessed by management.
• Provide periodic reports to the Director of Fire and Life Safety on activities.
• Assist the Director of Fire and Life Safety with identifying goals which promote department productivity and/or facilitate the department in the achievement of its mission.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

Fire and Life Safety Training

• Conduct fire safety training activities for the University community.
• Develop and implement new training programs related to Fire and Life Safety as necessary.
• Participate in continuing education to maintain professional certifications. Complete other assignments and projects as assigned.

Percentage of time 5 Duties/Responsibilities

Other Assigned Duties

• Acts as senior member of the fire safety inspections team.
• Represents the Director of Fire and Life Safety in their absence, at meetings, construction project consultations and State Fire Marshal inspections; during large-scale public events (such as UGA football games, basketball games, graduation ceremonies, etc.); and during emergency fire events, fire investigations, and arson investigations. Acts as second in command for the Fire Safety Program. Assists with training and development of newly hired and less experienced Fire Safety Inspectors.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Russell Dukes

Recruitment Contact Email rddukes@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone



Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant Documents Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents