Fire Life Safety Officer

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Fire Safety, the incumbent is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the fire prevention function.

Responsibilities

• The position of Fire Life Safety Officer shares responsibility for the planning, administration and management of fire safety programs throughout Columbia University-owned buildings to ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws/regulations regarding fire and life safety.

• The Fire Life Safety Officer plans, organizes and manages fire protection and life safety activities.

• Schedules and conducts fire drills in academic and residential buildings.

• Provide fire safety training and presentations to University Faculty and Staff.

• Assists Fire Systems in an ongoing review of fire protections and safety equipment to ensure the University is compliant with applicable codes and policies and that the system remains in proper working order.

• Assists University Event Management, Student Advising and other University entities on fire and life safety issues in planning of events.

• Acts as University liaison with the NYC Fire Department and other appropriate authorities on all issues related to fire safety including investigations, inspections building and construction site familiarization, special events, and other pertinent issues.

• The Fire Life Safety Officer conducts periodic roof to cellar building inspection of academic, administrative and residential University buildings to ensure compliance with federal, state and local codes as well as University policies.

• Initiates corrective action when fire or life safety violations are identified. Ensures appropriate corrective action has been taken when necessary.

• The Fire Life Safety Officer responds to all fire alarms and assists the Incident Commander in assessing and addressing the incident, and acts as the Incident Commander in appropriate situations.

• The Fire Life Safety officer is also responsible for initiating necessary actions for violation remediation and documents all fire alarms and inspections.

• Develops and implements fire protection programs and procedures to ensure employee, student and faculty safety within Columbia University.

• Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent, plus a minimum of 3-5 years related experience required.

• In depth knowledge of NFPA standards, NYC Fire and Building Codes, Rules of the City of New York (RCNY) and OSHA regulations.

• Candidates must be familiar with life safety/fire protection systems including performance requirements, performance monitoring and analysis and planned maintenance.

• Excellent oral/written communications and organizational skills; and strong working knowledge of computer technology to generate letters, policies, databases, presentations and reports.

• Proven knowledge of all federal, state and local laws/regulations pertaining to fire/life safety in assembly, high rise, high hazard, residential and business occupancies, especially as they relate to university settings, is also required.

• Must have knowledge of fire alarm systems and possess the ability to obtain a Certificate of Fitness for Fire Safety Director/EAP Director.

• Also must have ability to obtain other required Certificates of Fitness as required by code to properly perform his duties.

• Ability to carry out assigned tasks with minimal supervision as well as ability to work in a team environment.

• Ability to work night or weekends.

• Physical work is a primary part to the job.

• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

• The work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, odors, and/or loud noises.

• It is also conducted indoors and outdoors and may require wearing personal protective clothing and a respirator.

• This person will be a member of the critical operation staff and will at times be required to be available 24 hours for response.

• This person must be available to work extended hours, and weekends to meet the needs of the University.

• A working knowledge of construction, architectural and engineering plans and specifications.

• Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in occupational health and safety, fire safety, engineering or another applicable discipline preferred.

• Preferences:

• 40 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER

• 10 Hour OSHA Construction Safety Training

• Experience using industrial hygiene or environmental monitoring equipment

• Completed a training course for Fire Safety Director given by a school or other organization accredited by the FDNY and passed the written test.

• Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

• Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.