Safety and Health Specialist - Fire & Life Safety Division

About Duke University and Health System

Tracing its origins to 1838, Duke University has evolved into one of the world's leading institutions for education, research and patient care. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is comprised of two major organizations: Duke University and Duke University Health System.

Duke University Health System is a world-class health care network dedicated to providing outstanding patient care, educating tomorrow's health care leaders, and discovering new and better ways to treat disease through biomedical research.

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 Safety and Health 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’s 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).