Safety Associate - Fire & Life Safety Division

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:

Reporting to the Supervisor, Automatic Fire Protection Systems, the Fire & Life Safety Associate will assist in the development/implementation and management of quality assurance programs relating to the contractor based fire protection/prevention projects and programs, develop and manage the customer service work request system, manage the work request program from implementation to close-out to include receiving work requests, determining the most cost effective method of completion, (in-house or contract), retrieving invoices, preparing and submitting invoices to the central office for payment, and follow-up of payment to close-out the project.

Description of Responsibilities and Duties

 In addition to the primary duties, the Fire & Life Safety Associate will:

• Prepare monthly reports for each assigned contract specialty.  Validate all invoices submitted by contractors to ensure the quality, quantity and timely performance of work according to the Scope of Work detailed in the appropriate contract.
• Determine fiscal requirements and provide budgetary recommendations for contractor based fire prevention/protection requirements.  Assist with the development, selection, and administration of all Fire & Life Safety based contracts.
• Maintain automated records of inspections on fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and related safety equipment.
• Participate in the inspection, maintenance, and testing of automatic and/or fire alarm systems when determined that in-house accomplishment is more cost effective then contractor performance.
• Assist in the management of all scheduled maintenance, inspections, and tests of fire hydrants, sprinklers and standpipes located throughout the University and Medical Center to include water flow tests, pressure tests, and general maintenance to ensure reliability of equipment in an emergency situation.
• Support Fire & Life Safety Staff Specialists with assigned duties during major disasters, drills, and fire emergencies to include fire investigations.
• Assist/support staff personnel conducting fire drills, fire detection/suppression testing to ensure Fire & Life Safety proficiency.
• Assist Fire & Life Safety Division Management in implementing general fire prevention policies and measures.
• 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.
• Perform administrative functions to include preparing correspondence, filing reports and records, electronic file plans and other administrative duties as directed by the supervisor or the Fire & Life Safety Division Director.
• Attend meetings as determined necessary and serve as the OESO Fire & Life Safety liaison providing input and guidance.
• Conduct Community Based Fire & Life Safety Surveillance at special events and in the event of emergency evacuation, implement evacuation procedures IAW local policies and directives. 
• Monitor fire alarm receiver panels during sporting events, special events and other high interest events.  Requires periodic shift work, weekends, and occasional short notice assignments.

Other Position Characteristics

• Shift work will be required occasionally.

• Physical Effort: This position requires that the individual be able to lift and carry up to 40lbs occasionally and up to 15 lbs on a frequent basis.  The individual must be physically able to walk for extended periods of time and transverse stairs and obstacles. 
• Work Environment and Conditions: Usual business occupancies and on occasion will be exposed to construction sites, hazardous areas (high voltage, radiation, chemical and others).    

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must have experience working with contracts, contractors, and fire service background. 
• Knowledge of Brady Inspect & Track and Building Reports.com software systems desirable.
• Knowledge of electronic monitoring of fire extinguishers and the applicable technologies associated with electronic monitoring outlined in NFPA Standard 10 highly desirable. 
• Must be knowledgeable of Joint Commission and other HIPPA rules, policies, and programs.

Education

• Associate degree (Fire Science, Fire Service, or Business related specialty preferred).

Experience

• Four years practical experience working in safety and health programs.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification:

• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Certification Requirements:  Certified Fire Inspector, IFSAC Fire Inspector, Firefighter or other recognized certification desired.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.