FIRE PROTECTION SPECIALIST

Perform a variety of fire suppression, life safety systems, equipment inspections, tests and maintenance, and complete applicable reports. Prepare and conduct fire safety training sessions for the campus community. Respond to and investigate reports of fire alarms, fire alarm system problems, safety hazards, chemical leakage, medical and other campus emergencies and perform related duties to prevent injury and protect the lives of Ithaca College students, staff and faculty and Ithaca College property. The incumbent is considered essential personnel and will be subject to reporting to work or remaining at work on occasion and without advance notice dependent upon the nature and urgency of the situation and as conditions or circumstances warrant.

SUPERVISION:

This position reports to the Assistant Director of Public Safety/Manager of EH&S and will receive day-to-day direction and guidance from the Fire & Building Safety Coordinator. This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may give direction or guidance to other staff or student staff.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Carryout duties to assist in ensuring the safety of the campus community to include performing a variety of inspections, tests, and scheduled maintenance of fire and life safety equipment as directed by the Fire & Building Safety Coordinator or Assistant Director of Public Safety/Manager of EH&S. Conduct health and safety inspections in accordance with OSHA regulations.
2. Demonstrate cultural competence, multicultural awareness, and contribute to cultivating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and respectful community. Demonstrate respectful and inclusive behavior when interacting with community members and visitors. Promote a flexible, collaborative, and inclusive work/living environment and continually engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
3. Conduct operational tests, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair or replace Ithaca College fire alarm and detection equipment including fire alarm control panels, smoke detectors, ionization detectors, heat detectors, pull stations, smoke hatches, elevator emergency bypass equipment, and alarm signaling devices and emergency power sources.
4. Conduct inspections and operational tests, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair or replace Ithaca College’s fire suppression equipment to include sprinkler systems, fire hydrants, standpipe systems, hoses, fire extinguishers and other equipment as required by applicable codes, regulations, and/or Ithaca College policies.
5. Conduct regular fire drills in accordance with applicable codes and regulations.
6. Respond to and investigate reports of fire alarms, fire alarm system problems, safety hazards, explosions, smoke, gas, or chemical leakage. Secure area as needed, make or initiate appropriate corrections, prepare reports and make recommendations as required. Meet with appropriate personnel to ensure safety at incident scenes.
7. Respond to medical and other campus emergencies. Provide medical assistance and fire response at special events such as commencement, orientation, concerts, sporting events and other campus functions during the assigned work shift and overtime hours as directed. Attend required first-aid and CPR training programs and attain and maintain certifications.
8. Provide assistance to and work in collaboration with patrol and security staff and/or any other first responder, as needed; determine appropriate action and assignments based on area of expertise and experience.
9. May provide assistance with interpreting and facilitating the implementation of appropriate New York State Fire and Building Codes, National Fire Codes and the National Electrical Code as they pertain to existing College occupancies, as well as new construction and renovations. Assist with compliance reviews to ensure compliance with applicable building and fire safety codes for special events to include event set-ups, seating, exit access and building occupancies.
10. May provide assistance as assigned with inspections of Ithaca College buildings and grounds with the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) representatives for compliance with applicable fire prevention and building codes. Issue correspondence and communicate with the campus community to initiate appropriate corrective measures and provide necessary follow-up.
11. Provide assistance to the Office of Facilities and outside contractors to disable life safety and fire prevention equipment as needed, stand by or conduct building investigations while equipment is disabled, and reset equipment.
12. Maintain the life safety equipment database and maintenance barcode system and generate reports as assigned.
13. Prepare reports including incident reports and maintain a variety of departmental records, files, and reports.
14. Proactively engage with students and all other community members to build and maintain positive relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate’s Degree and a minimum of 2 years previous experience in fire prevention and life safety service or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Working knowledge of applicable building codes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Demonstrated understanding of general electrical and hydraulic principles, proficiency in operating, maintaining, testing, and inspecting building fire alarm and sprinkler systems and devices; ability to possess and maintain a 24-hour hazardous waste operations certificate; ability to possess and maintain first-aid and CPR certification; good interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, the ability to respond to emergency situations and a valid New York State Driver’s license are required. Familiarity and understanding of bar code programs, mechanical skills to perform installation and maintenance of equipment, and previous work experience in a college or university setting is preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Most of the work of the incumbent is carried out within a generally accessible, safe, indoor and outdoor environment. The incumbent may be required to use fire suppression and hazardous waste containment equipment in emergency situations, as well as respond to emergencies that involve fire or chemical leakage. The incumbent will be required to respond to emergency situations and fire alarm system problems during and after normal business hours. The incumbent will be required to climb ladders to test and inspect equipment. The incumbent will be required to remain on their feet or sit for long periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk and run. The incumbent must be able to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights and must be able to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects weighing up to 30 pounds. The incumbent will be required to operate a variety of machines, and equipment such as automobiles, office equipment, radios, telephones and personal computers.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or humanresources@ithaca.edu.

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.