What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fire Safety Specialist, Assistant Safety Officer position at New Mexico Highlands University?
Under general supervision, assists in monitoring and coordinating university safety program, including safety inspections, accident investigations, fire safety compliance and safety training. The position also will support the Fire Safety Program through monitoring and controlling life safety standards in accordance with state and federal codes and regulations. This position will support NMHU emergency incidents, special events and/or exercises as a first responder.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Participates in the implementation of university-wide safety programs such as lockout/tagout, confined space entry, fire protection, and other OSHA safety compliance programs.
- Performs facility inspections for compliance with university policies, procedures, regulations, and standards to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
- Conducts routine and follow-up safety and hazard inspections of university facilities.
- Responds to emergency situations involving hazardous materials or fire and smoke incidents; prepares reports of findings and submits recommendations.
- Leads and/or guides the work of lower-level safety technicians and/or student employees.
- Knowledge and understanding of fire safety and prevention principles, practices, standards and resources. Knowledge and understanding of local, State, and Federal fire/safety regulations and codes.
- Knowledge of and skill in the application of basic on-site emergency medical protocols and procedures.
- Conducts periodic routine inspections of university facilities, including branch campus and other off-campus facilities, for compliance with NFPA and general safety standards; reports on non-compliance or hazardous conditions found.
- Develops and maintains detailed manual and/or automated records, to include locations and inspections of potentially hazardous areas.
- Inspects the work of contractors engaged in the installation and/or modification of fire suppression systems.
- Maintains inventories of fire suppression system components.
- Maintains regular attendance.
- Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
- Safety Assistant will work closely with the Stock Room Manager and the Chemical Hygiene Officer.
Minimum Job Requirements
- High School Diploma or completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience with: Safety program at a college or university, paid structural or wildland firefighter or volunteer firefighter. Law enforcement, EMS or emergency management.
- OSHA 30 Hour Certificate
- HAZWOPER (three month after hire)
- EMT-Basic
- Fire Inspector Standard Level 1
- National recognized instructor qualification/certification through a fire, FEMA, law enforcement or OSHA accredited entity.
- A valid New Mexico driver’s license will be required.
- Current defensive driving certificate or must be able to obtain within 1 month of employment.
- Must be able to support university activities and emergency incidents which may occur after normal business hours and on weekends or holidays.
- To operate a university emergency vehicle, the employee must maintain one of the following certifications or be able to obtain within 6 months of employment: Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Emergency Vehicle Driver Certification: IFSAC certified; and/or
- Driving for the Fire Service: NWCG certified; and/or
- EMS Certification: State recognized; and/or
- Class E Driver’s License: State of New Mexico; and/or
- Law Enforcement Emergency Driving Certification: NM Law Enforcement
Specialized Training (either current or must be able to obtain within one year of employment)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- NIMS: IS or I-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800
- Fire Inspector Standard Level 1
- Basic First Aid/CPR and AED certification
- OSHA 30
- HAZWOPER
- Skill in performing safety inspections on fire suppression systems, and ensuring compliance with NFPA, OSHA, and other related safety standards.
- Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
- Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
- Ability to develop, implement, and enforce safety programs and protocols.
- Skill in performing safety inspections and ensuring compliance with OSHA safety standards.
- Ability to observe, access, and record work and safety standards.
- Skill in developing fire evacuation plans, fire safety procedures, inspection practices, and protocols.
- Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
- Knowledge of emergency and hazard response procedures and protocols.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures.
- Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
- Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 60%) of job.
Working Environment
- Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
- Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises
New Mexico Highlands University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to the University values of diversity, accessibility, excellence, and responsiveness.
For disabled access or services call 505-454-3242 or email hr@nmhu.edu
Visit the link below for more information regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity:
Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW
For disabled access or services call 505-454-3242 or email hr@nmhu.edu
Visit the link below for more information regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity:
Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
AS939P
Open Date
02/01/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicant
A complete online application must include: 1) Letter of interest/cover letter; 2) Resume; 3) Three (3) professional references in online application, and; 4) copies of unofficial transcripts. Candidates who are invited for on-campus interviews will be required to submit official transcripts. References will be contacted in conjunction with on-campus interview. Upload required materials with online application. For disabled access or services, call (505) 454-3242 or contact Human Resources at hr@nmhu.edu NMHU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Quick Link
https://nmhu.peopleadmin.com/postings/9497