Career Center

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $71,500 - $73,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Fire Safety, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring the compliance of the tasks related to the day-to-day operations of the fire prevention function. The Fire Safety Officer works closely with the Manager of Fire Safety in the planning, administration and management of fire safety programs throughout Columbia University campuses to ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws/regulations regarding fire and life safety. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct ad-hoc preventative maintenance rounds across assigned buildings to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and standards.
• Identifying and document any deficiencies and submitting work orders to address necessary corrective actions in a timely manner
• Schedules and conducts fire drills in assigned buildings.
• Provides fire safety training and presentations to University Faculty, Staff, and other groups as assigned.
• 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.
• Conducts periodic roof-to-cellar building inspections of assigned buildings to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local codes as well as University policies.
• Provide detailed handover reports to incoming shifts to ensure continuity of safety operations.
• Initiates corrective action when fire or life safety violations are identified. Ensures appropriate corrective action has been taken when necessary.
• 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.
• Initiate necessary actions for violation remediation and document all fire alarms and inspections.
• Develops and implements fire protection programs and procedures to ensure staff, 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.
• 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 within 90 days of employment.
• Must have ability to obtain other required Certificates of Fitness as required by code to properly perform their duties within 90 days of employment.
• Ability to carry out assigned tasks with minimal supervision, as well as ability to work in a team environment.
• May be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overnight hours. Incumbent will be a member of the critical operation staff and will at times be required to be available 24 hours for response. Incumbent must be available to work extended hours to ensure that responsibilities and/or incidents are managed from inception to completion.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and perform physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in varying environmental conditions (heat, cold, noise). The work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, odors, and/or loud noises.
• Capable of responding quickly to emergencies, including navigating stairs and confined spaces. Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions. It is also conducted indoors and outdoors, and may require wearing personal protective clothing and a respirator.
• Ability to remain calm and act decisively under pressure.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• 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.
• 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.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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