Access Control & Fire Safety Specialist

Jackson State University•JSU Main Campus, MS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Access Control & Fire Safety Specialist is a highly skilled technical professional responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, inspecting, and managing mechanical and electronic locking systems, access control infrastructure, and fire and life safety equipment across residential facilities. The role supports campus safety, regulatory compliance, secure access, and life safety readiness, including compliance with NFPA Life Safety Codes, state and local fire regulations, and industry best practices. The Specialist provides locksmithing and access control services; supports fire and life safety inspections and readiness; conducts facility safety and security inspections; responds to work orders and emergencies; enforces key control and documentation standards; and coordinates with Facilities Management, Environmental Health & Safety, Public Safety, contractors, and other campus partners. The role also manages related tools, equipment, and inventory and provides technical guidance and support during safety assessments, incident reviews, and emergency response. This is a full-time, on-site position with a standard Monday–Friday schedule. Periodic evening and weekend work, on-call or rapid-response availability during certain operational periods, and schedule flexibility during peak housing operations are required. Work takes place across residential buildings and campus facilities, including mechanical rooms, stairwells, exterior entrances, construction areas, and potentially confined spaces. The work involves physical activity, varying environmental conditions, safety risks, and regular use of specialized tools and technology.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 3 years of experience in locksmithing, facilities maintenance, or access control.
Experience with mechanical locks and door hardware.
Experience with basic life safety systems.
Ability to read technical documents and building plans.
Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to lift and carry up to 40–50 pounds.
Ability to walk extensively across campus and to stand, bend, kneel, climb ladders, reach overhead, and work in awkward or confined spaces.
Ability to operate power tools, diagnostic devices, and specialized locksmithing equipment safely.
Ability to visually inspect hardware, read small print on equipment, and identify mechanical or electrical issues.
Ability to interpret technical manuals, wiring diagrams, hardware specifications, and code requirements.
Strong problem-solving, technical troubleshooting, attention to detail, and documentation accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities independently, respond quickly to urgent safety issues, and maintain accuracy under time pressure.
Ability to remain calm and focused during emergencies and high-pressure situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding access permissions, master key systems, and security protocols.
Clear, professional communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information to non-technical audiences.
Ability to work collaboratively and exercise sound judgment, including knowing when to escalate issues.
Ability to work on-site across indoor and outdoor facilities in varying conditions and comply with safety protocols and PPE requirements.
Availability for periodic evening and weekend emergency work, on-call or rapid-response availability during certain operational periods, and flexibility during peak housing operations.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Locksmithing, Facilities Maintenance, or a related field.
Experience in higher education housing or multi-building facilities.
Experience with electronic access control systems.
Experience managing master key systems.
Familiarity with fire codes and safety inspections.
Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL) certification from the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL) certification from ALOA.
Certified Fire Door Inspector (CFDI) certification from NFPA or Intertek.
NICET Certification in Fire Alarm Systems, Level I or higher.
OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification in General Industry or Construction.
EPA Section 608 certification if working around HVAC systems.
Access control or security certifications for Level, Genetec, or similar platforms.
CPR / First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

Install, maintain, and repair locks, cores, cylinders, door closers, panic hardware, exit devices, hinges, and other door hardware assemblies.
Manage master key systems, including keying hierarchies, restricted keyways, and security protocols.
Perform rekeying, lock changes, and hardware replacements for occupancy transitions, security incidents, and operational needs.
Maintain key inventories, tracking logs, access records, and other documentation.
Administer, program, and troubleshoot electronic access control systems, including card readers, credentials, schedules, and permissions.
Evaluate and implement locking-system upgrades to address security standards and ADA requirements.
Assess doors and hardware for proper function, alignment, and compliance with fire-rated door standards.
Provide technical guidance to staff on the use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of locking systems.
Inspect, test, and support maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, pull stations, exit signage, emergency lighting, fire alarm panels, and notification devices.
Assist with fire alarm testing, annual inspections, and compliance audits.
Inspect egress paths, stairwells, fire-rated doors, and emergency exits for compliance with applicable NFPA and local and state fire codes.
Document deficiencies, prepare corrective action reports, and coordinate repairs with Facilities, EHS, and contractors.
Support fire drill coordination, evacuation readiness, and life safety education efforts; maintain inspection records for regulatory and audit purposes.
Conduct facility inspections to identify safety hazards, security risks, and compliance issues.
Investigate lock failures, unauthorized access, tampering, and security incidents; recommend improvements to access control policies, hardware standards, and security infrastructure.
Support the development and implementation of housing safety protocols and emergency procedures, and provide technical expertise during safety assessments, risk evaluations, and incident reviews.
Respond to service requests involving locks, doors, access control, and safety systems; prioritize emergency, high-risk, and time-sensitive issues.
Maintain accurate work-order records, including labor, materials, and resolution notes.
Coordinate repairs and inspections with Facilities Management, EHS, and external vendors; assist with preventive maintenance planning and scheduling.
Enforce key control policies, restricted-access protocols, and accountability procedures; maintain records of key issuance and returns, lock changes and rekeying, and access permissions and credentials.
Conduct periodic audits of keys, cores, access systems, and storage areas; maintain secure storage of keys, cores, and sensitive hardware; support investigations involving lost keys, unauthorized access, or compromised hardware.
Respond to lockouts, security breaches, urgent access issues, and malfunctioning life safety equipment; assist with evacuations, fire alarms, and building lockdowns.
Coordinate with Campus Police, EHS, and emergency personnel during emergencies and provide technical support during crisis response and after-hours incidents.
Collaborate with Housing & Residence Life, Facilities Management, EHS, Public Safety, and external contractors and vendors; participate in safety committees, inspections, and cross-departmental initiatives.
Maintain locksmith tools, diagnostic equipment, and safety gear; manage inventory of locks, cores, hardware, access control components, and life safety supplies.
Ensure proper use, calibration, and safe handling of equipment; assist with procurement and maintain organized storage and secure handling of sensitive hardware.
Use electronic access control software, key tracking systems, fire alarm interfaces, diagnostic tools, power and hand tools, mobile devices, and work-order systems, and accurately document work in digital platforms.