Assistant Director of Fire Safety

George Mason University•Fairfax, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to provide oversight and management of the administrative, planning, and strategic functions of Fire Safety. The position oversees and manages system inspection schedules, strategic planning, program development, professional development planning, training, special projects, construction/renovation plans review, temporary structure permits, and Inspections of university buildings to assess compliance with the Virginia State Fire Prevention code. This position interfaces with the OUBO and works collaboratively with other Mason departments to address fire safety issues. Administrative functions include scheduling Fire Safety Program functions, responding to requests for assistance or application of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, participating in design review, representing Fire Safety on select committees, and provide guidance where necessary on university events and activities to maintain compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire prevention Code, and drafting, maintaining, and updating Fire Safety documents and procedures as necessary.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Experience working in Fire Safety Programs or with life safety systems. Experience developing inspection schedules in a dynamic environment. Background in the interpretation and use of international, federal, and state regulatory codes
General knowledge of types and workings of common fire suppression and alarm systems
Knowledge of and ability to use common software programs (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, work order systems)
Ability to research complex codes and produce detailed reports
Ability to schedule inspections, routine administrative functions, and complete assignments on time
Ability to develop and execute strategic plans, fire safety programs, policies, and standard operating procedures
Ability to establish and maintain detailed inspection reports
Ability to Manage staff. Ability to communicate effectively with customers
Ability to establish and maintain effective and respectful working relationships
Ability to enforce code requirements in a professional manner
Due to the unique role that RSR plays in emergency situations, each employee is designated to respond as requested during emergencies. Expectations for availability require that home and cell phone numbers be provided. In emergency situations, these numbers may be called and it is expected that the employee will respond when they are able. Repeated instances of unavailability will be addressed by the supervisor; however, the employee is not expected to be "on call"
Must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411
ICC or Virginia Fire Safety inspector (1031).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in related field
Experience in an institution of higher education
Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Manages fire safety inspection program for all university buildings to be in compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and referenced NFPA codes. Conducts inspections to include all university buildings at a minimum annually
Inspects assigned target hazard buildings quarterly
Completes all follow-up inspections within 30 days
Reports facility non-compliance issues to Facilities Management via asset essentials
Reports occupant non-compliance issues to building occupants
Develops and completes appropriate reporting forms
Ensures completed inspection forms are filed properly
Manages the administrative functions of Fire Safety to include program development, strategic planning, establish work schedules, public outreach, professional development, and record keeping
Participates in and coordinates the development and implementation of fire safety plans, manuals, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) required by new or current activities
Provides recommendations to RSR leadership to improve processes and document efforts accordingly by participating in strategic planning, coordinate the work and efforts of systems testing personnel, and advising on routine work activities
Evaluates work processes to determine if efficiencies can be realized or customer service can be improved
Plans and coordinates the collection of information, input, and data necessary to draft Annual Work Plans and Annual Reports
Maintains reports, statistics and data pertaining to fire safety programs
Develops work schedules for routine Fire Safety activities to include building inspections and follow-up inspections, training required for university employees, fire drills, and building fire suppression and alarm systems testing/inspection
Develops an annual calendar of Fire Safety activities
Responds to requests for assistance and questions received by the department, complete special projects as assigned
Attends and represents RSR at scheduled university meetings as needed; advises customers on fire code related issues; responds to and answers routine questions and complaints raised during the workday; completes related reports; responds to emergency events on all campuses; acts as department liaison to external emergency response agencies; and works with general contractors to solve fire safety related problems
Coordinates, schedules and teaches fire extinguisher training for the George Mason University community
Addresses fire safety concerns in residence halls, coordinates fire/evacuations drills, and supports other fire inspectors as necessary
Manages inspection of university residence halls, fire investigations if necessary, and fire evacuation drills of residence halls
Coordinates academic and assembly building fire evacuation drills, laboratory inspections and fire safety concerns, and other duties as assigned to support fire safety system inspections
Performs administrative functions related to oversight of the Fire Safety Program to include: Employee supervision and performance management Foster employee engagement, morale, and satisfaction Professional development planning Review university time, leave requests, and conformance with RSR Leave Matrix Adjust responsibilities as workloads, capacity, and skills evolve
Reviews employee projects and goals and prioritize as necessary Mentorship and supervision Disciplinary action when necessary
Completes all required state, university, RSR, and position specific required training and supervise employee training compliance
Collaborates with or supports other RSR functional units as necessary to complete projects and support RSR programs; and
Timely Notification to Unit Leaders and Deputy of the following: Emergency and urgent issues High risk and high-profile threat assessment information Notifications to regulatory agencies and announced/unannounced inspections Egregious or unusual safety issues to include but not limited to situations involving Principal - - Investigators, contractors, students, employees, visitors, or emerging safety threats that occur off campus. Personnel matters that may result in disciplinary action or complaints from internal and external stakeholders.