Associate Specialist, Security (Fire / Rescue)

MSD • Elkton, VA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Specialist, Security (Fire / Rescue) leads shift-based emergency response, safety, and security operations across the site. The role covers fire protection, hazardous materials coordination, loss prevention, project support, and related services, and includes conducting audits and surveys to identify risks and evaluate controls. The role also enforces site requirements concerning property security, access, traffic, parking, and employee conduct.

The position serves as the on-shift contact for safety, emergency, and security incidents; assesses and responds to fires, hazardous-material incidents, alarms, and other abnormal conditions; and may act as Incident Commander for plant emergencies. Duties also include fire-system and equipment inspections, maintenance and testing, operation of security systems, training and drills, incident reporting, and collaboration with internal departments and external responders.

The role requires 12-hour rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, and overtime as required. It also requires availability to provide off-shift mitigation and support during chemical cleanups. The position is based primarily in Elkton, Virginia, with 10% travel. The company lists the role as regular employment and does not offer visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Firefighter I, II, or III certification.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• At least 7 years of experience as a professional or volunteer firefighter, preferably in an officer role.
• Physical capability to perform all job tasks.
• Confined Space Rescue training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook, and with web-based programs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work across multiple assignments with contract and site personnel at all management levels.
• Ability to work effectively under high-stress conditions and indoors and outdoors in varied weather.
• Ability to work under cGMP guidelines.
• Availability to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends, and overtime as required.
• Ability to provide off-shift mitigation and support during chemical cleanups.

Nice To Haves

• Hazmat Technician certification.
• NFPA 25 certification for inspection, maintenance, and testing of water-based fire protection systems.
• OSHA General Industry and/or Construction training.
• High Angle Rescue and advanced Confined Space Rescue training.
• Experience with industrial utility systems, including air, steam, and high voltage.
• Virginia Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification (EVOC) or equivalent.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Certified Protection Officer (IFPO), Certified Protection Professional (ASIS), or Certified Security Supervisor (IFPO) certification.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 300, and 700 training.
• Experience in workplace violence/active assailant response.
• Experience interacting with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Experience managing contracted professionals and vendors.
• Crisis management experience, including Incident Command or Emergency Operations Center (EOC) leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee shift operations, ensure work follows site procedures, conduct thorough shift turnovers, maintain operating logs and records, and ensure good housekeeping.
• Serve as the on-shift contact for safety, emergency, and security incidents; assess and investigate abnormal situations and initiate appropriate response actions.
• Respond to hazardous-material emergencies, assess conditions on arrival, perform industrial fire suppression, and contain, clean up, and arrange disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with regulations and procedures.
• Operate specialized response equipment, including protective suits, respirators, and testing instruments.
• Act as Incident Commander for plant emergencies and maintain compliance with OSHA and NFPA requirements.
• Coordinate with outside agencies responding to site emergencies and support site medical emergency response when required.
• Perform elevator and confined-space rescues as required.
• Conduct fire inspections, fire-system shutdowns and panel resets; inspect buildings for hazards and verify the presence of appropriate fire protection and emergency equipment.
• Inspect and test fire pumps, extinguishers, hoses, and related equipment; record results, maintain firefighting and fire protection equipment, and report or correct minor defects.
• Ensure fire trucks, powered equipment, and firefighter gear are tested and maintained according to departmental guidelines.
• Support fire protection tests and exercises, including activities involving fire water, equipment displays, ventilation, and washdowns.
• Act as a security contact and guide; respond to potential security incidents and operate and maintain plant security systems and programs.
• Troubleshoot badging and access systems, respond to alarm conditions, and coordinate security responses with security personnel and external responders.
• Direct, conduct, and coordinate training for department personnel, Emergency Response Team members, volunteers, and employees; deliver specialized training as scheduled or instructed.
• Participate in drills and exercises and pursue ongoing education on regulations, procedures, and equipment.
• Promptly notify relevant personnel during incidents and take immediate action to protect people, facilities, records, and materials.
• Consult with and advise departments, provide engineering input, and help ensure projects and plans conform to environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Provide off-shift mitigation and support during chemical cleanups; work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, and overtime as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate days, and sick days.
• Eligible for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED