R424344 Associate Specialist, Security (Fire / Rescue) (Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellow)

Merk•Elkton, VA

About The Position

This is an unpaid, 12-week training fellowship hosted by the company and aligned with DoD SkillBridge guidelines. It is exclusively for active participants in the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program. Candidates must be transitioning service member fellows who will complete the program within the last 180 days of transition from military service. This opportunity is not an offer of employment, and participants are ineligible for employment benefits. The Associate Specialist leads daily emergency response, safety, and security operations across the site, including fire protection, hazardous materials coordination, loss prevention, project support, and related services. The role conducts audits and surveys to identify risks and evaluate controls, and enforces site requirements for property security, access, traffic, parking, and employee conduct. It requires 12-hour rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, and overtime as required. The role may also provide off-shift mitigation and support during chemical cleanups. The position oversees shift operations and handovers, responds to and investigates emergencies, performs fire suppression and hazardous-material response, and serves as Incident Commander for plant emergencies. Duties include inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment; operation and maintenance of site security systems; and training emergency response personnel and employees. The role coordinates with outside agencies and site departments, supports medical emergencies when required, and advises on projects and plans to help ensure compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements. The position is available to U.S. and Puerto Rico residents. The company describes itself as an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and provides information about accommodations and applicable fair-chance policies.

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.
Physically capable of performing all job tasks.
Confined Space Rescue training.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook) and 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 weekends and holidays, with overtime as required.
Candidates must be transitioning service member fellows participating in the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program and complete the program within the last 180 days of transition from military service.
U.S. or Puerto Rico residency.

Nice To Haves

Hazmat Technician certification.
NFPA 25 certification (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).
National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 300, and 700.
Experience in workplace violence or 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 and ensure tasks are completed efficiently and in compliance with site procedures.
Conduct shift turnovers and brief incoming teams on ongoing issues and special instructions.
Maintain operating logs and records documenting equipment and system performance, and ensure good housekeeping in areas of responsibility.
Serve as the on-shift contact for safety, emergency, and security incidents.
Assess and investigate smoke, odors, chemical or biological spills, fire or smoke conditions, alarm notifications, and other abnormal situations; initiate appropriate responses.
Respond to hazardous-material emergency calls and assess conditions on arrival.
Perform industrial fire suppression using specialized equipment and techniques as required.
Contain, clean up, and facilitate disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with regulations and procedures.
Operate specialized 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 routine fire inspections, fire system shutdowns, and fire panel resets.
Inspect buildings for fire hazards and verify the presence of appropriate fire protection and emergency equipment.
Inspect and test fire pumps, extinguishers, hoses, and related equipment; document and report test results.
Maintain firefighting and fire protection equipment, report defects, and correct minor defects where appropriate.
Ensure fire trucks, powered equipment, and firefighter gear are tested and maintained according to departmental guidelines.
Support fire protection tests and exercises, including use of fire water, equipment displays, ventilation, and washdowns.
Act as a security contact and guide, respond to potential security incidents, and assist as needed.
Operate and maintain plant security systems and programs; troubleshoot badging and access systems and respond to alarms.
Coordinate security responses and collaborate with security personnel and external responders.
Direct, conduct, and coordinate training for department personnel, Emergency Response Team members, volunteers, and employees.
Deliver specialized training, including fire extinguisher use and emergency procedures, according to the master training schedule or instructions.
Participate in drills and exercises and pursue ongoing education to maintain proficiency and stay current 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 as needed.