Fire And Safety Officer at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 524937

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Environmental Health & Safety

Union: AFSCME

Categories: Occupational & Environmental Safety

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

To provide fire prevention and safety services within the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Department. Incumbent is expected to carry out many assigned tasks with independence. Works under the direct supervision of the Campus Fire Marshal.

Essential Functions

• Provide fire prevention and safety services to the campus community in accordance with EH&S standards and procedures.


• Provide first response emergency services for fire safety and other EH&S related incidents including those that involve hazardous materials.


• Respond to situations that may result in building evacuations, investigate cause, initiate corrective measures and write response reports.


• Provide fire prevention and safety training programs.


• Inspect campus buildings and grounds for hazardous conditions including compliance with fire safety regulations and building codes.


• Inspect, test and service various types of safety equipment and fire protection systems.


• Serve, when requested, on the EH&S hazardous waste operations and emergency response team including meeting related requirements.


• Operate and maintain technical equipment and components associated with assigned functions.


• Utilize the EH&S services software and other specialized software systems to properly document activities.


• Comply with occupational health, safety and environmental rules and regulations, and with University policies and guidelines.


• Provide customer service in a professional manner.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure

• High school or equivalent education.


• Two (2) years experience related to fire safety program operations.


• Massachusetts Class D driver's license required to operate motor vehicles in performance of duties.


• Strong oral, written, organizational, record keeping, quantitative and time management skills.


• Knowledge of fire prevention programs, equipment and service delivery protocols.


• Working knowledge of applicable laws, codes and guidelines associated with fire safety regulations.


• Qualify as a "First Responder" as defined by 105 CMR 171.050 within six (6) months of hire.


• Qualify, upon request, to serve on HazMat Response team within six (6) months of hire.


• Knowledge of Incident Command Structure (ICS) and able to function in an ICS role.


• Knowledge of chemical safety practices.


• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in written form.


• Ability to do calculations and prepare statistical data and records.


• Proficiency with computer applications.


• Ability to work independently and as a team member.


• Knowledge of fire safety compliance service programs and related concepts.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Physically able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).


• Ability to lift heavy objects (no lifting restrictions).

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Associate's Degree (in Fire Science, Safety Engineering, Environmental Safety or related field of study).

Work Schedule

• Schedule varies.


• This position is designated as essential personnel and on call.

Salary Information

AFSCME Grade 15.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Oct 28 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Jan 28 2025 Eastern Standard Time