About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director for Campus Safety & Fire Prevention, or other person designated by the Executive Director of EH&S, develops, implements, maintains, and manages all aspects of a comprehensive fire safety compliance and prevention program, Serves as Campus Fire Marshal for Amherst campus (Amherst and Mt Ida) and all other satellite locations.
Essential Functions
- Manages all aspects of a comprehensive fire safety compliance and prevention program. Designs, implements, maintains and oversees fire safety programs and systems that promote the health and safety of faculty, students, staff and minimizes risk of damage to property. Stays current with regulations, codes, equipment advancements; promotes compliance and implements improvements consistent with these changing regulations, codes and new technology. Provides collaborative leadership and strategic direction for campus fire compliance capability. Advises Assistant Director for Campus Safety and Fire Prevention on staff issues including skills, development needs, disciplinary matters, and hiring of new staff. Operates university vehicle to travel to work sites daily.
- Responsible to lead or oversee fire investigations and works closely with fire investigatory agencies (local fire departments and State Fire Marshal's Office) to determine cause of fires and to initiate appropriate measures to prevent reoccurrence. Works closely with State Building Inspector to investigate incidents involving unsafe structures and equipment and works collaboratively with Campus Facilities and Campus Services to improve safety. Principal liaison with local fire departments and the state building inspector for the purpose of scheduling inspections, coordinating combined training and drill events, and new construction project plan reviews and associated issues.
- Oversees comprehensive inspection and testing programs for fire protection systems and life safety code compliance inspections for all campus buildings (including satellite campuses), assembly area inspections, pre-occupancy inspections of residential facilities, fire protection system testing, inspections and acceptance testing of new construction or renovated spaces.
- Supervises Fire Safety Officers operating on multiple shifts, providing training, coaching, scheduling, standing operating procedures and oversight of their completion and compliance with assigned tasks and responsibilities, addressing and documenting personnel issues as needed, documenting issues, and investigating concerns and complaints that may arise in the course of their work.
- Has overall responsibility for ensuring our buildings are fire safe. Works collaboratively with those who interact with fire alarm systems including watch tour, fire alarm technicians and fire and suppression systems contractors.
- Develops, implements, teaches and oversees Fire Safety programs to students, faculty and staff, including a Disciplinary Training program required for students who violate the fire safety codes of conduct for residential halls. Also works cooperatively with local fire, UMass police and professional organizations to provide quality fire safety education programs.
Other Functions
Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University Goals and objectives.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree in fire science, engineering, or related field with 4 (four) years of relevant experience -OR- Associate's degree in fire science, engineering, or related field with 6 (six) years of relevant experience.
- Valid driver's license
- Ability to pass a baseline physical exam.
- Ability to pass a background and security check to allow access to sensitive and confidential information.
- Completion of Accreditation as Fire Prevention Officer (1 & 2) through MA Department of Fire Services at hire or within 1 year of hire.
- Must have directly applicable work experience in application of Massachusetts Building and Fire codes, and a thorough understanding of fire protection systems and necessary elements of a strong fire prevention program.
- Proficient in the use of technology and Microsoft Office products.
- Excellent management skills necessary to supervise, train, and evaluate state and students assigned to the program area.
- Ability to develop cooperative working relationships within the campus community and with outside entities such as local fire departments, Building Officials, and the State Fire Marshal. Ability to work cooperatively with peers, taking a leading role on projects. Demonstrated negotiation and consensus building skills required.
- A demonstrated ability to work effectively, in a highly organized manner, paying close attention to detail; accountability and reliability in meeting project deadlines and requirements.
- Able to conduct trainings and communicate complex topics with non-subject matter experts. Able to share expertise and train individuals in a constructive and approachable manner.
- Ability to work in a team-oriented environment in a collaborative approach to continued development and enhancement of the emergency management and business continuity program.
- Able to function with minimal oversight to achieve established goals and objectives.
- Enthusiastic work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to educate others in safe work practices.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Ability to lift objects up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to frequently balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, reach, twist, and lift.
- Ability and stamina to perform manual tasks including standing for long periods of time, lifting, and carrying heavy objects, and working under conditions of seasonal high and low temperatures.
Work Schedule
- Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Some night and weekend hours are required.
Salary Information
Level 29
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. 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.