Fire Safety Officer - Mpa

Position: FIRE SAFETY OFFICER - MPA3
Unclassified position in the fulton county sheriff's office

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Fire safety officer

The fulton county sheriff's office is seeking a highly skilled and technically proficient fire safety officer to oversee all fire- and life-safety programs within our detention facilities. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local fire codes, national fire protection association (nfpa) standards, and all applicable detention-facility regulations. The fire safety officer serves as the agency's subject-matter expert on fire prevention, fire-protection systems, and emergency preparedness in a secure, high-risk environment.

Key responsibilities

Fire prevention & hazard control

* conduct routine inspections of inmate housing units, kitchens, workshops, medical areas, administrative offices, and other facility spaces to identify and mitigate fire hazards.

* ensure proper storage, labeling, and handling of flammable liquids, chemicals, and maintenance supplies.

* monitor for unsafe or altered inmate-made items (e.g., modified electronics, makeshift heating devices) that pose fire risks.

* review facility operations and recommend corrective actions to reduce fire hazards and improve safety.

Emergency preparedness & response

* develop, maintain, and enforce the facility's fire safety and emergency evacuation plans.

* coordinate and conduct fire drills for staff and inmates in accordance with state, federal, and correctional standards.

* train staff on fire extinguisher use, evacuation procedures, alarm response, and emergency communication protocols.

* respond to fire alarms, smoke reports, and fire incidents, coordinating with custody staff to ensure safe and secure inmate movement.

* serve as the primary liaison with local fire departments and emergency response agencies.

Fire protection equipment & system oversight

* inspect, test, and maintain fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, suppression systems, and emergency lighting.

* maintain accurate logs of all inspections, tests, repairs, and system deficiencies.

* coordinate repairs with maintenance personnel and external contractors to ensure timely resolution of issues.

* ensure fire doors, emergency exits, and evacuation routes remain unobstructed and fully operational.

Compliance, documentation & reporting

* ensure compliance with nfpa standards, state fire codes, osha requirements, and correctional facility regulations.

* prepare reports for internal audits, accreditation reviews (e.g., aca), and inspections by the state fire marshal.

* document all fire incidents, drills, training sessions, and hazard corrections.

* participate in safety committees and contribute to policy development and updates.

Training & education

* provide ongoing fire safety training for new hires, correctional officers, civilian staff, and contractors.

* educate inmates on fire safety rules, prohibited items, and emergency expectations.

* develop training materials, presentations, and scenario-based exercises to enhance facility readiness.

Security-sensitive responsibilities

* coordinate fire safety procedures with custody operations to ensure inmate accountability and security during emergencies.

* understand inmate behavior patterns that may increase fire risk, including intentional fires or tampering with safety equipment.

* assist in investigations of fire-related incidents, including suspected arson or equipment sabotage.

* ensure emergency response actions do not compromise facility security or staff safety.

* monitor ventilation systems to prevent smoke spread in confined housing areas.

* oversee fire safety protocols in segregation units, medical isolation areas, and high-security pods.

* review construction, renovation, and maintenance plans for fire code compliance.

* participate in emergency command center operations during major incidents or facility-wide emergencies.

Documentation & reporting

* prepare detailed inspection reports, deficiency notices, and compliance summaries for command staff and county leadership.

* maintain all required documentation for accreditation bodies (aca, ncchc, state jail standards).

* participate in safety committees and risk-management initiatives.

Interagency coordination

* serve as the primary liaison to the local fire marshal's office and municipal fire departments.

* coordinate pre-incident planning, facility tours, and joint training with external agencies.

Additional functions:

* performs other related duties as required.

Minimum qualifications

* bachelor's degree in fire science, public safety, engineering, or related field.

* professional certifications strongly preferred:

* fire inspector i/ii (nfpa or state equivalent)

* fire instructor i

* firefighter i/ii

* fire alarm, sprinkler, or life-safety systems certifications

* 5 years of experience in fire inspection, fire protection systems, or life-safety compliance.

* experience in detention, corrections, industrial, or…