Fire & Safety Officer

Position: Fire & Life Safety Officer
Title:

Fire & Life Safety Officer

Employee Classification:
Fire & Life Safety Officer

Campus:
University of North Texas

Division: UNT-VP Finance & Admin

Sub Division-Department: UNT-Risk Mgmt Services

Department: UNT-Risk Mgmt Services-Gen-152600

Job Location:

Denton

Salary: 54000.00

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities.

We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values System.edu.

Department Summary

The Risk Management Department at the University of North Texas is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks that could impact the safety, operations, and financial stability of the university. The department develops and administers programs that promote regulatory compliance, reduce liability exposure, and protect university assets, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Within Risk Management, the Fire and Life Safety program supports the university's overall risk mitigation strategy by implementing comprehensive fire prevention and life safety initiatives aligned with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as nationally recognized codes and standards.

Key functions include conducting fire and life safety inspections, managing permit-based safety programs such as hot work, performing monthly campus AED inspections, and supporting emergency preparedness activities. The program works collaboratively with Facilities, Housing, construction and project teams, campus departments, and external Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to promote safe design, construction, occupancy, and operations across campus.

Through proactive risk reduction, education, and compliance oversight, the Fire and Life Safety program enhances campus safety and supports the university's mission by maintaining a safe and resilient learning and working environment.

Position Overview

The Fire and Life Safety Officer at the University of North Texas (UNT) plays a critical role in protecting life, property, and continuity of operations across a dynamic campus environment. This position is responsible for implementing, managing, and continuously improving the university's comprehensive fire and life safety programs in alignment with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as nationally recognized codes and standards (e.g., NFPA, IFC, and OSHA).

The Fire and Life Safety Officer provides technical expertise and oversight in fire prevention, hazard mitigation, system compliance, and emergency preparedness. The position supports a proactive risk management approach through inspections, plan reviews, permit programs, and training initiatives designed to reduce risk and strengthen campus resilience.

Key areas of responsibility include administration of fire and life safety compliance programs such as hot work permitting, fire and life safety inspections, and impairment coordination. The role works collaboratively with Facilities, Housing, construction project teams, campus departments, and external authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to ensure safe design, occupancy, and operation of university facilities.

The Fire and Life Safety Officer also serves as an educator and resource to the UNT community by developing and delivering training, interpreting fire and life safety codes, and promoting a culture of safety awareness and regulatory compliance. This position may participate in incident investigations, emergency response coordination, and after-action reviews to support continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is a knowledgeable and detail-oriented safety professional with strong communication skills, a customer-focused mindset, and the ability to balance regulatory…