Fire & Safety Officer

Title

Fire & Life Safety Officer

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.

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 enforcement with practical, solutions‑oriented guidance in a higher education setting.

Bachelor's degree in related field and two years of experience in safety administration, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Employees in this job may be responsible for conducting research on, working on, or having the ability to access critical organizational infrastructure and they must be able to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure related to this role.

• Knowledge of Department of Homeland Security regulations.
• Knowledge of five phases of emergency management and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Required building and fire code knowledge.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to substantiate results from reports using spreadsheets…