Fire Officer

Job Purpose

The Fire Officer will develop, implement, maintain, and monitor effective fire safety management systems, policies, and procedures across the University to ensure the safety of all staff, students and visitors, compliance with legal standards and protection of the University Estate.

This will involve conducting fire risk assessments in accordance with the provisions of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations. The post holder will build a strong rapport with Estates colleagues, who review, evaluate, and implement the findings of the fire risk assessment.

• Plan and conduct a programme of fire risk assessment ensuring that required assessment review frequencies are met.
• Apply specialist technical expertise and knowledge to prepare legally compliant written fire risk assessments.
• Prepare and issue written reports, including appropriate action plans and recommendations based on the findings of fire risk assessment surveys.
• Advise and support units across the University on implementation of required actions.

• Identify fire safety training needs and develop effective programmes of fire safety training including practical and online provision.
• Take a lead role in delivering trainer-led fire safety training to university staff across the organisation.
• Deliver fire safety training and support to Fire Safety Coordinators, Fire Wardens, security staff and other staff groups with identified special fire safety training needs.
• Participate and action the delivery of a statutorily required programme of regular fire drills in all University properties.

• Assist in maintaining a record of all fire-related incidents and in conjunction with other Safety and Resilience staff, undertake periodic analysis of the overall causes.
• Investigate selected incidents and prepare reports and recommendations on the findings.
• Support the development and implementation of measures to avoid, or minimise, unwanted alarm activations and genuine fire incidents.
• Provide specialist fire safety advice and support to Security to facilitate their day-to-day management of fire alarm activation incidents and building evacuations.
• Assist in the preparation and implementation of emergency evacuation plans and arrangements for disabled staff and students.

• Prepare policies, procedures and guidance aimed at Heads of University management units and staff within the units to enable them to understand the legal and policy constraints concerning fire safety and ensure they operate within these constraints.
• Keep up to date with relevant current and forthcoming developments in fire safety legislation and guidance and prepare reports and recommendations on these matters. Identify areas of shortcoming in existing fire safety arrangements and bring forward practical and achievable proposals to improve working practice.
• Provide specialist fire safety advice to the Estates department regarding fire safety arrangements within new and existing University occupied properties.
• Consult with the Fire Service and external stakeholders.

A1 Either:
Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles. Or:
Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level
4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

A2 Professional level (VQ3/4) qualification in fire safety (e.g., TechIFE or equivalent Fire Service qualifications) with experience as noted below.

A3 Demonstrable up-to-date knowledge of fire safety and fire safety legislation and Scottish Fire Safety Guides.

A4 In-depth professional level understanding of fire risk assessment and fire prevention principles and practice.

B1 A Health and Safety qualification (NEBOSH Certificate).

B2 Qualification/Experience in delivery of Training.

C1 Proven ability to exercise reasoned and sensible judgement and work effectively to problem solve within a risk assessment-based framework.

C2 High level of presentation skills and a high level of ability as a trainer.

C3 Proven ability to time-manage, prioritise and meet deadlines.

C4 Proficient in the use of IT with ability to use the Microsoft Office package, in…