Fire Prevention Specialist

Job Summary

Supports the Fire & Life Safety program by assisting with routine inspections, providing guidance on fire code compliance, and responding to fire safety–related inquiries. This entry‑level role is ideal for individuals looking to develop expertise in fire prevention, life safety systems, and regulatory compliance within a dynamic institutional environment.

• Conduct plan and construction reviews for proposed projects or events as assigned.
• Conduct area evaluations and inspections to determine compliance with IBC, IFC, and State Rules and Regulations in existing buildings and spaces.
• Implement and evaluate fire safety project issues.
• Investigate unsafe conditions and concerns.
• Consult or train campus staff on proper use of fire life safety systems, equipment, and features, as needed.
• Document inspection findings, identify deficiencies, and support corrective action tracking.
• Escalate complex fire code or life safety issues to senior staff as appropriate.
• Work with architects, engineers and campus departments to incorporate building and fire code life safety features into assigned construction projects and existing buildings and structures.
• Have authority to visit any construction site, existing buildings and spaces, or research projects and stop the work in progress if it poses a direct threat to the preservation of life or property.
• Consult with senior staff to evaluate all technical fire safety system proposals for compliance with University standards and make a recommendation regarding installation and use.
• Coordinate with field technicians on fire alarm system testing priorities and make changes to the testing schedule.

1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience.

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

• Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, I – Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.
• Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, II – Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
• Environmental Health & Safety Specialist, III – Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Must obtain a Utah State Fire Marshals Office Fire Inspector 1 Certification within 12 months of employment. A current driver’s license is required.

• International Code Council certifications are preferred, background in fire life systems (fire alarm, fire suppression, or safety oriented program in higher education) will be considered.
• Degree in Engineering or related field is preferred or experience in fire safety evaluations equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC) and State Fire Prevention Rules and Regulations regarding system testing and maintenance preferred.
• Demonstrated computer skills, human relations and effective communication skills are also required. Ability to identify hazards and apply problem‑solving skills.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106.

The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

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