Fire Department Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

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 high-risk environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of NFPA codes, fire-protection technology, and emergency-response procedures.
• Ability to pass all background checks and work effectively in a secure facility.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expert understanding of fire-protection systems and life-safety codes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret technical documents, blueprints, and system schematics
• Effective communication and training skills
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to operate within a secure, high-stress environment

Work Environment

This position operates primarily within secure detention facilities and requires walking, climbing stairs, accessing mechanical spaces, and responding to emergency situations. Occasional after-hours or on-call response may be required.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a completed application, resumé, and any relevant certifications. Selected candidates will be required to pass a background investigation, drug screening, and security clearance process.