The Fire Safety Assistant position supports the university's commitment to providing a safe, healthy, and compliant campus environment for all students, employees, and visitors. Working across diverse academic, administrative, and operational spaces, this position plays a key role in identifying potential hazards, supporting regulatory compliance efforts, and ensuring adherence to established safety, fire prevention, and environmental protection standards.
Under the supervision of the fire safety manager, the individual in this role conducts routine and directed inspections of university facilities, equipment, and work sites to evaluate compliance with NFPA fire codes, OSHA workplace safety regulations, and applicable environmental requirements. This includes assisting with the assessment and proper operation of life safety systems, fire protection systems, and other safety-critical equipment.
The position assists in gathering field data, maintaining accurate documentation, preparing detailed reports, and tracking the status of identified hazards or regulatory violations. This role also contributes to job hazard analyses and personal protective equipment (PPE) evaluations to ensure employees have the proper tools to work safely.
This position is well-suited for individuals who are highly observant, detail-oriented, and motivated by work that directly supports the well-being of others. Successful candidates will possess strong communication skills, the ability to organize and maintain accurate records, and a commitment to working collaboratively with university personnel. The role requires adaptability, sound judgment in the field, and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in an environment with shifting needs.
Employees in this position work throughout all areas of the university and must be comfortable with substantial walking, climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, and wearing appropriate PPE. This position offers an opportunity to develop valuable experience in safety, environmental compliance, and regulatory interpretation while contributing meaningfully to the protection of university people, property, and operations.
The University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor's degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master's degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, including the ability to create reports, maintain records, and manage data accurately.
- Ability to rapidly assess high-risk situations and take appropriate action to protect life, facilities, and the environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting effectively with university personnel and preparing clear, organized reports.
- Ability to wear and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Physical ability to perform tasks that include extensive walking, climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 35 pounds.
- Ability to maintain attention to detail while conducting inspections and environmental surveys.
- Valid Driver's License.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
- Inspect university facilities, equipment, and work sites for compliance with NFPA fire codes, OSHA safety regulations, and EPA environmental requirements.
- Verify proper operation of life safety systems and fire protection equipment.
- Gather, organize, and track field data related to inspections and safety findings.
- Prepare and submit detailed reports outlining observations, hazards, and corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate records, logs, and databases.
- Follow up on regulatory violations, system abnormalities, and hazardous conditions, updating supervisors on status.
- Work throughout all areas of the department, adapting to changing priorities and needs.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support departmental operations and compliance initiatives.