Job Board

The Princeton University Fire Marshal is responsible for the implementation and management of programs and policies designed to ensure the safety of faculty, students and staff in planning for and responding to fires and similar emergencies on campus. The Fire Marshal is also responsible for compliance with the NJ Uniform Fire Safety Code, OSHA Standards, and other codes and standards related to fire prevention, education, response, training and life safety (e.g. hot work, fire brigades, emergency action plans).

As the University senior official responsible for fire related safety and compliance, the Fire Marshal is responsible for the development and management of a comprehensive fire prevention and protection program; including developing and managing inspection/re-inspection programs (in collaboration with other campus departments), performing audits and conducting training, overseeing evacuation drills, and membership within the University Volunteer fire fighting program. The incumbent routinely meets and advises administrators throughout campus on fire safety issues, providing verbal and written professional guidance and recommendations to continuously maintain safe conditions and regulatory compliance. In conjunction with the fire department and prosecutorâ™s office, this position may assist in the investigation of any fires or alarm activations.

The Fire Marshal is responsible for fire code compliance in places of assembly (i.e. large public events and theatrical performances). The incumbent reviews event set-up to verify compliance and applicable fire and life safety requirements. The Fire Marshal serves as a resource for campus administrators evaluating fire safety issues and providing interpretation, guidance and recommendations as necessary to ensure compliance with the N.J Uniform Fire Safety Code

The Fire Marshal is the primary liaison to the Princeton Fire Officials Office and will schedule and participate in fire inspections which are conducted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). This position will coordinate inspections and will perform additional re-inspections of all University owned buildings in accordance with the N.J Uniform Fire Safety Code. Within a unified incident command structure, the Fire Marshal may act as the University representative at emergency incidents.

The University Fire Marshalâ™s mission to prevent and respond to fires and educate and train stakeholders is accomplished in the following ways.

• Responsible for the development and implementation of fire prevention and awareness programs to ensure that members of the Princeton University community are aware of the causes of fires, actions that help prevent fires and procedures that should be followed if a fire or similar emergency occurs.
• Responsible for reviewing and advising EHS of suggested changes to the Universityâ™s Emergency Action Plan which includes information concerning: building evacuation; reporting a fire or similar emergency; fire prevention; shelter-in-place procedures; building specific evacuation locations and emergency communication systems.
• Ensures annual inspections of all University buildings are conducted and completed in accordance with the Fire Code. Work with Facilities Management, building occupants and others to resolve issues identified during the inspections. Works with the Office Housing and Real Estate Services (HRES), who have primary responsibilities for fire safety in residential properties, and others as needed, to resolve fire safety issues. Supports and collaborates with housing operations who enforce all University fire regulations.
• In conjunction with the University Code Analyst, participate in reviewing plans and design proposals for construction and renovation on campus. Provide as-needed emergency response for emergencies that occur after hours, on weekends and holidays. Respond immediately to campus for all fires in any life hazard building, regardless of the size of the fire and respond to all other fires or fire related emergencies as needed.
• In conjunction with the applicable emergency response agencies, develop building specific pre-plans, conduct walk-throughs, coordinate campus drills and ensure that the municipal responding agencies are as prepared as possible to address an emergency on campus.

Training & Collaboration

• Ensure the safety of faculty, students and staff in matters related to fires and similar emergencies on campus development and implementation of programs that promote fire prevention and safety awareness and ensure that members of the Princeton University community are aware of the causes of fires, actions they may take to prevent fires and procedures to follow in the event of a fire or similar emergency.
• Responsible for the development of a comprehensive fire safety program that addresses all the issues that can reasonably be expected to exist on a complex research university campus to prevent and prepare for fires and similar emergencies
• Create and make available written programs as needed, by members of the Princeton University community (faculty, staff and students), project managers and outside contractors through University website access and through periodic e-mails and similar electronic communications.
• Develop programs to take specific and repeated steps to raise awareness of faculty staff and students on fire safety issues including fire prevention, building evacuation and similar critical information.
• Provide fire safety training for staff, faculty and students related to university fire safety policies and procedures.
• In collaboration with EHS, provide training to staff and students regarding the Emergency Action Plan, Laboratory Fire Safety Procedures, fire extinguisher use, Events in Assembly Occupancy Spaces, and Residence Hall Fire Safety. Develop, edit, revise, and maintain policies related to fire safety.
• Trains DPS and Facilities Site Protection staff who act as first responders for fire alarm activations. Assists other members of DPS with fire safety problems as needed
• In conjunction with the Housing office, monitors the Fire housing inspection process to ensure they meet N.J Uniform Fire Safety code requirements
• Submit and track work orders for all code violations in administrative, athletic, and academic buildings and follow up to ensure abatement work is completed
• Develops and conducts University annual fire extinguisher and fire safety compliance training, education programs and other outreach for University departments and student residential spaces (e.g. fire extinguishers and fire Safety Provide fire safety or other training for additional departments as requested or needed.
• Responsible for the oversight of all University emergency evacuation drills for all university owned buildings in accordance with fire code requirements
• In coordination with the applicable Municipal Fire Marshalâ™s office and Prosecutorâ™s Office, participate in fire investigations and prepare reports, etc. as necessary.
• Responsible to identify, coordinate and submit fire safety permit applications for tents, open flames, cutting and welding, hazardous material storage, and propane
• Responsible for all theatrical and special event set-ups as required by fire code which may require a fire safety permit
• Responsible for on campus training, drills and pre-planning with the local fire and first aid/rescue department in order to ensure they are properly prepared to respond to a campus emergency.
• Collaborate with EHS and others in providing Administrative and Academic Departmental Emergency Coordinator training.
• Develop a campus wide pre-plan program to support emergency response for campus fire incidents.
• Provide training and drills on the university Hazmat response plan under the guidance of EHS. Act as the liaison (in conjunction with EHS) to the Hazardous Materials Response team to ensure they are aware of campus hazards, familiar with campus layout and that annual on-site training is offered.
• Acts as the DPS liaison for the CRT and Volunteer fire department program.
• Co-Chairs the University Fire Safety Committee
• Interfaces with Risk Management and assists with property insurance carrier inspections, re-inspections and walk-through as needed
• In conjunction with the University Code Analyst, liaison with the local enforcing agencies and acts as a resource to DPS, EH&S and Facilities

Emergency Response to Fires and Fire Related Emergencies

• Respond to emergency fire situations, participate in on-call rotation, provide technical support to outside responders, assess dangerous situations, and respond appropriately.
• Respond to all campus fires immediately, regardless of the size of the fire. Investigate all sources of fire or suspected fire equipment tampering or malfunction.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with emergency response agencies and the officers within Public Safety.
• Participates within the unified command structure for campus related emergencies.
• In conjunction with the Facilities Impairment Coordinators, responsible for the management and implementation of the campus fire watch program.
• Acts as a liaison to the municipal Fire Departments, First Aid Squads and Offices of Emergency Management.
• Develop campus wide standard operating guidelines concerning fire safety and response, evacuation and fire alarm protocol
• Compile fire alarm statistics for inclusion in ESRM agendas and distribution to the Princeton Fire Department as required by Code.
• In conjunction with the University Code Official, maintain files of all University Fire Code Variances and ensure compliance with stipulated requirements.

Building Planning

• In conjunction with the Project Manager, University Code Analyst and Senior Manager of Site Protection, assist in reviewing plans and specifications for all work relating to fire detection, fire suppression and life safety in university building.
• Assists and updates the Assistant Vice President as required.
• Partners with the Facilities Organization to help establish standards to ensure appropriate equipment and work practices are used when installing, renovating and repairing fire alarm and fire suppression equipment.
• Audit and review the annual fire system testing program to ensure Code Compliance.
• In conjunction with the University Code Analyst, review construction plans and technical documents related to campus construction/renovation to ensure that applicable fire and life safety codes are being met.

Staff Development & Performance Management

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of a bachelorâ™s degree in fire science or engineering or closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent combination of education and experience that would ensure success in position. Related work experience (minimum of 10 years with at least five years at the supervisory level) may be substituted for the degree requirements.
• Five years of related experience or the equivalent in fire/life safety with emphasis on fire prevention, code compliance, training and inspections.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Fire Alarm and Automatic Fire Suppression Systems required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the N.J Uniform Fire Safety Code and UCC International Fire Code NJ Edition. Working knowledge NFPA references and standards.
• Ability to develop and conduct Fire Safety training, workshops, and/or seminars for the campus community.
• Must be available to respond to emergency situations after hours, on weekends and holidays.
• Experience and ability to develop and perform inspections, develop emergency response plans, conduct training and partner with municipal resources especially within the volunteer environment.
• New Jersey Fire Inspector Certification or the ability to obtain within 6 months
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern fire detection and alarm systems, suppression systems and other fire safety systems and pertinent federal, state, and local laws.
• New Jersey Firefighter I and II Certification. Fire Officer Certification a plus.
• Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 300, 400 and 700 certification
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) Level I and II
• US Fire Administrationâ™s National Fire Academyâ™s (NFA) Hazardous Materials Incident Commander level training
• Ability to:
• Plan, organize and supervise the activities of the Fire Marshal Office and staff (Associate Fire Marshal, event staff and casuals).
• Supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Maintain work effectiveness with frequent changes in workload and priority of assignment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with a variety of individuals and groups.
• Interpret and explain Fire Safety policies and procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new equipment, program techniques and methods and procedures.
• Cope effectively under stressful situations and maintain focus and energy under stress.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make presentations to groups while using audio visual aids (e.g. PowerPoint) Position requires solid computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, and other programs to manage the fire safety program.
• Ability to repeatedly present information to customers; using good interpersonal relations by helping the people to feel valued, appreciated and meet or exceed the customerâ™s needs.
• Strong decision making skills especially for those events that will affect campus wide response and reaction.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operatorâ™s license, and pass a background check.
• Certified Fire Instructor Level I and Level II or the ability to obtain Level II within 6 months.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in a campus environment preferably within higher education

Princeton University is an

About Princeton University

Princeton University is a vibrant community of scholarship and learning that stands in the nation's service and in the service of all nations. Chartered in 1746, Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. Princeton is an independent, coeducational, nondenominational institution that provides undergraduate and graduate instruction in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering.As a world-renowned research university, Princeton seeks to achieve the highest levels of distinction in the discovery and transmission of knowledge and understanding. At the same time, Princeton is distinctive among research universities in its commitment to undergraduate teaching.Today, more than 1,100 faculty members instruct approximately 5,200 undergraduate students and 2,600 graduate students. The University's generous financial aid program ensures that talented students from all economic backgrounds can afford a Princeton education.

Connections working at Princeton University