Fire and Safety Specialist

Job Description

Special Instructions to Applicants: Attach a resume and cover letter in PDF format to the Supporting Documents section of the application.

Rice University, located in Houston, Texas, is a 300‑acre campus ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. With a 6‑to‑1 undergraduate student‑to‑faculty ratio and a residential college system, Rice supports students socially, academically, and culturally. Rice is highly regarded for best quality of life and best value among private universities. Rice is also a wonderful place to work;

our culture is guided by the values RICE – Responsibility, Integrity, Community, Excellence.

The Fire and Life Safety Specialist in the Environmental Health, Safety, and Laboratory Operations department will oversee daily fire and life safety operations and ensure compliance with safety regulations across campus. The role is the first responder to fire alarms, coordinates inspections, manages fire protection and detection systems, evaluates workplace hazards, and implements safety protocols.

Ideal Candidate: Reliable, adaptable, self‑motivated, and detail‑oriented professional with strong background in fire, life safety, and emergency response within a campus or institutional setting.

• Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment, including respirators, and respond to health and safety emergencies.
• Must be willing to work with fire protection systems and hazardous materials.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs. and climb stairs.
• This position is exclusively on‑site; all duties performed in person on the Rice University campus.

Full‑time, benefits‑eligible position. Salary range $65,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 2 years in a related field (e.g., firefighter, first responder, or environmental health and safety professional).

In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience may be substituted for an equivalent year‑for‑year basis. In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education may be substituted for an equivalent year‑for‑year basis.

• Excellent communication, training, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in fire detection and suppression systems.
• Experience with safety requirements and compliance related to fire and life safety.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to walk long distances and lift items up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to wear half‑face and full‑face respiratory protection.

• Safety certifications such as CFPS, ASP, or CSP.
• Experience conducting hazard identification and risk assessments.
• Experience in a fire and life safety‑focused position within an Environmental Health and Safety Department.

• Coordinate routine fire safety inspections and ensure proper functioning of fire protection systems.
• Maintain accurate records of fire safety equipment, inspections, and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding fire and life safety.
• Monitor campus safety practices and ensure adherence to established fire and life safety policies and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and audits of campus buildings and equipment.
• Assist in the development and implementation of fire and life safety policies and procedures.
• Provide training to campus personnel and students on proper fire and life safety practices and emergency response techniques.
• Schedule and perform fire drills in the residential colleges.
• Attend construction design and construction meetings for housing and dining projects.
• Attend event planning meetings for the residential colleges.
• Keep updated on changes in fire and life safety regulations and communicate these changes to the campus community.
• Investigate and report fire and life safety incidents or near misses and recommend corrective actions.
• Oversee the inventory and…