Job Duties
This role serves as the primary role responsible for fire safety operations, integrating regulatory compliance, inspections, fire protection systems oversight, and emergency preparedness. By unifying these responsibilities, the position enhances operational efficiency, strengthens compliance with safety regulations, and significantly improves overall campus safety.
• Conducts regular life safety inspections of all campus facilities.
• Enforces NFPA, OSHA, Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and university policies.
• Identifies hazards, recommends corrective actions, and ensures follow-up.
• Maintains inspection records, violation logs, and compliance documentation.
• Serves as liaison with Fire Marshal offices, local fire departments, and AHJs.
• Develops annual budgets for inspection, testing, maintenance and repairs of life safety systems
• Assists with scope development for solicitation of contracted services to provide inspection, testing, maintenance and repair of all life safety systems including detection, alarm, suppression, fire dampers and fire doors
• Coordinates inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair activities using contracted resources.
• Manages performance of contracted services and ensures prompt payment of completed work
• Ensures system certifications and operational readiness of all life safety, fire detection and suppression systems.
• Manages emergency contracted services including out of business hours
• Generates compliance, audit, and performance reports.
• Performs fire hydrant testing
• Performs monthly fire extinguisher checks
• Plans and conducts campus-wide fire drills and evacuation exercises.
• Responds to fire alarms, system malfunctions, and fire-related incidents including out of business hours
• Investigates incidents and recommends preventive strategies.
• Serves as technical advisor during fire emergencies.
• Provides fire safety education and training to campus stakeholders.
• Issues and monitors Hot Work permits.
• Participates in safety committees, audits, and emergency planning activities.
• Coordinate with the Police Department to perform periodic fire drills
• Supports Facilities, Capital Outlay, Housing, Student Activities and Police departments.
• Prepares for and participates in external audits and inspections.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including emergency response during state-declared emergencies.
Minimum Qualifications
Extensive knowledge of NFPA standards, SFPC, OSHA regulations, and fire protection systems.
Skills in inspections, hazard assessment, incident investigation, training delivery, and report writing.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate across departments.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Additional Considerations
Certification as Fire Inspector, Fire Marshal, or Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS).
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification.
Experience in higher education or large institutional settings.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
You must include a current resume/c.v. and a letter of interest in your application. Three (3) letters of recommendation and official transcripts will be required before hire.
Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (PageUp). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume, or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.
The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.
Employment-based visa sponsorship at Virginia State University (VSU) is not guaranteed and will be evaluated carefully on a case-by-case basis. Federal law does not require employers to provide immigration sponsorship, and VSU is not obligated to offer it. Employment at VSU does not permit an individual to work in the United States unless the appropriate employment authorization has been obtained and verified in accordance with federal immigration compliance requirements.
*Virginia State University requires that faculty be appropriately credentialed to teach assigned courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. VSU demonstrates compliance with its Faculty Credentialing Policy #2301 for all applicable education, experience, licensure and certification requirements in the selection and hiring of its faculty.
Contact Information
Name: Boatemaa Nyarko-Brentuo
Phone: 804-524-5083
Email: bnyarko-
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter.