Associate Specialist, Security

MSD UK; Elkton (VA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD UK seeks an Operational Shift Team Lead for Emergency Response, Safety & Security to oversee daily emergency response, safety, and security operations across the site. You will lead shift activities, conduct turnovers, manage logs, and ensure compliance with procedures and safety standards.

The role requires firefighting and hazmat experience, 7+ years, and certifications (EMT/CPR). You will coordinate responses with external agencies, train personnel, and act as Incident Commander for plant

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years’ experience as a professional or volunteer firefighter, preferably in an officer role.
• Physically capable of performing all job tasks.
• Confined Space Rescue training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook) and web-based programs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work across multiple assignments with contract and site personnel at all management levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee shift operations to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and in compliance with site procedures.
• Conduct thorough shift turnovers to brief incoming teams on ongoing issues and special instructions.
• Maintain operating logs and records to document equipment and system performance.
• Ensure good housekeeping in all areas of responsibility.
• Serve as the on‑shift point of contact for safety, emergency, and security incidents.
• Conduct initial assessments and investigations for smoke, odor, chemical/biological spills, fire/smoke conditions, alarm notifications, and other abnormal situations; initiate appropriate response actions.
• Respond to emergency calls involving hazardous materials and assess the situation upon arrival.
• Perform fire suppression duties in industrial environments, using specialized equipment and techniques as required.
• Contain, clean up, and facilitate disposal of hazardous materials according to regulations and standard operating procedures.
• Operate specialized equipment, such as protective suits, respirators, and testing instruments.
• Act as Incident Commander for plant emergencies, maintain compliance with OSHA and NFPA requirements.
• Coordinate with outside agencies responding to site emergencies; support site medical emergency response when required.
• Perform elevator and confined space rescue as required.
• Perform routine fire inspections, fire system shutdowns, and fire panel resets.
• Inspect buildings for fire hazards and confirm the presence of proper fire protection and emergency equipment.
• Conduct scheduled inspections and testing of fire pumps, fire extinguishers, hoses, and related equipment; record and report test results.
• Perform maintenance on firefighting and fire protection equipment (e.g., rotating and inspecting extinguishers); report and correct minor defects.
• Ensure fire trucks, powered equipment, and firefighter gear are tested and maintained per departmental guidelines.
• Support fire protection tests and exercises (e.g., use of fire water, equipment displays, ventilation, washdowns).
• Act as a security contact and guide; respond to and assist with potential security incidents on site.
• Operate and maintain plant security systems and programs.
• Troubleshoot site badging and access systems and respond appropriately to alarm conditions.
• Coordinate security response and collaborate with security personnel and external responders.
• Direct, conduct, and coordinate training for department personnel, Emergency Response Team members, volunteers, and employees.
• Deliver specialized training per the master training schedule or as instructed (e.g., fire extinguisher use, emergency procedures).
• Participate in drills and exercises to maintain proficiency in response procedures.
• Pursue ongoing education to stay current on regulations, safety procedures, and equipment.

Skills

Emergency leadership

Firefighting

Hazardous materials

MS Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Firefighter I-III certification

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

CPR and First Aid certification

Job description

Operational Shift Team Lead — Emergency Response, Safety & Security

Leads daily emergency response, safety, and security operations across the site, including fire protection, hazardous materials coordination, loss prevention, project support, and related services. Conducts audits and surveys to identify risks and evaluate controls. Enforces site requirements for property security, access, traffic, parking, and employee conduct. This role requires shift work, including weekends and public holidays.

Primary Responsibilities

Operations

• Oversee shift operations to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and in compliance with site procedures.
• Conduct thorough shift turnovers to brief incoming teams on ongoing issues and special instructions.
• Maintain operating logs and records to document equipment and system performance.
• Ensure good housekeeping in all areas of responsibility.

Emergency Response

• Serve as the on‑shift point of contact for safety, emergency, and security incidents.
• Conduct initial assessments and investigations for smoke, odor, chemical/biological spills, fire/smoke conditions, alarm notifications, and other abnormal situations; initiate appropriate response actions.
• Respond to emergency calls involving hazardous materials and assess the situation upon arrival.
• Perform fire suppression duties in industrial environments, using specialized equipment and techniques as required.
• Contain, clean up, and facilitate disposal of hazardous materials according to regulations and standard operating procedures.
• Operate specialized equipment, such as protective suits, respirators, and testing instruments.
• Act as Incident Commander for plant emergencies, maintain compliance with OSHA and NFPA requirements.
• Coordinate with outside agencies responding to site emergencies; support site medical emergency response when required.
• Perform elevator and confined space rescue as required.

Fire Protection & Equipment

• Perform routine fire inspections, fire system shutdowns, and fire panel resets.
• Inspect buildings for fire hazards and confirm the presence of proper fire protection and emergency equipment.
• Conduct scheduled inspections and testing of fire pumps, fire extinguishers, hoses, and related equipment; record and report test results.
• Perform maintenance on firefighting and fire protection equipment (e.g., rotating and inspecting extinguishers); report and correct minor defects.
• Ensure fire trucks, powered equipment, and firefighter gear are tested and maintained per departmental guidelines.
• Support fire protection tests and exercises (e.g., use of fire water, equipment displays, ventilation, washdowns).

Security

• Act as a security contact and guide; respond to and assist with potential security incidents on site.
• Operate and maintain plant security systems and programs.
• Troubleshoot site badging and access systems and respond appropriately to alarm conditions.
• Coordinate security response and collaborate with security personnel and external responders.

Training & Team Development

• Direct, conduct, and coordinate training for department personnel, Emergency Response Team members, volunteers, and employees.
• Deliver specialized training per the master training schedule or as instructed (e.g., fire extinguisher use, emergency procedures).
• Participate in drills and exercises to maintain proficiency in response procedures.
• Pursue ongoing education to stay current on regulations, safety procedures, and equipment.

Reporting & Collaboration

• Notify pertinent personnel promptly during incidents and take immediate action to protect personnel, facilities, records, and materials.
• Consult with and advise departments to provide engineering input and ensure projects and plans conform with environmental and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Required Education & Certifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Firefighter I, II, or III certification.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 7 years’ experience as a professional or volunteer firefighter, preferably in an officer role.
• Physically capable of performing all job tasks.
• Confined Space Rescue training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook) and web-based programs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work across multiple assignments with contract and site personnel at all management levels.
• Ability to operate effectively under high-stress conditions and work indoors and outdoors in varied weather.

Preferred Experience & Certifications

• Hazmat Technician certification.
• NFPA 25 certification (Inspection, Maintenance and Testing of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems).
• OSHA General Industry and/or Construction training.
• High Angle Rescue and advanced Confined Space Rescue training.
• Experience with industrial utility systems (air, steam, high voltage).
• VA Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification (EVOC) or equivalent.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Certified Protection Officer (IFPO), Certified Protection Professional (ASIS), Certified Security Supervisor (IFPO)
• National Incident Management System (NIMS)ICS100, 200, 300, and 700
• Experience in Work Place Violence/ Active Assaillant Response
• Experience interacting with local, state, and federal agencies
• Experience managing contracted professionals and vendors
• Crisis management experience, including Incident Command or Emergency Operations Center (EOC) leadership

Compliance & Special Requirements

• Able to work under cGMP guidelines.
• Availability to provide off‑shift mitigation and support during chemical cleanups.
• Ability to work 12‑hour rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends; overtime as required.

#MSJR

Required Skills:
Conducting Investigations, Conducting Investigations, Confined Space Training, Contingency Planning, Contract Management, Contractor Management, Elevator Maintenance, Emergency Response, Field Force Management, Fire Code, Fire Drills, Firefighting, Firefighting Equipment, Fire Investigations, Fire Prevention, Fire Safety Management, First Aid, Government Regulation, Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Waste Disposal, Incident Reporting, Interpersonal Relationships, IT Security Standards, Lease Administration, Maintenance Documentation {+ 9 more}

Preferred Skills:

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $59,100.00 - $93,000.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:
No

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable

Shift:
1st - Day, 2nd - Evening, 3rd - Night

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
Chemical Cleanup spills

Job Posting End Date:
09/5/2026