Fire Safety Technician

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid annual leave

Tuition benefits

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Fire Safety Technician to protect a vast campus and medical center. The role involves hands-on inspection of life safety systems, ongoing maintenance of fire protection equipment, and ensuring compliance with state fire codes across facilities.

Responsibilities include supporting emergency preparedness and collaborating with campus staff, contractors, and officials.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Must complete NFPA 10, 25, 72 & NICET Level I for advancement.
• Ability to operate inspection software on mobile devices and maintain reports.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Fire Suppression and Fire Detection Systems per NFPA standards.
• Supervise fire system installation, testing and maintenance in compliance with Virginia laws.
• Provide technical assistance to building officials, staff and contractors.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Physically able to lift 50 lbs

On-call availability

Education

High School Diploma, GED or equivalent experience

Tools

NFPA knowledge

Job description

Overview

Join VCU’s Department of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) as a Fire Safety Technician and play a direct, hands‑on role in protecting our dynamic university campus and academic medical center. Working across millions of square feet of academic, research, and clinical space, you will conduct critical life safety inspections, maintain fire suppression systems, ensure state fire code compliance, and support emergency preparedness initiatives. If you are a proactive safety professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment serving over 50,000 students, healthcare staff, and community members, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining Fire Suppression and Fire Detection Systems in accordance with NFPA Standards adopted by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Providing safety to life and property from the hazards of fire by supervising university fire systems installation, testing and maintenance in compliance with the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth.
• Providing technical assistance to university building officials, facility maintenance staff & contractors relative to fire safety system.
• Completing other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent experience required.
• Must complete NFPA 10, 25, 72 & NICET Level I – Inspection and Testing of Water‑Based Systems in order to advance from Entry Level Technician I to Fire Safety Technician II. The successful completion of 1 year probationary period with a "successful" performance review must also be achieved.
• Basic computer knowledge. Microsoft, Google, Apple iOS capable. Experience with creating and storing data/reports. Ability to conduct inspection reports on iPad (provided) or iPhone using inspection software. Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to be on call on a rotating basis.
• Required to occasionally work nights, weekends and extended periods of time during emergencies and inclement weather.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more and climb up and down a ladder required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Detailed knowledge of NFPA standards for the inspection/testing of fire alarm/fire suppression systems.
• Plumbing skills, knowledge of fire protection systems, ability to read and understand codes and how to apply them accurately.
• NICET 2 Water Based systems testing and inspection.

Salary

Salary Range: 45,000 - 55,000

Benefits

Benefits: All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Job Details

Unit: Occupational Health & Safety
Hours per Week: 40
FLSA Exemption Status: Non‑Exempt