Fire Safety Technician

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is hiring a Fire Safety Technician ES1 to join Virginia Commonwealth University’s OHS team on the Richmond campus.

You will inspect fire protection systems, maintain life safety measures, and support emergency preparedness across a large university and medical center. Ideal candidates have a High School diploma, NFPA/NICET basics, and are ready to work onsite, be on-call, and lift up to 50 lbs while using inspection software on iPad or iPhone.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Must complete NFPA 10, 25, 72 & NICET Level I to advance, with 1 year probation.
• Basic computer knowledge; experience creating and storing data/reports; inspect reports on iPad or iPhone.
• Valid driver's license.
• On-call on a rotating basis.
• Occasional nights, weekends, or extended periods during emergencies.
• Able to lift 50 lbs+ and climb ladders.
• Respectful and professional with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

NFPA standards knowledge

On-call readiness

Safety procedures

Lifting and climbing ability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

NFPA 10, 25, 72 & NICET Level I – Inspection and Testing of Water‑Based Systems

Tools

Inspection software (iPad/iPhone)

Mobile data reporting

Job description

Advertising Summary

Join VCU’s Department of Occupational Health & 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!

Unit

Occupational Health & Safety

Department

Occupational Health & Safety

Department Summary

The Department of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) at Virginia Commonwealth University protects over 50,000 students, faculty, and healthcare staff across VCU's urban campus and VCU Health System facilities. Supporting millions of square feet of academic, research, clinical, and residential space, our Fire and Life Safety team ensures code compliance, inspects fire protection systems, leads emergency preparedness, and delivers hands‑on safety training to maintain a safe environment to learn, work, and heal.

Duties & 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 Range

45,000 - 55,000

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.

FLSA Exemption Status

Non‑Exempt

Hours per Week

40

Restricted Position

No

ORP Eligible

No

Flexible Work Arrangement

Fully Onsite

University Job Title

16021N - Fire Safety Technician ES1