Safety Inspector

Pennsylvania Western University; California (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A public university in Pennsylvania is seeking a Safety Inspector to conduct safety inspections of buildings and systems. You'll maintain compliance with safety regulations and supervise student employees regarding safety tasks. The ideal candidate has knowledge of safety principles, effective communication skills, and a willingness to learn. This position requires certifications to be obtained within the probationary period and a valid driver's license. This is an essential personnel role requiring commitment to safety practices.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of methods to inspect buildings for compliance with safety codes.
• Ability to interpret building and safety laws.
• Required to obtain Asbestos Inspector certification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct safety inspections of buildings and equipment.
• Maintain records of inspections and safety systems.
• Supervise student employees in safety tasks.

Skills

Knowledge of safety principles

Ability to read blueprints

Effective communication skills

Education

Safety Inspector Trainee program

Job description

Company Description

Rooted in Tradition, Built for the Future

PennWest’s story spans more than 170 years.

California, Clarion, and Edinboro each opened their doors in the 1800s to students seeking opportunity through education. Across generations, these universities shaped leaders, educators, artists, innovators, and change-makers — building strong traditions of academic excellence and community impact.

In July 2022, these three proud institutions came together to form PennWest University — a forward-thinking, student-centered university designed to meet the needs of today’s learners while honoring the history and identity of each campus.

Today, PennWest serves students across Pennsylvania and beyond through campuses in California, Clarion, Edinboro, and a comprehensive Global Online presence. As one university with distinct campus identities, we offer a unified, high-quality educational experience rooted in flexibility, access, and real-world relevance.

Role Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: This position is considered an essential personnel position.

Conduct safety inspections of buildings, grounds, systems, and equipment for conformance with applicable state building and safety laws and regulations:

• Inspects University-owned or operated buildings, grounds, spaces, and equipment for hazards and unsafe conditions.
• Inspects and tests fire alarm systems, within qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA72.
• Inspects and tests water-based fire protection systems, within qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA25 (i.e. fire pumps, standpipes, sprinklers, and fire hydrants).
• Inspects specialized fire suppression systems monthly in accordance with NFPA17.
• Inspects and tests emergency eyewash and safety showers.
• Inspects fall protection annually.
• Inspects above ground tanks or containers (55 gals or more) monthly in accordance with the EPA required Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan.
• Prepares detailed reports and maintains records of inspections.

Maintains safety systems and equipment for conformance with applicable state building and safety laws and regulations:

• Maintains fire alarm systems, within their qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA72.
• Maintains water-based fire protection systems, within their qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA25 (i.e. fire pumps, standpipes, sprinklers, and fire hydrants).
• Maintains records of maintenance.

Provide campus support for the comprehensive PennWest Accident and Illness Prevention Program under the direction of the Director of Safety & Risk Management:

• Conducts building evacuation drills for University-owned or occupied buildings.
• Serves on the University’s Safety Committee
• Assists with the collection/disposal of campus hazardous and biological waste.
• Assists with incident investigations to determine the root cause (including injuries, property damage, and near-misses)
• Assist in the collection of preliminary information for safety concerns from faculty, staff, and students.
• Assists in the collection of preliminary information for indoor air quality concerns.
• Assists emergency response personnel on an as needed basis.
• Issues Hot Work Safety Permits
• Issues Fire Protection Impairment Permits and serves as the campus Fire Protection Impairment Coordinator.
• Issues Confined Space Entry Permits
• Updates chemical inventory database and assists with Hazardous Substance Survey form submission.

Provide supervision to Safety & Risk Management Student Employees:

• Provide support and direction for student employees regarding assigned tasks, including oversight of monthly inspections of fire extinguishers and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
• Review student employee work and documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Approve payroll for student employees.

Assist Contractors:

• Coordinates, supervises, and assists outside contractors with additional inspection, testing, and repairs, when necessary.
• Monitors contractor job performance for quality assurance.

Qualifications

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of safety principles and practices applicable to the construction, renovation, and utilization of buildings, equipment, or devices.
• Knowledge of methods used to inspect buildings or structures, equipment, or devices for compliance with safety codes and regulations.
• Knowledge of workplace hazards and other safety and occupational health issues encountered by employees in their work environment.
• Ability to read and interpret applicable building and safety laws and regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and sketches.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of the Safety Inspector Trainee program;

or

• One year of experience inspecting commercial, industrial, healthcare or other buildings or structures, machines, apparatus, devices or equipment for compliance with applicable safety codes and regulations;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

• Required to obtain a valid Asbestos Building Inspector certification from the PA Department of Labor and Industry within probationary period.
• Required to obtain 40-hour Hazardous Waste and Operations and Emergency Response Site Worker Initial Training an accredited organization within the probationary period.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in conducting building safety inspections.
• Experience in conducting inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems.
• NICET Level 1 Certification in Fire Alarm Systems or Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems orNICET Level 1 Certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.
• Ability to travel overnight to other PennWest campuses, on an as needed basis.
• Ability to attend educational sessions as required; travel out of town for one or more consecutive days.
• Ability to occasionally work after hours on weekends and extended hours for training or emergency situations.