Safety Inspector

PennWest; Clarion (Clarion County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

PennWest University is seeking a Safety & Risk Management professional to lead inspections and maintain safety systems across campus. The role supports the Accident and Illness Prevention Program, coordinates permits, and assists with incident investigations.

Responsibilities include building evacuation drills, safety committee participation, and supervising student staff while ensuring compliance with state laws and university policies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of safety principles applicable to healthcare, institutional or public buildings.
• Ability to inspect buildings or structures for safety code compliance.
• Familiarity with workplace hazards and occupational health issues.
• Ability to read and interpret building/safety laws and blueprints.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct safety inspections of buildings, grounds, systems and equipment.
• Inspect and test NFPA 72 fire alarm systems and NFPA 25 water-based systems.
• Maintain safety records and prepare detailed inspection reports.
• Support Accident and Illness Prevention Program and safety committee activities.
• Issue permits for hot work, fire protection impairment, and confined space entry.
• Coordinate with outside contractors for safety-related work and inspections.
• Provide supervision and oversight of student employees in Safety & Risk Management.

Skills

Safety principles

Code compliance

Blueprint reading

Oral communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Safety inspections

After-hours availability

Overnight travel

Education

Safety Inspector Trainee program

1 year safety/building inspection experience

Equivalent experience/training

Job description

Safety & Risk Management Responsibilities

I. Conduct Safety Inspections of Buildings, Grounds, Systems, and Equipment

Conduct safety inspections of buildings, grounds, systems, and equipment to ensure compliance with applicable state building and safety laws and regulations.

• Inspect University-owned or operated buildings, grounds, spaces, and equipment for hazards and unsafe conditions.
• Inspect and test fire alarm systems, within qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA 72.
• Inspect and test water-based fire protection systems, within qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA 25, including:
  • Fire pumps
  • Standpipes
  • Sprinklers
  • Fire hydrants
• Inspect specialized fire suppression systems monthly in accordance with NFPA 17.
• Inspect and test emergency eyewash stations and safety showers.
• Conduct annual fall protection inspections.
• Inspect above-ground tanks or containers (55 gallons or more) monthly in accordance with the EPA -required Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures ( SPCC ) Plan.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports and maintain inspection records.

II. Maintain Safety Systems and Equipment

Maintain safety systems and equipment to ensure compliance with applicable state building and safety laws and regulations.

• Maintain fire alarm systems, within qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA 72.
• Maintain water-based fire protection systems, within qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA 25, including:
  • Fire pumps
  • Standpipes
  • Sprinklers
  • Fire hydrants
• Maintain records of all maintenance activities.

III . Support the PennWest Accident and Illness Prevention Program

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

• Conduct building evacuation drills for University-owned or occupied buildings.
• Serve on the University’s Safety Committee.
• Assist with the collection and disposal of campus hazardous and biological waste.
• Assist with incident investigations to determine root causes, including:
  • Injuries
  • Property damage
  • Near-miss incidents
• Assist with collecting preliminary information regarding safety concerns reported by faculty, staff, and students.
• Assist with collecting preliminary information related to indoor air quality concerns.
• Assist emergency response personnel as needed.
• Issue Hot Work Safety Permits.
• Issue Fire Protection Impairment Permits and serve as the campus Fire Protection Impairment Coordinator.
• Issue Confined Space Entry Permits.
• Update the chemical inventory database and assist with Hazardous Substance Survey form submissions.

Provide supervision, support, and oversight for Safety & Risk Management student employees.

• Provide direction and support regarding assigned tasks, including oversight of:
  • Monthly fire extinguisher inspections
  • Monthly automated external defibrillator ( AED ) inspections
• Review student employee work and documentation to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards.
• Approve student employee payroll.

V. Contractor Coordination and Support

Assist and coordinate with outside contractors performing safety-related work on campus.

• Coordinate, supervise, and assist contractors with inspections, testing, maintenance, and repairs, as necessary.
• Monitor contractor performance to ensure quality assurance and compliance with established standards

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of safety principles and practices applicable to the construction, renovation, and utilization of healthcare, institutional or other public use buildings or related structures, machines, apparatus, devices, materials, or equipment.
• Knowledge of methods used to inspect healthcare, institutional or other public use buildings or related structures, machines, apparatus, devices, materials, or equipment 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 establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to occasionally work after hours on weekends and extended hours for training or emergency situations.
• 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.

Minimum of Education / TrainingRequired Education Summary

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 or NICET Level 1 Certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.

Physical Demands

• Moderate physical activity involved requiring standing, walking, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs., stooping, bending, climbing ladders and stairs.
• The position requires the use of personal protective equipment to include hardhat, eye protection, gloves, respiratory protection, etc.

Work Location

Is travel to other PennWest campuses required for this position? If so, how often?

Work Hours

Work Hours Monday - Friday (7am - 3pm)

Diversity Statement

PennWest University’s Office of Community, Opportunity, Responsibility, and Engagement ( CORE ) provides strategic leadership in fostering a campus environment grounded in dignity, belonging, and opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff. Through comprehensive programs and collaborative partnerships, CORE advances student success, cultivates academic and leadership development, and strengthens community engagement in alignment with the university’s mission.

ADA Statement

To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Amy Salsgiver, ADA Coordinator, [e-mail] ; 814-393-2109. Pennsylvania Western University complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities.

EEO Statement

Pennsylvania Western University of Pennsylvania is committed to providing equal access to all individuals and prohibiting any form of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other pertinent state and federal laws and regulations. Direct inquiries to the Title IX Coordinator, 423 Becht Hall Clarion Campus 16214-1232; email [e-mail] or phone [phone]. Inquiries may also be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, 330 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20201.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Transcripts
• Certifications
• DD214

PennWest California, 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419