05/01/1978 74200

INSTITUTIONAL FIRE AND SAFETY SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is responsible work in administering a fire prevention and fire fighting program, and coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the overall safety program of a state institution.

An employee in this class is responsible for directing a fire prevention and safety program in an institution, and for organizing and directing fire fighting crews. Work involves inspecting buildings for fire and safety hazards, insuring proper maintenance of fire fighting equipment, and scheduling and overseeing periodic building fire drills. An employee coordinates, implements, and evaluates the institutional safety plans, policies, and procedures in compliance with state and local regulations. Work also involves investigating employee accidents, determining the existence of hazardous conditions and recommending corrective action. Work is performed under the general direction of an administrative supervisor who reviews the overall effectiveness of the fire and safety program.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Administers the institution's fire and safety program.

Inspects buildings for fire and safety hazards.

Insures that fire fighting equipment in properly maintained and periodically tested.

Schedules and oversees periodic building fire drills.

Organizes and trains the institution's fire fighting personnel.

Interprets and trains the institution's fire fighting personnel.

Interprets regulations concerning fire prevention and safety.

Investigates fires and employee accidents to determine causes, and develops appropriate recommendations to prevent recurrence.

Conducts regularly scheduled meetings as the chairman of the institutional safety committee.

Maintains close liaison with the regional safety coordinator and local fire department officials.

Provides technical assistance to institutional personnel regarding safety practices and accident reporting procedures.

May exercise supervision over institution employees assigned to the fire prevention and fire fighting function of the institution.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of fire fighting techniques and equipment.

Knowledge of state and local fire and safety regulations.

Knowledge of principles and practices of employee training as they relate to the institutional fire and safety programs.

Ability to determine fire and safety hazards and to develop appropriates corrective measures.

Ability to lead group discussions.

Ability to lead group discussions.

Ability to express ideas clearly both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional staff, management officials, and institutional employees.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of institution safety work, including one year of fire prevention and fire fighting work, and completion of two years of college; or one year of institutional fire and safety work, and a bachelor's degree; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.