Associate Fire Marshal - Princeton University

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the primary department charged with creating a safe and secure environment at Princeton University. DPS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is comprised of 164 staff members.   The department consists of professional University police, security officers, dispatchers and administrators dedicated to providing best-in-class service to the community.  

To read the Princeton University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report click here. 

The Associate Fire Marshal (AFM) assists the University Fire Marshal for the implementation and management of programs and policies designed to ensure the safety of faculty, students and staff in planning for and responding to fires and similar emergencies on campus.   The AFM is also responsible for compliance with the NJ Uniform Fire Safety Code, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards, and other codes and standards related to fire prevention, education, response, training and life safety. The AFM’s paramount focus is to perform annual fire safety inspections and if necessary re-inspections of all non-residential, University owned buildings in accordance with the NJ Uniform Fire Code.  Within a unified incident command structure, the AFM may act as the University representative at emergency incidents.

The AFM’s mission to prevent and respond to fires and educate and train stakeholders is accomplished in the following ways:

•  Coordinate and conduct fire inspections with the applicable Local Enforcing Agency (LEA). Maintain communication with the LEA Inspector regarding abatement status and re-inspections and submit work orders for fire code violations.
• Track work orders and follow up with the appropriate University department(s), maintenance shop(s), or building occupant(s) to ensure all fire safety violations have been corrected and abated.
• Provide education to the appropriate University department(s), maintenance shop(s), or building occupant(s) to resolve identified fire safety violations and to promote compliance and understanding for the future prevention of such violations.
• Conduct fire extinguisher training for all University departments.
• Coordinate and/or participate in all University emergency evacuation drills.
• Coordinate the submission of fire safety permit applications to the appropriate LEA.
• Assist the LEA in fire investigations and conduct fire investigations in the absence of the Fire Marshal.
• Serve as liaison with the LEA in the absence of the Fire Marshal.
• Follow up with Facilities – Site Protection on fire alarms, sprinkler activations, other incident types, or fire protection impairments as necessary.
• Respond to all fires and hazardous material incidents to assist emergency services. Assume command of operations until relieved or reassigned to another role.
• Participate in special events as needed.

• Conduct fire inspections with the applicable Local Enforcing Agency (LEA). Maintain communication with the LEA Inspector regarding abatement status and re-inspections and submit work orders for fire code violations. (45%)
• Track work orders and follow up with the appropriate University department(s), maintenance shop(s), or building occupant(s) to ensure all fire safety violations have been corrected and abated. (20%)
• Provide education to the appropriate University department(s), maintenance shop(s), or building occupant(s) to resolve identified fire safety violations and to promote compliance and understanding for the future prevention of such violations. (10%)
• Conduct fire extinguisher training for all University departments. (10%)
• Coordinate the submission of fire safety permit applications to the appropriate LEA. (10%)
• Coordinate and/or participate in all University emergency evacuation drills. (5%)

• A minimum of an Associate’s degree in fire science or engineering or closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent combination of education and experience that would ensure success in position. Related work experience (minimum of 5 years) may be substituted for the degree requirements.
• Five years of related experience or the equivalent in fire/life safety with emphasis on fire prevention, code compliance, training and inspections.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Fire Alarm and Automatic Fire Suppression Systems required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the NJ Uniform Fire Code and UCC International Fire Code NJ Edition. Working knowledge NFPA references and standards.
• Ability to develop and conduct Fire Safety training, workshops, and/or seminars for the campus community.
• In the absence of the Fire Marshal, may be requested to respond to emergency situations after hours, on weekends and holidays.
• Experience and ability to develop and perform inspections, develop emergency response plans, conduct training and partner with municipal resources especially within the volunteer environment.
• New Jersey Fire Inspector Certification or the ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern fire detection and alarm systems, suppression systems and other fire safety systems and pertinent federal, state, and local laws.
• Completion of a recognized Fire Investigation training program (NFA, NJDCJ, IAAI, or ATF) or the ability to attend within one year.
• New Jersey Firefighter I Certification. Firefighter II and Fire Officer Certification a plus.
• New Jersey Fire Instructor I Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months. Fire Instructor II Certification a plus.
• Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 300 and 700 training.
• New Jersey Incident Management Level II Certification.
• On Scene Incident Commander - Hazardous Materials
• Ability to:
  • Plan, organize and supervise the activities of the Fire Marshal Office and staff (Fire Inspector, event staff and casuals).
  • Establish and maintain effective working relations with a variety of individuals and groups.
  • Interpret and explain Fire Safety policies and procedures.
  • Research, analyze, and evaluate new equipment, program techniques and methods and procedures.
  • Cope effectively under stressful situations and maintain focus and energy under stress.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make presentations to groups while using audio visual aids (e.g. PowerPoint) Position requires solid computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, and other programs to manage the fire safety program.
• Ability to repeatedly present information to customers; using good interpersonal relations by helping the people to feel valued, appreciated and meet or exceed the customer’s needs.
• Strong decision-making skills especially for those events that will affect campus wide response and reaction.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, and pass a background check.

Prefered Qualifications:

• Experience working in a campus environment preferably within higher education.

Physical Requirements:

• Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, walk, and run; must be able to restrain, lift and/or carry adults of varying weights.
• Moderate physical activity. Must be able to exert up to thirty pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including fire extinguisher, automobile, inspection equipment, radio, telephone, etc.
• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures and loud noises.
• Work environment involves moderate exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety; must be physically fit.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS