Description

The Fire Safety Systems Specialist is responsible for the inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of fire and life safety systems at the St. Petersburg campuses with occasional support of the Sarasota Campus. This includes fire alarms, sprinklers, smoke evacuation systems, fire/smoke dampers, fire doors, emergency lighting, exit signage, and portable fire extinguishers. The position coordinates with contractors, ensures accurate compliance documentation, supports fire safety training and evacuation drills, and maintains systems in a state of readiness to protect the university community.
This is an essential personnel position and may be required to report to work during emergencies or university closures.Minimum Education & Experience
• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in fire alarm, sprinkler, or life safety systems inspection, maintenance, or repair.
• Degree Equivalency Clause:
• Two (2) years of direct experience for an associate degree.
• Four (4) years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree.
• Related work experience may not substitute for required licensure, certification, or
registration.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Associate's degree or higher in Fire Science, Electronics, or a related technical field.
• State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector I, NICET certification in Fire Protection (Level II or higher), or equivalent credential.
• Experience with large institutional or campus environments.
• Proficiency with NFPA standards, the Florida Fire Prevention Code, and fire
alarm/sprinkler system components.
• Experience using digital inspection management systems or maintenance tracking software.

Working Conditions

• Environment: Primarily field-based across multiple campus buildings, with occasional office work for documentation and coordination.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to climb ladders, stand for extended periods, stoop, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Travel: Occasional travel required between USF campuses (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee) and offsite locations as needed.
• Work Hours: May include occasional after-hours, weekends, on-call rotation assignments and emergency response.

Working at USF
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With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
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About USF
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The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
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The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.

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• Performs and/or supports inspections, testing, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs of fire and life safety systems, including fire alarms, sprinklers, smoke evacuation, fire/smoke dampers, fire doors, emergency lights, exit signage, and extinguishers.
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• Directs and oversees vendor activities for inspection, testing, and corrective maintenance of fire safety systems to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards.
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• Provides field support to contractors and internal maintenance teams for timely and compliant repair of building systems and equipment; enables and disables fire alarm systems as needed.
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• Conducts advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics using blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals to identify and resolve system issues.
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• Ensures all fire safety activities comply with NFPA codes, the Florida Fire Prevention Code, and university standards.
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• Maintains accurate inspection reports, service records, and equipment inventories using the university's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
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• Assists with fire safety education and outreach, including fire extinguisher demonstrations and participation in building evacuation drills.
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• Provides backup coverage for team members, participates in the on-call rotation, and assists with hurricane and emergency preparedness (e.g., fire watch, sandbagging).
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• Cleans and maintains workspaces, vehicles, and assigned tools and equipment to ensure operational readiness.
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• Provides mentorship, guidance, and technical direction to fire safety technicians or student employees as assigned.
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• Performs other duties as assigned.
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