Associate Specialist, Security (Fire / Rescue)

Job Description

Operational Shift Team Lead — Emergency Response, Safety & Security (Fire / Rescue)

Leads daily emergency response, safety, and security operations across the site, including fire protection, hazardous materials coordination, loss prevention, project support, and related services. Conducts audits and surveys to identify risks and evaluate controls. Enforces site requirements for property security, access, traffic, parking, and employee conduct. This role requires shift work, including weekends and public holidays.

Primary Responsibilities

Operations

• Oversee shift operations to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and in compliance with site procedures.
• Conduct thorough shift turnovers to brief incoming teams on ongoing issues and special instructions.
• Maintain operating logs and records to document equipment and system performance.
• Ensure good housekeeping in all areas of responsibility.

Emergency Response

• Serve as the on‑shift point of contact for safety, emergency, and security incidents.
• Conduct initial assessments and investigations for smoke, odor, chemical/biological spills, fire/smoke conditions, alarm notifications, and other abnormal situations; initiate appropriate response actions.
• Respond to emergency calls involving hazardous materials and assess the situation upon arrival.
• Perform fire suppression duties in industrial environments, using specialized equipment and techniques as required.
• Contain, clean up, and facilitate disposal of hazardous materials according to regulations and standard operating procedures.
• Operate specialized equipment, such as protective suits, respirators, and testing instruments.
• Act as Incident Commander for plant emergencies, maintain compliance with OSHA and NFPA requirements.
• Coordinate with outside agencies responding to site emergencies; support site medical emergency response when required.
• Perform elevator and confined space rescue as required.

Fire Protection & Equipment

• Perform routine fire inspections, fire system shutdowns, and fire panel resets.
• Inspect buildings for fire hazards and confirm the presence of proper fire protection and emergency equipment.
• Conduct scheduled inspections and testing of fire pumps, fire extinguishers, hoses, and related equipment; record and report test results.
• Perform maintenance on firefighting and fire protection equipment (e.g., rotating and inspecting extinguishers); report and correct minor defects.
• Ensure fire trucks, powered equipment, and firefighter gear are tested and maintained per departmental guidelines.
• Support fire protection tests and exercises (e.g., use of fire water, equipment displays, ventilation, washdowns).

Security

• Act as a security contact and guide; respond to and assist with potential security incidents on site.
• Operate and maintain plant security systems and programs.
• Troubleshoot site badging and access systems and respond appropriately to alarm conditions.
• Coordinate security response and collaborate with security personnel and external responders.

Training & Team Development

• Direct, conduct, and coordinate training for department personnel, Emergency Response Team members, volunteers, and employees.
• Deliver specialized training per the master training schedule or as instructed (e.g., fire extinguisher use, emergency procedures).
• Participate in drills and exercises to maintain proficiency in response procedures.
• Pursue ongoing education to stay current on regulations, safety procedures, and equipment.

Reporting & Collaboration

• Notify pertinent personnel promptly during incidents and take immediate action to protect personnel, facilities, records, and materials.
• Consult with and advise departments to provide engineering input and ensure projects and plans conform with environmental and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Required Education & Certifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Firefighter I, II, or III certification.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 7 years’ experience as a professional or volunteer firefighter, preferably in an officer role.
• Physically capable of performing all job tasks.
• Confined Space Rescue training.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook) and web-based programs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work across multiple assignments with contract and site personnel at all management levels.
• Ability to operate effectively under high-stress conditions and work indoors and outdoors in varied weather.

Preferred Experience & Certifications

• Hazmat Technician certification.
• NFPA 25 certification (Inspection, Maintenance and Testing of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems).
• OSHA General Industry and/or Construction training.
• High Angle Rescue and advanced Confined Space Rescue training.
• Experience with industrial utility systems (air, steam, high voltage).
• VA Emergency Vehicle Operator Certification (EVOC) or equivalent.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

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