How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The University Fire Marshal/Fire Safety Services Manager provides coordination and supervision of the University Environment Health & Safety (EHS) Fire Safety Services fire prevention program, fire investigations and other services for fire safety related matters affecting the general safety and welfare of the University. Administrative and functional direction for this position is received from the EHS Assistant Vice President. The manager is expected to be self-directed in administrative and functional duties.

Responsibilities*

• Partner with and provide assistance and direction to University departments on fire/life safety matters in order to promote a culture of safety and compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Establish a fire/life safety standard for the University that includes a standardized inspection program using state certified inspectors; publish policies and guidelines for implementing the standard; and coordinate these standards with UM Ann Arbor Auxiliary units, and the UM Flint and Dearborn campuses.
• Provide assistance, training and drills in fire and life safety matters for departments and members of the University community.
• Provide guidance and direction to Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) for all fire/life safety code related construction and renovation projects including:
  • Review plans for fire/life safety code requirements to be incorporated into the project by AEC.
  • Coordinate with the Ann Arbor Fire Department regarding fire suppression supply and fire response access to Ann Arbor campus facilities.
  • Lead building commissioning inspections on non-MBFS (Michigan Bureau of Fire Safety) controlled facilities and provide information to the EHS Code Inspection group after AEC has ensured all identified deficiencies have been corrected.
  • Lead building pre-commissioning inspections on MBFS controlled projects in preparation for final MBFS inspection. AEC staff coordinate both the EHS inspection and the MBFS inspector visit after all identified deficiencies have been corrected. EHS inspection staff will accompany the MBFS inspector during their visit to respond to any inquiries.
• Coordinate and manage inspections of university owned facilities and operations, and report safety concerns to the appropriate UM unit for corrective action. Elevate unresolved issues to University administration as appropriate.
• Coordinate and manage fire/life safety preplanning and inspections for University Events (in coordination with AEC, maintenance groups, event organizers, or other EHS programs) occurring on the Ann Arbor campus.
• Respond to fire related emergency response activities on the Ann Arbor campus; investigate origin and cause and approve post fire re-occupancy authorization for the impacted area. Coordinate notification to MBFS for all reportable fire related incidents and training related activities.
• Act as liaison, in consultation with the University Office of General Counsel when appropriate, with state and local fire officials and agencies when dealing with concerns impacting University activities.
• Prepare an annual summary of fire/life safety activity involving the UM Ann Arbor enterprise including activities at auxiliary units. This summary will be shared with the VP Facilities & Operations and appropriate UM Executive Officers and other administrative officials. The annual summary will reflect the Fire Marshal's assessment of the UM Ann Arbor Campus based on information provided by units and will include a summary of:
  • Trends in fire and life safety improvements.
  • Significant fire/life safety matters that were identified and status of their corrective actions.
  • Assessment of life safety systems including operational capabilities and maintenance programs.
  • Assessment of training, practice drills, communication, and education.
  • Any anomalies in the fire/life safety activities worth noting.
• Coordinate and manage the planning, development, implementation, and administration of one or more University-wide occupational health, safety, radiological, or environmental programs, policies, and procedures. Participate in the development and administration of departmental policies and procedures.
• Plan and manage administrative and operational activities, including budget, for program areas. Supervise, hire, train, and evaluate professional and support staff. Assure compliance with affirmative action programs.
• Represent and negotiate for the Department with University administrators and regulatory officials under direction of the Director. Ensure University compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations, and University policies/procedures. Evaluate the impact of new or proposed regulations and modify existing services or procedures as necessary.
• Oversee or prepare special and periodic technical papers and reports for use in University planning or for distribution to external regulatory agencies. Prepare special and periodic guidelines, manuals, newsletters, summaries and bulletins.
• Coordinate the procurement, review, and project management of contracts and service agreements with outside vendors. Assist Director with budget and re-billing activities.
• Participate in emergency response activities and assume role of on-scene emergency response director during major incidents.
• Comply with all occupational health, safety, and environmental rules and regulations, and University policies and guidelines.
• Have authority to authorize shut down of operations representing immediate danger to the University community, following department guidelines/policies.

Required Qualifications*

• A bachelor degree in fire science, engineering, chemical sciences, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience is necessary.
• Completion of Fire Inspector I certification, International Fire Code Certification, and six (6) years of experience in the fire science field, including a minimum of two (2) years as a Deputy Fire Marshal or one (1) year experience as a Captain OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to perform inspections and prepare reports.
• Knowledge of modern fire prevention principles, procedures, techniques and equipment.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, the application and interpretation of fire codes and standards.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, the application of codes involving life safety.
• Knowledge and understanding of building codes related to fire and life safety.
• Knowledge of and experience in construction methods and materials related to fire safety.
• Ability to provide leadership within the department and in the community.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively apply standard fire prevention techniques.
• Ability to act effectively in emergency and stressful situations.
• Considerable knowledge of modern occupational health, safety, environmental, or engineering principles and practices, and rules/regulations is necessary.
• Reasonable knowledge of multiple program area activities is highly desirable.
• Appropriate professional certification from the State of Michigan as a Certified Fire Inspector or licensing as a Professional Engineer is necessary. Professional affiliations and participation in professional conferences, including presentations and committee work, is necessary.
• Moderate computer experience and familiarity with software programs is necessary.
• Must be able to pass physical examination to allow for emergency response and wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Additional Information

Facilities and Operations is a positive organization dedicated to the principles of being respectful, collaborative, solutions-based, and proactive.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

281165

Working Title

University Fire Marshal & Manager - Fire Safety Services

Job Title

Environment Hlth & Safety Mgr

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Occup Safety Environ

Department

EH&S

Posting Begin/End Date

8/04/2026 - 8/25/2026

Salary

$110,000.00 - $145,000.00

Career Interest

Environmental Safety & Security