Job Description – Fire & Emergency Response Officer

1. Job Details

• Job Title: Fire & Emergency Response Officer

• Reports to: Research Safety Manager

• Job Family: HR will complete

• Job Function: HR will complete

2. Job Purpose

• Develop, implement, and monitor fire safety, emergency preparedness, and response protocols.

• Prevent fire hazards and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Coordinate emergency drills and train personnel.

• Lead responses to fire and emergency situations.

• Liaise with civil defense authorities.

• Conduct risk assessments.

• Ensure emergency response equipment and procedures are maintained to the highest standards.

3. Job Dimensions

• Accountability for annual operating budget / project budget / sales revenue: Contributory

• Magnitude of financial accountability: n/a

• staff supervised: 0

• direct reports: 0

• contractors/others: 0

4. Key Result Areas

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with fire safety regulations (NFPA, OSHA, Civil Defense, ISO 45001).

• Obtain and maintain fire safety approvals and certifications.

• Stay updated on fire safety laws, codes, and standards.

• Develop and maintain fire safety policies, procedures, and response plans.

Fire Risk Management & Hazard Control

• Conduct fire risk assessments.

• Implement proactive mitigation strategies.

• Monitor hot work operations and manage Hot Work Permits (HWP).

• Ensure compliance with fire suppression and prevention measures.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Develop, implement, and update the Emergency Response Plan (ERP).

• Coordinate and conduct evacuation drills.

• Act as incident commander during emergencies.

• Establish and maintain Emergency Response Team (ERT).

• Collaborate with external emergency response teams.

• Ensure fire alarms, emergency lighting, exits, and assembly points are operational.

Training and Education

• Design and conduct fire safety and emergency training.

• Create training materials.

• Track training records.

• Train and supervise Fire Wardens, First Aiders, and ERTs.

• Provide hands-on fire extinguisher and evacuation training.

• Raise awareness about fire prevention and emergency preparedness.

Incident Investigation and Reporting

• Investigate fire incidents, near misses, and emergencies.

• Prepare reports with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive measures.

• Maintain records of incidents, drills, inspections, and compliance checks.

• Recommend improvements based on lessons learned.

Fire Equipment Inspection & Maintenance

• Oversee inspection, testing, and maintenance of suppression systems (alarms, sprinklers, hydrants, extinguishers, detectors, exits, lighting).

• Maintain inventory of fire-fighting equipment.

• Coordinate repair or replacement of faulty systems.

Firefighting & Rescue Operations

• Lead firefighting operations.

• Coordinate with first responders for rescues.

• Conduct post-fire assessments and safety evaluations.

Crisis Management & Business Continuity Planning

• Assist in developing business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

• Work with security and facility management teams.

• Develop contingency plans for high-risk activities.

Day-to-day Routine Activities

• Develop and implement policies and procedures as assigned.

• Ensure subcontractors comply with HSE procedures.

• Inspect facilities, machinery, and safety equipment.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Maintain safety records.

• Contribute to monthly HSE reports.

5. Operating Environment, Framework & Boundaries

• Work in office and field settings.

• Travel to university buildings or regulatory agencies may be required.

• Availability to respond to emergencies outside working hours.

• Extreme conditions at times.

• Exposure to hazardous substances, animals, or plants.

• Safety gear/PPE required.

• Physical inspections may involve standing, walking, bending, climbing, and lifting.

• Work in confined spaces, heights, and varying temperatures.

6. Communications and Working Relationships

Supervisor (line manager)

• Report compliance status, risk assessments, and incidents.

• Provide updates on sustainability and environmental performance.

• Present audit/inspection findings.

• Report daily activities requiring approval/advice.

HSE Team

• Conduct risk assessments, audits, and training sessions.

• Share best practices and updates.

• Collaborate on emergency response planning.

Facilities Management Personnel/Contractors

• Ensure integration of safety measures in operations.

• Address environmental hazards and compliance issues.

• Coordinate inspections and maintenance.

Regulatory Agencies / Community & Stakeholders

• Submit compliance reports.

• Respond to inquiries and inspections.

• Collaborate during third-party inspections.

• Implement external audit recommendations.

• Participate in forums, conferences, and professional networks.

7. Competencies

• Behavioural Competencies Level: HR will complete

• Functional Competencies Level: HR will complete

• Cross-Functional Competencies Level: HR will complete

8. Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical/Environmental/Mechanical Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety, Fire Science, Emergency Management, or related field.

• Professional certifications preferred: CSP, CIH, NEBOSH IGC, CHST, PMP.

• Additional certifications such as ICS or HAZMAT are a plus.

• Minimum 3–5 years of EHS experience.

• Academic and research setting experience is a plus.

• Proven experience in risk assessments, audits, compliance reporting.

• Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, IOSH, NFPA, CDC, FEMA, DOT, and Qatar Environmental law.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and training abilities.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Proficiency in ISO systems (ISO 14001, 45001, 9001).

• Excellent writing and editing skills; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.

• Proficiency in MS Office, Power Bi, and HSE applications.