Pennsylvania Western University, California
Posting Number: S353P
Job Title: Safety Inspector
Type of Employment: Full Time
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
Salary Range: $51,971
Position Classification: Safety Inspector
Department: Safety and Risk Management
Job Summary / Basic Function:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: This position is considered an essential personnel position.
Conduct safety inspections of buildings, grounds, systems, and equipment for conformance with applicable state building and safety laws and regulations:
- Inspects University-owned or operated buildings, grounds, spaces, and equipment for hazards and unsafe conditions.
- Inspects and tests fire alarm systems, within qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA 72.
- Inspects and tests water-based fire protection systems, within qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA 25 (i.e. fire pumps, standpipes, sprinklers, and fire hydrants).
- Inspects specialized fire suppression systems monthly in accordance with NFPA 17.
- Inspects and tests emergency eyewash and safety showers.
- Inspects fall protection annually.
- Inspects above ground tanks or containers (55 gals or more) monthly in accordance with the EPA required Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan.
- Prepares detailed reports and maintains records of inspections.
Maintains safety systems and equipment for conformance with applicable state building and safety laws and regulations:
- Maintains fire alarm systems, within their qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA 72.
- Maintains water-based fire protection systems, within their qualifications and capabilities, in accordance with NFPA 25 (i.e. fire pumps, standpipes, sprinklers, and fire hydrants).
- Maintains records of maintenance.
Provide campus support for the comprehensive PennWest Accident and Illness Prevention Program under the direction of the Director of Safety & Risk Management:
- Conducts building evacuation drills for University-owned or occupied buildings.
- Serves on the University's Safety Committee
- Assists with the collection/disposal of campus hazardous and biological waste.
- Assists with incident investigations to determine the root cause (including injuries, property damage, and near-misses)
- Assist in the collection of preliminary information for safety concerns from faculty, staff, and students.
- Assists in the collection of preliminary information for indoor air quality concerns.
- Assists emergency response personnel on an as needed basis.
- Issues Hot Work Safety Permits
- Issues Fire Protection Impairment Permits and serves as the campus Fire Protection Impairment Coordinator.
- Issues Confined Space Entry Permits
- Updates chemical inventory database and assists with Hazardous Substance Survey form submission.
Provide supervision to Safety & Risk Management Student Employees:
- Provide support and direction for student employees regarding assigned tasks. Including oversight of monthly inspections of fire extinguishers and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
- Review student employee work and documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Approve payroll for student employees.
Assist Contractors:
- Coordinates, supervises, and assists outside contractors with additional inspection, testing, and repairs, when necessary.
- Monitors contractor job performance for quality assurance.
Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:
- Knowledge of safety principles and practices applicable to the construction, renovation, and utilization of buildings, equipment, or devices.
- Knowledge of methods used to inspect buildings or structures, equipment, or devices for compliance with safety codes and regulations.
- Knowledge of workplace hazards and other safety and occupational health issues encountered by employees in their work environment.
- Ability to read and interpret applicable building and safety laws and regulations.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and sketches.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Minimum of Education / Training Required Education Summary:
- Successful completion of the Safety Inspector Trainee program;
- or
- One year of experience inspecting commercial, industrial, healthcare or other buildings or structures, machines, apparatus, devices or equipment for compliance with applicable safety codes and regulations;
- or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
- Required to obtain a valid Asbestos Building Inspector certification from the PA Department of Labor and Industry within probationary period.
- Required to obtain 40-hour Hazardous Waste and Operations and Emergency Response Site Worker Initial Training an accredited organization within the probationary period.
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in conducting building safety inspections.
- Experience in conducting inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems.
- NICET Level 1 Certification in Fire Alarm Systems or Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems or NICET Level 1 Certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.
- Ability to travel overnight to other PennWest campuses, on an as needed basis.
- Ability to attend educational sessions as required; travel out of town for one or more consecutive days.
- Ability to occasionally work after hours on weekends and extended hours for training or emergency situations.
Physical Demands:
- Moderate physical activity involved requiring standing, walking, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs., stooping, bending, climbing ladders and stairs.
- The position requires the use of personal protective equipment to include hardhat, eye protection, gloves, respiratory protection, etc.
Work Location: California campus
Work Hours: 7am - 3pm, Monday through Friday
Posting Date: 03/18/2026
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes