Job Description

Fire Guard / Fire Watch Officer – VA Medical Center

We are seeking qualified Fire Guards / Fire Watch Officers to provide continuous fire-watch services at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson, Arizona.

The Fire Guard will continuously patrol the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors of Building 2, monitoring for signs of smoke, fire, unsafe conditions, and other hazards. The position requires a professional individual who can remain alert, communicate effectively, respond calmly during emergencies, assist with evacuation when necessary, and maintain accurate reports and logs.

Key Responsibilities

• Continuously patrol the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors of Building 2
• Monitor for signs of fire, smoke, and unsafe conditions.
• Immediately report emergencies to VA Police.
• Assist with evacuation of patients, visitors, and staff when required.
• Follow VA emergency procedures and site-specific instructions.
• Identify and report hazards such as slippery floors, damaged equipment, and inoperative lighting.
• Obtain assistance for Veterans or visitors experiencing injury or illness.
• Maintain accurate daily activity reports and logs.
• Interact professionally with Veterans, visitors, staff, and the general public.
• Remain alert, calm, and professional during emergency situations.
• Wear the required professional uniform and identification.
• Complete all required initial and recurring training.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must:

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have the ability to read, understand, and follow detailed written rules, orders, regulations, training materials, and instructions.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English
• Be capable of preparing clear, concise, accurate, and detailed written reports and logs.
• Be able to interact professionally with the general public.
• Be capable of maintaining poise and self-control under stressful or emergency conditions
• Meet the requirements necessary to obtain and maintain the required Arizona Department of Public Safety license
• Have no disqualifying criminal record and be capable of successfully completing the required Government background investigation.
• Be able to complete an initiated Tier 1 background/security investigation prior to beginning performance.
• Successfully complete all required contractor and VA training.

Experience

The solicitation specifies two years of relevant experience demonstrating the ability to work with the public, follow detailed instructions, communicate effectively, maintain composure under stress, and prepare accurate reports.

Relevant backgrounds may include:

• Security services
• Guard services
• Fire watch/fire guard services
• Law enforcement
• Military security/law enforcement
• Commercial or industrial security

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be physically capable of performing continuous fire-watch patrol duties, including:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Vision correctable to 20/30
• No color blindness.
• Ability to hear ordinary conversation at approximately 15 feet without a hearing aid.
• Ability to safely perform all assigned patrol and emergency-response duties.
• Being free of communicable diseases.
• Maintaining documented TB testing every two years and being TB-free prior to starting work.
• Maintaining the general physical and mental fitness necessary for the position.
• Being subject to drug screening as applicable.

Required Training

Selected personnel will be required to complete and maintain training including:

• Fire and safety
• Infection control
• Disaster procedures
• General privacy awareness
• Facility-specific emergency procedures
• Emergency alarms and bomb-threat procedures
• Security-system procedures
• Firefighting equipment procedures
• VA policies and site-specific operating procedures