Every day, thousands of people rely on safe buildings to study, work and carry out important research at the University of Oxford. As Assistant Fire Safety System Officer, you will help keep them safe by making sure fire safety systems work as they should, risks are dealt with and improvements are made across an estate of around 450 buildings.
Contract: 3 years fixed-term contract (with the possibility of extension)
About Us
Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for eleven consecutive years. Here, you will contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations.
Estates Services maintains the buildings and infrastructure supporting the University's research, teaching and daily operations. Its Compliance Team ensures that safety-critical systems meet statutory requirements, helping protect building users and maintain safe, reliable facilities across a complex estate.
What We Offer
Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to ten extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
You will take ownership of defined fire safety compliance programmes, ensuring that fire alarm and detection systems are effectively inspected, tested and maintained. Your technical assessments will identify deficiencies, prioritise corrective action and provide assurance that statutory requirements are being met.
Working with Estates colleagues, the Safety Office and specialist contractors, you will coordinate compartmentation surveys, support system replacements and influence fire safety standards across capital projects. You will help ensure that technical findings lead to completed improvements rather than unresolved risks.
You will also improve records of fire safety systems, helping the University plan maintenance, track risks and make informed decisions about future improvements.
About You
You will bring:
- IFE or IFSM membership, or progress towards it, and a NEBOSH Fire Safety qualification or equivalent, or progress towards one.
- Practical experience of fire safety systems, including inspection, testing and maintenance.
- Knowledge of fire safety laws, technical standards and relevant health, safety and environmental requirements.
- Experience carrying out audits, identifying risks and making sure problems are resolved.
- Ability to organise your own work, manage projects and know when to raise serious concerns.
- Experience working with contractors and using electronic maintenance and safety records.
- Good communication, problem-solving and report-writing skills, with the ability to work effectively with different teams.
Application Process
To apply, please upload:
- A covering letter/supporting statement.
- Your CV
- The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 25 November 2026.
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 8 December 2026 and will be held face-to-face.
Contact Person: Adedeji Akinsanya
Contact Email: Adedeji.Akinsanya@admin.ox.ac.uk
