The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hiring a Life Safety Engineer to safeguard healthcare environments. This role ensures medical facilities comply with critical life safety, function, and environmental standards under federal programs through direct inspections and evaluations.
What You'll Do
- Conduct initial and annual inspections of medical and healthcare facilities, including Nursing Homes and IDF/IID group homes.
- Inspect Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Hospices, and similar facilities seeking federal reimbursement every three years.
- Report findings to the Life Safety Supervisor and Section Chief, serving as the Acting State Fire Authority for Title 18 and Title 19 programs.
- Perform hospital validation surveys and complaint investigations related to the physical plant.
What We're Looking For
- A Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of engineering from an appropriately accredited institution and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors may be required.
Nice to Have
- Demonstrated knowledge and thorough understanding of the intent and requirements of the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), Federal Regulations, and the NC State Building Codes related to healthcare facility compliance for Medicare/Medicaid programs.
- Demonstrated knowledge and thorough understanding of Aspen (Automated Survey Processing Environment), iQIES (internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System), and Centers for Medicare/Medicaid (CMS) documentation requirements.
- Ability to travel up to four (4) days per week throughout the state, including overnight stays.
- Documented knowledge and application of architectural, electrical, and mechanical engineering theory, techniques, practices, and procedures applicable to residential and institutional occupancies.
Technical Stack
- Aspen (Automated Survey Processing Environment)
- iQIES (internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System)
- Centers for Medicare/Medicaid (CMS) documentation systems
Team & Environment
You will report to the Life Safety Supervisor and Section Chief.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $61,545 - $107,703
- Health insurance options
- Standard and supplemental retirement plans
- NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis)
- Paid vacation, sick, and community service leave
- Paid parental leave for eligible employees
Work Mode
This is an onsite position at locations across North Carolina, requiring extensive statewide travel.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy and is committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation.





