Field Operations Leader-Fire Alarm and Security

Total Fire Protection; Pottstown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 62,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

Total Fire Protection is seeking a Field Operations Lead to guide a hands-on team of technicians in the fire alarm division. The role combines field installation, programming, testing and commissioning with day-to-day coordination and supervision across the PA, NJ and DE territory.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in commercial fire alarm systems, NICET certification, and prior leadership of a small crew.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial fire alarm installation, programming, troubleshooting and commissioning background.
• NICET Certification in Fire Alarm.
• EST, Auto Call or Notifier Certification.
• Prior experience leading at least a small field crew; demonstrated coaching and accountability.
• Ability to interpret drawings, risers, device schedules, specifications and labor budgets.
• Familiarity with addressable systems; Silent Knight and Potter experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and dispatch field technicians; coordinate daily priorities, materials, site access, safety and customer communication.
• Personally install, program, troubleshoot, test and commission commercial fire alarm systems when needed.
• Review labor hours against budgets; identify variances and suggest corrective actions.
• Lead and coach B-level technicians; provide hands-on training and address performance concerns.
• Manage installation quality, punch lists, inspections, deficiencies, documentation and job closeout readiness.
• Coordinate with the Director on staffing, project constraints, escalations, change orders and customer commitments.
• Ensure work follows codes, AHJ requirements, plans, manufacturer instructions and company procedures.
• Allocate time between direct project work and supervisory/administrative activities.

Skills

Fire alarm installation

Programming

Troubleshooting

Commissioning

Leading small field crew

Communication

Driver's license

Tools

NICET Certification in Fire Alarm

EST Certification

Auto Call Certification

Notifier Certification

Job description

Field Operations Lead - Job Description

Fire Alarm Division Full-time, hourly PA / NJ / DE service territory

Position Summary

A hands-on, A-level commercial fire alarm and security technician and proven small-crew leader who directs daily field operations while remaining productive on installations, inspections, service and commissioning. Reports directly to the Director, Fire Alarm Division. The initial planning assumption is approximately 50% field production and 50% coordination and supervision, flexing with workload. Minimum of 7 years experience with one or all of the following: Lead Installation Technician and or Project Management Experience.

Core Responsibilities

• Schedule and dispatch field technicians; coordinate daily priorities, materials, site access, safety and customer communication.
• Personally install, program, troubleshoot, test and commission commercial fire alarm systems when needed.
• Review job-level actual labor hours against estimated budgets throughout execution; identify variances and recommend corrective action promptly.
• Lead and coach B-level technicians; assess skills, provide hands‑on training, document progress and address performance concerns.
• Manage installation quality, punch lists, inspections, deficiencies, documentation and job closeout readiness.
• Coordinate with the Director on staffing, project constraints, escalations, change orders and customer commitments.
• Ensure work follows applicable adopted codes, AHJ requirements, approved plans, manufacturer instructions and company procedures.
• Accurately allocate time to direct project work versus general supervisory/administrative activities.

Required Qualifications

• Strong commercial fire alarm installation, programming, troubleshooting and commissioning background.
• NICET Certification in Fire Alarm.
• EST, Auto Call or Notifier Certification
• Prior experience leading at least a small field crew; demonstrated coaching and accountability.
• Ability to interpret drawings, risers, device schedules, specifications and labor budgets.
• Familiarity with addressable systems; Silent Knight and Potter experience strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, jobsite safety and customer-service judgment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the PA/NJ/DE territory; relevant credentials and licenses as required by jurisdiction.

Success Measures — First 90 Days

• Own and publish reliable weekly field schedules and daily technician assignments.
• Provide weekly job-level labor variance, project risk and corrective-action reporting.
• Establish baseline skills and written development plans for each technician.
• Reduce routine field escalations to the Director without compromising safety or quality.
• Maintain accurate job documentation, timely deficiency closure and clear customer updates.

Compensation and Reporting

Target base pay: $45–$50/hour, subject to candidate qualifications and company approval. Hourly/nonexempt classification and overtime handled under applicable law. Reports to Director, Fire Alarm Division. No independent authority to change project pricing, contractual scope, or approved budgets without authorization.

• Opportunities for advancement

By joining Total Fire Protection, you not only become part of a dynamic and innovative team but also gain access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal growth. We are committed to investing in our employees' success and well‑being.