Fire Alarm & Security Systems Technician

Union College; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation and holidays

On-campus fitness facility access

Tuition exchange

403(b) retirement plan

Disability salary continuation

Job summary

Union College seeks a Fire Alarm & Security Systems Technician to operate, maintain, repair, and test low voltage life-safety and security systems across campus facilities. The role ensures a safe, code-compliant environment for faculty, staff, and students.

The position is in-person, with a standard 7:30 am–4:30 pm schedule, 40 hours per week, and 52 weeks per year. Non-exempt, eligible for comprehensive benefits and retirement programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training preferred.
• Must have valid NYS driver's license and clean driving record.
• Experience with fire alarm or security systems maintenance is valued.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, repair, and test low voltage life-safety and security systems.
• Inspect and test equipment to ensure code compliance and safety.
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors on projects for fire alarm and security systems.

Skills

Driver's license

Communication skills

Test equipment

Computer skills

Lift and physical work

Education

High school diploma or technical trade program

Two-year trade school or apprenticeship

Tools

Notifier systems

LenelS2 access control

Job description

The Fire Alarm & Security Systems Technician will operate, maintain, repair, and test low voltage life-safety and security systems equipment for all College-owned residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The technician will ensure a safe and code compliant environment for the faculty, staff, and students.

Fire Alarm & Security Systems Technician

Work Days: Monday through Friday

Shift Start/End Time: 7:30 am-4:30 pm

Hours Per Week: 40

Weeks Per Year: 52

Pay Status and Classification: Non-exempt, Regular Full-time. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.

Work Location: This position is an in-person role and is not eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Supervisor: Electrical Supervisor

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Operations: Meet the needs of the campus community by performing work requests, responding to assist in emergency situations, as well as working with various departments in order to achieve common goals. Duties include: Fire alarm (notifier system) - Replacement of heat and smoke detectors, monitor modules, notification appliances, and battery back-up systems, and coordination of projects to enhance the campus systems. Security - Monitoring camera performance, checking alarms, and making recommendations for improvements.
• Maintenance: Inspect and maintain functionality of equipment and systems, including service access controls systems, electronic card readers, intrusion detectors, video surveillance equipment, road gates and code blue phones. Conducts monthly/quarterly/annual preventive maintenance in order to minimize equipment downtime.
• Projects: Plan and lay out work accordingly with knowledge and understanding of electronic blue prints. Collaborate with team members on finding the best approach while leading to set an example. Oversee project oriented jobs with contractors for both fire alarm and security systems, as well as ensuring that all installed access control equipment meets ADA guidelines, local and life safety codes, and works with vendors to ensure compliance.
• Troubleshooting: Identify and find solutions, when circumstances arise, in order to maintain the campus facilities. Must have the ability to read and interpret one-line diagrams, diagnose ground faults, signal failures, and broken devices, as well as have the capacity to grow and develop skills through hands-on training. Utilize fire alarm panel displays, annunciators, and work stations in order to understand problems as they arise.
• Inspecting and Testing: Schedule and conduct routine code-compliant tests of addressable fire alarm control panels, smoke detectors, pull stations, notification appliances, and sprinkler monitoring systems, as well as providing documentation and record keeping into a Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Work with outside vendors to assist with system troubles and upgrades.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, two-year technical trade school, or apprenticeship program with two to five years' experience in residential, commercial, and industrial fire alarm or security system maintenance. A combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience will be considered.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver's License with a clean driving record.
• Must have good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must have the ability to use test equipment including a volt/ohm meter, amp meter, and circuit tracer.
• Computer skills including (Word, Excel, and Adobe).
• Understand and apply the National Electrical Code, NFPA, and OSHA standards for electrical and work safety procedures.
• Must have the ability to lift (25-50bs), climb ladders, bend, kneel, crawl, and work outdoors when needed.
• Available for round-the-clock emergency response for college-owned properties. May be required to work holidays, nights and weekends.
• Must have the desire to learn and evolve with systems through training, both in person and online, and create dynamic solutions for the campus infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient with major addressable systems such as Notifier, LenelS2, or other fire alarm or security systems.
• Certifications: NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies).
• Experience in an educational, hospital, or other commercial environment.

Compensation

The hourly range for this position is $30.00-32.00 per hour. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.

We offer exceptional benefits including

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Exchange

Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).