Fire Alarm & Security Systems Technician

The Trustees of Union College in the Town of Schenectady in the State of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The Trustees of Union College in the Town of Schenectady, NY seek a Fire Alarm & Security Systems Technician to operate, maintain, and test low voltage life-safety equipment across College properties. This in-person role supports faculty, staff, and students in a safe environment.

Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, 40 hours per week, non-exempt and full-time. Responsibilities include detector replacement, camera monitoring, testing panels, and vendor coordination to

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–5 years in residential, commercial, or industrial fire alarm or security system maintenance.
• Must hold a valid NYS Driver's License with a clean record.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; safety training compliance.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, repair, and test life-safety and security systems for campus facilities.
• Inspect, test, and replace detectors, modules, and notification devices as needed.
• Monitor cameras, alarms, and access control; coordinate with vendors for upgrades.
• Read one-line diagrams and troubleshoot faults to ensure code comliance.
• Schedule and conduct routine tests and document results in CMMS.

Skills

Notifier knowledge

LenelS2 experience

Test equipment use

Tools

Notifier system

LenelS2 access control

CMMS familiarity

Job description

Fire Alarm & Security Systems Technician

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.

Work Schedule

• 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.
• Trouble-Shooting: 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