Fire Alarm Systems Technician

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 44,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, dental

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement benefits

Education benefits

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ seeks a Fire Alarm Systems Technician to support maintenance and testing of fire alarm systems across Rutgers properties. The role involves inspection, basic repairs, and coordinating with vendors under the Fire Systems Bureau Assistant Director.

Requirements include a high school or equivalent education and one year of related experience, plus a valid driver's license. The position offers full-time hours and union benefits with AFSCME Local 888.

Qualifications

• High school education and one year of experience testing and maintaining fire alarm systems.
• One-year technical trade program in electrical/electronic systems accepted in lieu of experience.
• Valid driver's license with two years driving experience; Rutgers Defensive Driving course required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preventative inspections, basic repairs and troubleshooting of alarm systems.
• May supervise Emergency Services Officers and vendors as directed.
• Support operations on Rutgers campuses and across New Jersey as needed by Fire Systems Bureau Director.
• Perform routine repairs and coordinate with vendors for major fixes to restore full service.
• Test and maintain fire alarm equipment; verify operation and signal transmission to University dispatch.
• Document time spent and parts used; prepare inspection and maintenance reports.

Skills

Fire alarm systems

Troubleshooting

Electrical knowledge

Reading blueprints

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical trade school in electrical/electronic systems

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

Position Details

• Recruitment/Posting Title: Fire Alarm Systems Technician
• Job Category: AFSCME Local 888
• Department: Emergency Services
• Overview: The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiations agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, which encompasses an expansive range of comprehensive service and business operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.
• Posting Summary: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Fire Alarm Systems Technician for the Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). The Fire Alarm Systems Technician is primarily responsible for supporting the maintenance and testing of fire alarm systems. As a member of a team on the New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses but may be assigned to alarm system equipment on all Rutgers properties throughout New Jersey as determined necessary by the Fire Systems Bureau Assistant Director.
  Among the key duties of this position are the following:
  • Assisting with preventative inspections, basic system repairs, and troubleshooting equipment.
  • May assist in supervising Emergency Services Officers and/or vendors as directed.
  • Assists in the continued operations of the alarm systems primarily on the New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses and may be involved in systems across all Rutgers campuses throughout New Jersey as determined by the Fire Systems Bureau Assistant Director.
  • Supports scheduled preventative inspection activities and assists in addressing unplanned emergency repairs. Perform duties as assigned by the Fire Systems Bureau Assistant Director. Works collaboratively with the Fire Alarm Technicians in determining the proper course of action necessary to repair fire alarm systems when investigating system trouble signals to restore the system to full service.
  • Aids in testing fire alarm equipment in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association and the New Jersey Uniform Code, detecting faulty operations of equipment and coordinating corrective actions, which may include the replacement of defective components or overseeing contracted vendors to perform the needed repairs.
  • Assists in testing/maintaining all fire alarm communication equipment to verify proper operation and signal transmitting to, and receipt by, the University Police Dispatch Center. When necessary, may consult with Fire Alarm Technicians to determine the proper course of action and remedy. Prioritizes the completion of routine repair work assigned by the Fire Systems Bureau Assistant Director.
  • Will maintain thorough and accurate records documenting the time spent performing assigned tasks as well as accurate recording of parts utilized in troubleshooting and/or repairing fire alarm systems. Prepares appropriate system inspection and maintenance reports as required by the National Fire Protection Association and the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.
  • Supports management by advising when to reorder stock and prepare work orders as needed. Prepares and submits all reports to the Fire Systems Bureau Assistant Director for review.
  • Assists in the final testing of new fire alarm systems to ensure that all systems are properly functioning and installed per design. Reports to the Fire Systems Bureau Assistant Director the status of all assignments.
  • Responsible for estimating work time and writing up lists of appropriate and needed materials. Coordinates with the Fire Systems Bureau Assistant Director the implementation of Fire Watch when determined necessary.
  • Performs related duties as required.
• FLSA: Nonexempt
• Grade: 15

Salary Details

• Minimum Salary: 44017.940
• Mid Range Salary: 51690.000
• Maximum Salary: 59574.400

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

• Full Time

Standard Hours

• 40.00

Union Description

• AFSCME - Local 888

Payroll Designation

• PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

• Fire Department

Terms of Appointment

• Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

• PERS

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience:
  • High school/vocational school education or equivalent, and one year of experience in testing, maintenance and service of various manufacturers' fire alarm systems.
  • Completion of a one-year Technical Trade School program in Electrical and Electronic systems, or similar program with a course section on Fire Alarm Systems will be accepted in lieu of the one-year experience requirement.
• Certifications/Licenses:
  • A valid driver's license and two years driving experience is required.
  • Will be required to successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
• Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Must be competent in performing complex and varied repair and maintenance of fire alarm systems and have the ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and building systems as they are interfaced with fire detection systems.
  • A working knowledge of the New Jersey Uniform Code and the National Fire Protection Association's standard pertaining to the inspection, testing and maintenance of fire detection systems is necessary.
  • Good communication skills, computer literacy, and familiarity with computerized maintenance systems.
  • Must have the ability to read and comprehend technical manuals, wiring plans and blueprints.
• Physical Demands and Work Environment:
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to work rotating shifts as needed.
  • Must be able to work nights and weekends as needed to respond to emergency troubleshooting and repair.
• Special Conditions:
  • Shift/Schedule: 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM (Rotating Shifts)
  • Safe Driving Record
  • Multiple Vacancies

Posting Details

• Posting Number: 26ST1866
• Posting Open Date: 10/01/2026
• Special Instructions to Applicants: Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY: To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 10/9/2026. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.
• Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
• Home Location Campus: Rutgers University - New Brunswick
• City: New Brunswick
• State: NJ

Pre-employment Screenings

• All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement