Fire Sprinkler Inspector & Service Technician

GOEBEL FIXTURE COMPANY; Albany (OR); On-site; USD 30,307 - 60,614; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Paid certifications

Tools provided

Job summary

Valley Fire Control is hiring a Fire Sprinkler Inspector & Service Technician in Albany, OR (also Newport, OR). This field-based role focuses on inspection, testing, and maintenance of commercial fire sprinkler systems, with ~80% time on inspection and the balance on minor repairs.

You will work independently, manage your day, and communicate findings clearly to customers. 5+ years' experience and Oregon Backflow certification are preferred; NICET is a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience inspecting, testing, and servicing commercial fire sprinkler systems.
• Oregon Backflow Assembly Tester certification or ability to obtain within 4 months of hire.
• Ability to diagnose deficiencies and complete repairs without supervision.
• Proficiency submitting inspection reports and AHJ documentation.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Perform inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems per NFPA 25 and local codes.
• Conduct ITMs on wet, dry, preaction, deluge, and antifreeze systems.
• Perform backflow testing and complete Oregon Health Authority documentation.
• Inspect and flow test hydrants and private water supply components.
• Coordinate with customers and schedules to keep work moving.
• Train and support apprentices and junior technicians.

Skills

Fluent English

Customer communication

Problem diagnosis

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma

Tools

iPad

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Location 217 Main Street Southeast,Albany, OR, 97321,United States
• Base Pay $22.00 - $44.00 / Hour
• Job Category Fire Sprinkler, Inspector, Service Technician
• Employee Type NonExempt - Full Time
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

Position: Fire Sprinkler Inspector & Service Technician

Location: Albany, OR or Newport, OR — we are hiring in both markets (must reside within approximately one hour of your assigned office)

Reports To: Oregon General Manager

Employment Type: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt

Bargaining Unit Status: Non-union

Travel: Daily travel within your assigned territory; occasional travel between the Albany and Newport markets, and occasional travel to Medford, Washington, and Idaho

About Valley Fire Control

Valley Fire Control is a fire and life safety company serving customers across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. We design, install, inspect, and service pre-engineered and engineered fire suppression systems, portable fire extinguishers, kitchen suppression systems, fire alarm systems, and fire sprinkler systems.

In 2025 we joined Columbia Safety Services. Between our sister companies we deliver full-scope fire protection: fire alarm, fire sprinklers, clean agent suppression, backflow prevention, kitchen suppression systems, portable extinguishers, and related life safety equipment. FFF Protection, our Idaho operation, is a trade name of Valley Fire Control, LLC.

We are part of a growing multi-state fire protection group focused on building something long-term. We respect the trades, run a disciplined operation, and care about doing the work right.

Our core values guide how we operate: Customer First, Grit, Effective Communication, Own the Outcome, Take Pride in the Work, and Do the Right Thing.

Why This Role Exists

We have a strong existing customer base across Oregon that we already service for kitchen suppression and portable extinguishers. Many of those customers want us to take on their sprinkler inspections, testing, and the deficiency work that follows. The work is there.

We need someone with real sprinkler experience — not someone who runs a checklist and moves on. You should be able to inspect a system properly, find what is actually wrong with it, and fix the things that do not require a crew, so our customers are not calling a second vendor for every deficiency.

Requirements

About the Role

This is a field-based, inspection-weighted role. Expect roughly 80% of your time on inspection, testing, and maintenance of commercial fire sprinkler systems, and the balance on minor repairs and deficiency correction.

This is not an installation role. System installation, major modifications, and large repair projects are handled by our crews. Minor pipefitting tied directly to a repair is part of the job; running new systems is not.

You will work independently, manage your own day and route, communicate directly with customers, and represent the company well.

What You'll Do

• Perform inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems in accordance with NFPA 25 and applicable local codes
• Conduct annual, semi-annual, quarterly, and monthly ITM on wet, dry, preaction, deluge, and antifreeze systems
• Perform backflow assembly testing and complete required Oregon Health Authority documentation
• Inspect and flow test fire hydrants and private water supply components
• Perform fire pump testing, including annual and churn testing
• Complete 5-year internal pipe inspections and obstruction investigations
• Perform antifreeze testing and replacement
• Complete minor repairs and deficiency correction — sprinkler heads, gauges, switches, trim, and minor pipefitting tied to a repair
• Identify deficiencies and clearly communicate required repairs, upgrades, and code-driven corrections to customers
• Quote straightforward corrective work onsite and pass larger repair projects to our sales team and project managers with enough detail for them to follow up well
• Document all inspections, tests, and service work accurately using company software (iPad-based)
• Submit required reports to AHJs and customers on time
• Coordinate with schedulers, project managers, and customers to keep work moving
• Train and support apprentices and junior technicians
• Represent Valley Fire Control professionally in every customer interaction

Who You Are

• Experienced — you know sprinkler systems well and can work without supervision
• Methodical — you take inspections seriously and your reports hold up under scrutiny
• Diagnostic — you find the actual problem instead of noting a symptom
• Customer-focused — you explain findings in terms a building owner can act on
• Commercially aware — you can spot a deficiency and confidently recommend the right correction
• Team-oriented — willing to coach apprentices and be coached by senior staff
• Aligned with our values: Customer First, Grit, Effective Communication, Own the Outcome, Take Pride in the Work, and Do the Right Thing

Who Struggles Here

An honest filter:

• If you are looking for install work and overtime on new construction, this is not that job
• If documentation is an afterthought, this is the wrong seat — the report is the deliverable
• If you would rather not talk to customers, you will be uncomfortable here
• If you let certifications lapse, your pay will stall

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience inspecting, testing, and servicing commercial fire sprinkler systems
• Working knowledge of NFPA 25 and NFPA 13
• Oregon Backflow Assembly Tester certification, or the ability to obtain it within 4 months of hire
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose deficiencies and complete repairs without supervision
• Proficiency completing and submitting inspection reports and AHJ documentation
• Confined space training, or willingness to obtain it, for backflow vault work
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Strong computer and mobile device skills (iPad, Microsoft Office, cloud-based apps)
• Fluent in spoken and written English
• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, work at heights, and navigate active jobsites and occupied buildings

Preferred Qualifications

• NICET certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems (Level II or III)
• City of Portland fire sprinkler technician license
• ASSE backflow tester credential
• Washington State Patrol Sprinkler Fitter or Inspection & Testing (I&T) Certificate of Competency
• Experience with fire pumps (electric and diesel), standpipe systems, and backflow assemblies (RPDA, DCDA, DCVA)
• Experience with dry valve service, system flushing, and obstruction investigation
• Confined space training and demonstrated ability to work safely in backflow vaults
• Cross-training in other life safety scopes — fire alarm, backflow, hydrants, portable extinguishers, or kitchen suppression
• Bilingual (Spanish or other languages)

If you are cross-trained across most or all of our inspection scopes, look at our Full-Service Fire & Life Safety Inspector posting as well — that track pays $48.00 to $57.00 per hour.

Compensation

This role follows a structured, development-based pay scale. Compensation is tied to demonstrated capability, licensing, and certifications — not tenure alone.

• Apprentice / Trainee Sprinkler Technician — $22.00 – $27.00 per hour
  • Entry pathway for candidates building toward full inspector status
  • 0–4 years of experience in fire sprinkler, mechanical, or related piping trades
  • Working toward NICET Water-Based ITM and Oregon Backflow Assembly Tester certification
  • We are primarily hiring at the Inspector level; this tier is shown so the full path is clear
• Fire Sprinkler Inspector & Service Technician — $37.00 – $43.00 per hour
  • 5+ years of commercial inspection, testing, and service experience
  • Oregon Backflow Assembly Tester certification
  • Independently performs ITM and completes deficiency repairs without supervision
  • Submits clean, complete inspection reports and AHJ documentation
• Senior Fire Sprinkler Inspector & Service Technician — $44.00 – $52.00 per hour
  • NICET III in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
  • City of Portland fire sprinkler technician license and ASSE backflow credential
  • Confined space certified with demonstrated backflow vault capability
  • Proven ability to lead inspections on complex properties — high-rise, healthcare, large-footprint industrial, or multiple system types
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor apprentices and junior technicians
  • Track record of clean inspection reports with no customer-impacting issues during testing
• Cross-Trained Inspector — $48.00 – $57.00 per hour

A parallel track for inspectors whose value is full-scope inspection capability rather than depth in a single discipline. This is not a step in the ladder above.

• Full inspection licensing across fire alarm, fire sprinkler, kitchen suppression systems, and portable fire extinguishers
• Minimum 7 years of experience inspecting all of those scopes
• Backflow assembly tester certification preferred; clean agent or special hazards inspection experience preferred
• Placement in the range reflects experience, licensing across multiple states, and market
• See our Full-Service Fire & Life Safety Inspector posting for the standalone version of this role

Wage increases are considered as you obtain and demonstrate proficiency in the certifications and competencies above, as determined by your supervisor. Overtime is paid for hours worked over 40 in a work week.

Summary

Why This Role Works

• Inspection and service focus — no install-heavy schedule
• Real technical work, including the harder diagnostic items, not just running tags
• A strong existing customer base ready to absorb sprinkler service
• Clear pay progression tied to real skill development, and a cross-training path to $57.00
• Take-home company vehicle, tools, and paid certifications
• Backed by a growing multi-state fire protection group focused on the long term
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance through Regence BlueShield, Delta Dental of Washington, and VSP — available to employees scheduled 30 or more hours per week, effective the first of the month following or coinciding with your hire date
• The company pays approximately 90% of the employee premium on the HSA-qualified medical plan, plus a substantial share of dependent premiums
• Health Savings Account with a $600 annual company contribution
• 401(k) with Safe Harbor employer match up to 3.5%
• Paid time off starting at 10 days annually and increasing with length of service
• Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program, telehealth access, and optional pet insurance
• Company vehicle (van or truck) — take-home, with fuel, maintenance, and insurance covered for business use
• Paid training, certifications, and continuing education
• iPad, laptop, and tools provided
• Clear pay progression tied to skill and licensing development
• Full-time, Monday through Friday
• Occasional after-hours or on-call work as needed
• Daily travel within your assigned territory; occasional travel between the Albany and Newport markets, and occasional travel to Medford, Washington, and Idaho
• Work performed at commercial customer sites, including occupied buildings, mechanical and riser rooms, roofs, ladders, and active construction sites
• Confined space entry for backflow vault work — training provided if not already certified
• Required PPE provided and expected on every job

Valley Fire Control, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Employment with Valley Fire Control, LLC is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice, consistent with applicable law.