Fire Sprinkler Technician

UNC; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated professional to join their Building Services team. This role involves ensuring the safety and functionality of fire suppression systems across a vast campus. You will conduct routine inspections, perform necessary repairs, and coordinate with safety authorities to uphold the highest standards of fire safety. This position not only offers a competitive salary but also a sign-on bonus for qualified candidates. Join a mission-driven organization that values your expertise and commitment to safety in a vibrant academic environment.

Benefits

Sign-on Bonus

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of fire suppression systems and NFPA codes.
• Experience in preventive maintenance and inspections of fire systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and inspections on fire sprinkler systems.
• Coordinate with safety departments for testing and repairs.

Skills

Fire Suppression Systems Knowledge

Preventive Maintenance

Fire Sprinkler Inspection

Knowledge of NFPA Codes

Emergency Response Coordination

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalency

Tools

Fire Sprinkler Systems

Inspection Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited

Building Services provide full maintenance and repair services for all UNC facilities and ensure the proper operation of those facilities in support of the UNC mission of teaching, research and public service. Building Services supports more than 300 campus buildings with more than 18 million gross square feet of space. The teams that provide quality maintenance, repair and construction services that support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University include Campus Maintenance, EMCS, Facilities Operations Support, Housing Support, HVAC Systems, Life Safety Services, and the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling. The Life Safety Services section is a specialized unit within the Building Services Division of Facilities Services. This section is comprised of the Life Safety/Electronic-Specialty Shop, the Access Control/Key Shop, and the Emergency Generator Shop. This organizational unit delivers a high level of maintenance and support to safeguard human life, property, research, and other critical areas of significant financial and time investments for the entire University campus community including: all residence halls, classrooms facilities, research lab facilities, athletics facilities, medical school facilities, and offices facilities.

Position Summary

A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $4,668 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $2,334 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE & $2,334 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.

Provides support to the Life Safety Shop’s functions and responsibilities, including performing preventive maintenance (PM) inspections, maintenance, and/or contracting necessary repairs or modifications on fire sprinkler systems including wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, standpipes, and fire pumps as required by NFPA13, NFPA14, NFPA20, NFPA25, and allowed per 21NCAC 50.0513 and 2INCAC 50.0515. Also performs inspections on buildings’ smoke and/or fire dampers and/or curtains, per NFPA90. Performs periodic and preventive maintenance inspections on all fire sprinkler/suppression systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications and NFPA25, NFPA13, and the international fire code, ensuring that all NFPA25 reports and system tags display the name, signature and license number of the inspection contractor or inspection technician who performed the inspection.

Makes minor repairs to fire protection systems, including replacing activated or damaged sprinkler heads, lubricating control valves, resetting dry pipe valves, and other tasks itemized as maintenance in NFPA25, in accordance with manufacturer specifications, NFPA25, NFPA13, and the international fire code.

When maintenance and repairs exceed the limitations per 21NCAC50.0513 and 2INCAC50.0515, contacts licensed fire sprinkler maintenance contractors, obtains estimates, and coordinates and inspects the selected contractor’s completed work.

Coordinates with the UNC Public Safety department, UNC Fire Marshall, and building occupants when isolating systems for testing or repair purposes. Prepares complete inspection records in proper format. Ensures assigned area workload schedules are accomplished as issued, and notifies the supervisor immediately of any desired and/or necessary deviations, delays or early completions in the assigned schedule.

Ensures a proper shop stock of miscellaneous systems, electrical and/or hardware items are readily available for repairs. Ensures and maintains an adequate inventory of equipment/parts received for shop stock are kept organized and ready for emergency and or routine repairs. Ensures the cleanliness and organization of the shop and assigned installation service vehicle.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require special licenses or certification. Optional Guidelines: experience in the trade(s) areas related to the area of assignment may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Recent experience in the Fire Sprinkler Industry. In-depth knowledge and experience in service and repair of Fire Suppression systems including sprinkler (wet and dry), pre-action and deluge systems, standpipe, fire pumps, and chemical suppression systems. Requires in-depth knowledge, experience in and application of various codes and standards, such as but not limited to: NFPA13, 14, 20, 25, 70, 72, 12, 12A, 2001, 17, Life Safety 101, and NC State Construction Office requirements for Fire Sprinkler Systems.

Because this position provides support for Bio-Safety Level (BSL) 2+ and 3 labs, a baseline blood draw and physical are required. Entry into hot labs, with an Environment Health & Safety department escort, is also required. Must be able to wear respiratory protection, which requires annual medical certification, fit testing, and training.

Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of mandatory (essential) University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions may require the University to close.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, & Fire Sprinkler Contractors and Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, & Fire Sprinkler Contractors. NICET Level II certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems. NICET Level I certification in Fire Alarm Systems. Individuals not holding a NICET Level II Certification for Inspection and Testing of Water-based Systems, Limited Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners and a Limited Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners, will be required to gain licenses and certification within three (3) years of employment as a condition of continued employment. Individuals not holding NICET Level I Certification for Fire Alarm Systems will be required to gain certification within four (4) years of employment.

A good knowledge of and staying abreast of current codes and laws is critical. Licensure must be individually obtained and maintained by this position to legally perform maintenance and inspections per the NC State Board of Examiners, which additionally requires Level II certification in ‘inspection and testing of water-based protection systems’ through the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

Requires a valid NC Driver’s License or ability to obtain one prior to start date.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

At least two years of recent experience in the Fire Sprinkler Industry; experience reviewing various phases of building design in reference to life safety systems; conducting system operational testing, inspections and commissioning in all aspects of Fire Protection systems; working with state agencies such as NCDOI and NC SCO; and experience prioritizing, scheduling, assigning, and managing work load including service orders, preventive maintenance programs, emergency requests and backlog. Proficiency with Microsoft Office also preferred.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to stand for long periods of time, work from personal lifts, climb ladders and/or work from scaffolding 10 ft. high or higher, crawl under buildings, enter manholes, enter or work in confined spaces, and stoop and squat. Also requires the ability to move objects weighing 40 lbs. or more, above head.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Special Instructions

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS
The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:
To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).

This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy.

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail].

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

About the company

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.