Fire Systems Technician

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days paid time off

13+ paid holidays annually

Health plan options

VRS retirement

Tuition assistance

Wellness program with incentives

Job summary

University of Virginia seeks a dedicated Fire Alarm Technician to inspect, test, and maintain fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems across campuses and the Health System. You will analyse circuits, monitor panels, and document results to ensure code compliance.

You will diagnose and repair systems, install devices, respond to emergencies, and review project plans to verify NFPA standards. This role offers independent work with UVA benefits and safety-focused responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Four years of relevant experience in fire systems, electronics, building trades, or related licensed trades.
• Licensure: Valid driver's license.
• Certification: Ability to obtain NICET and DPOR licensure within 12 months.
• Skills: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication; ability to read blueprints.

Responsibilities

• Perform NFPA-required inspections, tests, and preventive maintenance on fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems.
• Run circuit analysis and monitor fire alarm panels; record results accurately.
• Inspect for NFPA compliance and coordinate with authorities having jurisdiction.
• Recommend corrective actions and verify follow-up.
• Review plans and drawings for code compliance; inspect projects.
• Diagnose and repair fire detection, alarm, and control systems; install and calibrate devices.
• Respond to emergency service requests.
• Work safely under OSHA, NFPA, and Joint Commission rules; maintain safety equipment and procedures.
• Keep customers informed of status and delays; assist other trades; perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Nobody notices a fire alarm until the day it matters. Your job is to make sure it works on that day. At the University of Virginia, that means research labs, classrooms, student and faculty housing, and a Health System, all depending on systems you have tested, verified, and kept ready.

What You’ll Do

Inspection & Testing (the heart of the role)

• Perform NFPA-required inspections, tests, and preventative maintenance on fire detection, alarm, suppression, and control systems across academic buildings, student and faculty housing, and Health System facilities.
• Run circuit analysis and fire detection and suppression tests, monitoring the fire alarm panel during testing and recording the results accurately.
• Inspect and test for compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
• Recommend corrective actions and follow up to verify they are carried out.
• Review plans and drawings for code compliance and inspect projects.

Service, Repair & Installation

• Diagnose and repair electronic fire detection, alarm, suppression, and control systems, including electronic and electro‑mechanical devices and their associated components.
• Install, remove, and calibrate devices and equipment to specified standards.
• Specify, estimate, and install equipment and systems in accordance with applicable standards and requirements.
• Respond to emergency service requests.

Safety, Teamwork & Service

• Work in accordance with safety rules and procedures, including OSHA, federal, state, and local regulations, NFPA, and the Joint Commission.
• Ensure the availability, readiness, and proper use of accident prevention procedures, safety and fire prevention equipment, protective clothing and devices, and first aid supplies.
• Keep customers informed of job status and the reasons for and expected duration of any delays, and refer them to the supervisor when appropriate.
• Assist other trades and build familiarity with various equipment and sequences of operation.
• Perform other duties as assigned, such as snow and ice removal and special event set ups.

Why This Role

• Variety you won’t find in a single‑site job. Residence halls, academic buildings, and Health System facilities each bring different systems, different challenges, and different people to work with.
• Depth, not just checklists. You will be trusted to find the problem, and to fix it.
• Real independence. Daily work is performed on your own judgment, with supervisory guidance when the work gets complex.
• A mission people can see. Your work protects the students, patients, researchers, and visitors who fill UVA's buildings every day.

Required

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Four years of relevant experience in fire systems, electronics, building, construction, or other skilled and/or licensed trades. Trades or construction‑related education may be considered in lieu of experience.
• Licensure: Valid driver's license.
• Certification: Ability to obtain NICET and DPOR State Automatic Sprinkler Inspector licensure within 12 months.
• Skills: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to interpret and work from blueprints.

Preferred

• NICET or equivalent nationally recognized fire alarm certification.
• Fire systems manufacturer certification.
• DPOR State Automatic Sprinkler Inspector or DPOR Backflow Preventer licensure.
• Electronics certifications, or electrical or mechanical licensure.

Compensation & Benefits

The Anticipated Hiring Range for this position is $26.00 - $33.00 ($54,080 - $68,640 Annually), commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position with UVA benefits. Employee benefits package highlights include:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays annually; parental and community service leave
• Health plan options to meet healthcare and financial needs
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness program with incentives of up to $500 annually

For the position, the selected candidate will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

Physical Demands

The employee must be able to variously sit, stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, crawl, kneel, stoop, bend, twist, squat, lift, and pull, and to perform hands‑on repetitive tasks, including overhead work. The employee will work with materials of different weights, perform repetitive motions, and travel around job sites. Normal vision and hearing (correctable) are required, and for some areas of employment, color vision and sense of smell.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.