Fire Technician 2 (SWC - Operations)

South Western Communications, Inc.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

South Western Communications specializes in fire alarm and life-safety solutions for healthcare, education, detention, and commercial sectors. The Fire Alarm Technician II will independently install, program, test, and maintain systems, guiding junior technicians and coordinating with other trades.

The role covers backbox and cable installation through device mounting, programming, testing, and customer training, with emphasis on safety and quality compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or strongly preferred.
• OSHA 30‑Hour Construction Outreach Training completion card required or obtainable within SWC timeframe.
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II preferred; progression toward Level II may be included in development plan.

Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, test, troubleshoot, service, and maintain commercial fire alarm and life-safety systems.
• Read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, riser diagrams, wiring diagrams, and manufacturer instructions.
• Identify symbols, device types, wiring requirements, circuit types, and installation details.
• Coordinate daily work with electrical contractors, project managers, customers, inspectors, and trades.
• Provide system and panel training to customers and end users.
• Maintain accurate time, labor, material, inventory, and project records.

Skills

Fire alarm systems installation

Troubleshooting

Reading blueprints/CAD drawings

Project coordination

Communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

OSHA 30-hour Construction Outreach

NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II preferred

Tools

Edwards panels

Silent Knight

Fire-Lite

Multimeters

Job description

South Western CommunicationsSouth Western Communications, SWC, is one trusted source for communication, physical security and life safety solutions to meet the needs of Healthcare, Education, Detention and Commercial customers. We utilize a consultative approach to conduct an in-depth needs analysis, enabling our customers to fulfill their mission critical processes. We continuously research and select only the best-in class product collection. We utilize these products to create an integrated solution with your goals and needs in mind, ensuring satisfaction and flawless integration. At SWC, we strive to exceed your expectations and invest the time and resources into every job because we care about our customers.

Fire Alarm Technician II Reports To: Project Manager or designated Operations Manager Supervises: None; provides technical guidance and training to junior personnel Classification: Full-Time, Hourly/Non-Exempt Career Level: Fully Qualified/Journey-Level Technician

Position Summary

Fire Alarm Technician II independently performs the installation, programming, testing, troubleshooting, inspection, and maintenance of commercial fire alarm and life-safety systems.

This position understands the complete installation process-from backboxes and cable installation through device installation, programming, testing, customer training, and project closeout.

The Fire Alarm Technician II completes small installations and system additions with minimal supervision, coordinates effectively with other trades, and provides technical guidance and hands‑on training to junior technicians.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, test, troubleshoot, service, and maintain commercial fire alarm and life-safety systems.
• Read and interpret blueprints, CAD-generated drawings, riser diagrams, wiring diagrams, specifications, submittals, sequence-of-operations documents, and manufacturer instructions.
• Identify fire alarm symbols, device types, wiring requirements, circuit types, and installation details.
• Perform the complete installation sequence, including:
  • Backbox and pathway coordination
  • Cable installation, support, identification, and testing
  • Device and equipment mounting
  • Cable termination and panel connections
  • Basic system programming
  • System troubleshooting and testing
  • Customer training and project closeout
• Independently complete small fire alarm projects, tenant improvements, system additions, device replacements, and similar assignments with minimal supervision.
• Perform basic or limited programming on supported fire alarm panels, including Edwards, Silent Knight, Fire-Lite, and other manufacturer platforms used by SWC.
• Troubleshoot ground faults, opens, shorts, communication failures, device issues, notification appliance circuit problems, signaling-line circuit problems, and other common system conditions.
• Use multimeters and other approved testing equipment to diagnose system and circuit issues.
• Coordinate daily work with electrical contractors, general contractors, project managers, customers, inspectors, and other trades.
• Review field conditions and promptly communicate drawing conflicts, scope questions, material needs, schedule concerns, and potential change-order conditions.
• Complete testing documentation, Records of Completion, inspection records, point lists, redlines, as-built information, and other required closeout documentation.
• Provide system and panel training to customers and end users.
• Maintain accurate time, labor, material, inventory, service-ticket, and project records.
• Provide hands‑on training and technical guidance to Fire Alarm Technician I employees and installation assistants.
• Monitor the quality of assigned work and provide constructive feedback to junior personnel.
• Verify that assigned work complies with project documents, manufacturer requirements, applicable codes, company quality standards, and customer expectations.
• Follow and reinforce SWC, customer, and job‑site safety policies and procedures.
• Participate in continuing education, manufacturer training, and professional‑development activities.
• Demonstrate SWC's core values of safety, integrity, respect for people, customer focus, continuous improvement, and community involvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Training

• High school diploma or GED strongly preferred.
• Typically, three or more years of progressively responsible fire alarm, low‑voltage, electrical, or closely related field experience.
• Demonstrated ability to independently install cable, panels, power supplies, initiating devices, notification appliances, modules, and related fire alarm components.
• Demonstrated ability to complete small projects and system additions with minimal supervision.
• OSHA 30‑Hour Construction Outreach Training course completion card required or must be obtained within the timeframe established by SWC.
• NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level II preferred. Progress toward Level II may be included in the employees' development plan.
• Relevant manufacturer training or certification preferred.
• Applicable state or local licenses or registrations must be obtained when required for the assigned work or location.

Experience ranges are general guidelines. Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated proficiency, job performance, certifications, business needs, and successful completion of SWC's applicable competency requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of low‑voltage DC circuits, basic electronics, and fire alarm system operation.
• Ability to independently read and apply fire alarm construction documents.
• Ability to identify fire alarm symbols, wiring methods, devices, and circuit requirements.
• Working knowledge of the complete fire alarm installation process.
• Proficiency in installing fire alarm cables, devices, panels, and related equipment.
• Working knowledge of fire alarm programming and system testing.
• Proficiency using multimeters and other appropriate testing equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to plan and complete smaller assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate professionally with customers, contractors, inspectors, and internal team members.
• Ability to train and support junior employees.
• Good organization, documentation, and time‑management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adjust to changing priorities.
• Basic proficiency with computers, mobile applications, email, and electronic project documentation.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record when driving is an essential function of the position.

Accountability

Fire Alarm Technician II is accountable to the Project Manager or designated Operations Manager. Secondary accountability is to other management team members, employees, customers, and project partners. This position provides technical guidance and training but does not have formal authority to hire, discipline, terminate, or complete employee performance evaluations unless those responsibilities are separately assigned in writing.

Travel

Local travel to customers and project locations is required. Out‑of‑town or overnight travel may be required.

Physical, Mental, and Environmental Requirements

• The employee must be able to perform the following essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation: Stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, climb, balance, grasp, and use hands and fingers throughout the workday.
• Lift and carry tools, materials, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Climb and work from ladders and approved aerial work platforms.
• Work above ceilings and in active construction areas.
• Safely operate hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, ladders, and aerial work platforms.
• Distinguish wire colors, device indicators, labels, and other visual information necessary to perform the work safely.
• Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication.
• Work indoors and outdoors in environments that may include dust, noise, temperature changes, uneven surfaces, and other construction‑related conditions.
• Maintain attention to detail and exercise sound judgment while managing changing priorities and deadlines.

Advancement

Advancement to Senior Fire Alarm Technician is not automatic based on length of service. Advancement is based on sustained job performance, demonstrated competency at the senior level, completion of required safety and technical training, programming proficiency, leadership ability, documentation quality, customer service, and current business needs.

Job Description Notice

This job description does not list every duty of the position. Employees may be assigned other duties and responsibilities based on business needs. Management may revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract of employment.

Job Description Notice This job description summarizes the position's principal duties and requirements. It is not an employment contract or a complete list of all responsibilities. SWC may assign other related duties and revise the position as business needs change, consistent with applicable law. Employees are expected to perform the essential functions of their positions, with or without reasonable accommodation. SWC considers requests for reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable law. Management has the right to revise this description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason as outlined in the employee manual or other written agreement.