Senior Trades Helper

George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 2,893,000 - 3,582,000; Full time

Job summary

George Washington University is seeking a Senior Trades Helper in the Facilities, Buildings & Grounds division. The role supports Fire/Life Safety activities across campus, including Emergency Generator PM, Fire Alarm testing, and Sprinkler inspections, with on-site, rotating weekend coverage and a strong customer-service focus.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or higher in a relevant field, the ability to perform physically demanding tasks, and may have NICET credentials or

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; or a Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Ability to physically perform duties (climbing, lifting, etc.).
• Education/degree requirements may be substituted with equivalent experience or training.

Responsibilities

• Assist with Generator PM Testing, inspections, and related emergencies.
• Assist with Fire Alarm servicing, battery replacements, testing, and retest scheduling with customers.
• Oversee sprinkler inspections, tests, and related emergencies to maintain code compliance.
• Represent supervisor at meetings and enhance professional knowledge through seminars and training.

Skills

Customer service

Physical stamina

On-call readiness

Education

HS diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Facilities, Buildings & Grounds (FBG) Life Safety Shop is seeking a Senior Trades Helper with excellent customer service skills and the ability to physically perform job duties, including: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling a variety of equipment. Carries out special jobs or emergency call as assigned. This position will receive on-the-job training in the building trade to which assigned. Ability to work flexible schedule and on-call / rotating weekends.

FBG is a part of GW's Facilities, Planning and Construction Management Division, which maintains GW's property and grounds on all three campuses. Employees at GWU are offered a competitive salary, excellent benefits package, general retirement savings options that include university contributions and matching contributions, generous Annual and Sick leave benefits plus many more. For more information about GW benefits, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits

Reporting to the Fire Alarm Shop Supervisor, the Senior Trades Helper supports the Fire/Life Safety team efforts in Emergency Generator Preventive Maintenance, Fire Alarm System Inspection, Testing and Repair, and Sprinkler Systems Inspection, Testing, and Repair.

The Responsibilities of a Senior Trades Helper include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with and /or perform Generator PM Testing, Visual Inspections, Logging Usage/Run Times, Topping of Fluids as needed, and responding to related emergencies.
• Assist with and /or perform Fire Alarm Servicing of Battery Replacements, Detector Cleaning or Replacement, Testing Fire Alarm Systems across campus marking deficiencies and scheduling best repair and retest times with customers.
• Overseeing projects to ensure integrity of Fire Alarm systems is maintained. Responding to Emergency Calls and Building Trouble signals within a reasonable time frame.
• Assist with and/or perform Wet/Dry Sprinkler Visual Inspections of Valves across Campus, Testing of Drum Drips, Fire Pumps, Dry System Components, Wet System Components, Jockey Pumps and any integrated Fire Alarm monitoring equipment. Responding to related emergencies. Ensuring Buildings maintain Fire Safety Code Requirements.
• May serve in or represent the Supervisor at various meetings that may impact the unit.
• Enhances professional knowledge and skills by attending job-related seminars, workshops, and conferences and/or reviewing published literature.

Performs other work related duties as requested. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a high school diploma/GED, or, a Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications

Ability to physically perform job duties, including: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling a variety of equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Nicet Fire Alarm Systems Lvl.1 (strongly desired)
• Nicet Fire Alarm Systems Lvl.2 (preferred)
• Nicet Sprinkler Inspect & Test (willingness to obtain within a period of time)
• Intermediate computer skills with Windows 7, Microsoft Office Suite, and various web browsing software platforms. Proficient with computerized tools and testing equipment.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Looking for an individual with the following characteristics:

• Commitment to GW's values
• Intellectual, professional and a person of integrity
• Honest, with the highest ethical standards
• Passionate, collaborative, strategic, and smart with a hands-on, roll-up-the-sleeves orientation
• Ability to work independently. Self-starter; hard worker. Takes initiative; very high energy
• Personally accountable. Assumes ownership, control and accountability for all areas of responsibility and commitments made to others;
• Sincere, open, and direct communicator. Puts organizational interests above self- interests and is comfortable expressing candid opinions
• Highest levels of responsiveness
• Combination of strong intellect that is combined with a practical and realistic common sense understanding of how to get things done
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, a strong desire to succeed and exert the extraordinary effort often required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high growth, entrepreneurial environment
• Ability to work with faculty and staff in a respectful way
• Establish trust and credibility with institutional leadership and across the University
• Seeks "win-win" solutions to help foster continued integration and collaboration
• Flexible and receptive to change; and
• A positive "can-do" attitude.
• Must be responsive to after-hours calls from associates and other colleagues.

Hiring Range

$20.42 - $26.47

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: Division of Safety and Operation

Family: Safety and Facilities

Sub-Family: General Trades

Stream: Service and Support

Level: Level 1

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday- Friday to include a Holiday, after-hours, Overnight and Weekend Rotating schedule

Will this job require the employee to work on site?: Yes

Employee Onsite Status: Essential onsite

Telework: No

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants: Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only?: No

Posting Number: S014474

Job Open Date: 09/18/2026

Job Close Date:

Background Screening

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?