Water-Based Suppression Systems Technician

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

13+ paid holidays annually

Parental and community service leave

Health plan options

Retirement through the Virginia Public

Tuition assistance and professional 开发

Employee wellness program

Job summary

The University of Virginia’s Facilities Management is seeking a Water-Based Suppression Systems Technician to maintain, diagnose, repair, install, and test water-based fire suppression systems across UVA hospitals, laboratories, and high-occupancy academic buildings. This role operates with independence on daily tasks and provides technical support to ensure code-compliant, reliable protection.

You will join the Fire and Life Safety team and participate in standby rotations to support a 24/7

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least four years of experience with fire suppression systems and pipe fitting.
• NICET Certification; Valid Driver’s License; Backflow License preferred or obtained within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Install, test, inspect, maintain, and repair water-based fire suppression systems and components.
• Diagnose system issues and implement corrective actions for reliability and code compliance.
• Conduct inspections and testing per building codes, regulations, and NFPA standards.
• Review plans/drawings for compliance; participate in project inspections and system commissioning.
• Remove/install/calibrate/repair equipment per standards and manufacturer requirements.
• Measure, cut, and install materials safely for system repairs and modifications.
• Maintain documentation and verify completion of corrective actions.
• Ensure safety equipment usage and accident prevention procedures.
• Communicate with team for operational goals; participate in standby rotations as needed.

Skills

Fire suppression systems

Pipe fitting

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

On-call availability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The University of Virginia’s Facilities Management is seeking a skilled and motivated professional to serve as a Water-Based Suppression Systems Technician. As a member of the Fire and Life Safety team, this position is responsible for maintaining, diagnosing, repairing, installing, and testing water-based fire suppression systems across complex academic and hospital environments.

The successful candidate will bring strong mechanical and electrical aptitude and experience working with systems such as fire pumps, backflow assemblies, and wet, dry, and pre-action sprinkler systems. In a University setting that includes hospitals, research laboratories, residential buildings, and high-occupancy academic facilities, fire suppression systems must remain in a constant state of readiness. This role directly supports the safety of patients, students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Operating with independence in daily assignments and receiving supervisory guidance on complex matters, the Technician serves as a key technical contributor to ensuring reliable and code-compliant fire protection systems.

Responsibilities

• Install, test, inspect, maintain, and repair water-based fire suppression systems and associated devices and components.
• Diagnose system issues and implement corrective actions to ensure operational reliability and code compliance.
• Conduct required inspections and testing in accordance with applicable building codes, state regulations, and NFPA standards.
• Review plans and drawings for compliance and participate in project inspections and system commissioning.
• Remove, install, calibrate, and repair equipment according to specified standards and manufacturer requirements.
• Measure, cut, and install materials safely and effectively to complete system repairs and modifications.
• Maintain documentation and verify completion of corrective actions.
• Ensure availability and proper use of required safety equipment, protective devices, and accident prevention procedures.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with team members, supervisors, and stakeholders to meet operational goals.
• Participate in standby (on-call) rotations and work modified schedules or overtime as needed to support a 24/7 healthcare and academic environment.

Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Experience: At least four years of experience with fire suppression systems and pipe fitting

Licensure: NICET Certification; Valid Driver’s License; Backflow License (Preferred or obtained within 12 months)

Compensation

The Anticipated Hiring Range for this position is $27.00 - $32.00 ($56,160 - $66,560 Annually), commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position with UVA benefits.

• 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

This position requires bending, stooping, twisting, lifting less than 50 lbs. daily and more than 50 lbs. occasionally, climbing ladders, utilizing aerial lifts, crawl spaces, attics, and stairs and using both hands to perform assigned duties. Must be able to read, speak, sit, stand, walk, use your hands, and reach.

This position will remain open until filled.

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter at [e-mail].

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.