Fire Alarm Technician, Apprentice

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 19 days ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 24 May 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department FS-Bldg Svcs-LSAC-LS Systems-245302
Career Area Facilities and Skilled Trades
Is this an internal only recruitment? No
Posting Open Date 05/14/2024
Application Deadline 05/24/2024
Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Facility Maint Tech - MechTrd - Contributing
Salary Grade Equivalent GN05
Working Title Fire Alarm Technician, Apprentice
Position Number 20064244
Vacancy ID P019086
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent
If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Work Location Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $35,099 - $41,736
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet .

Position Summary Information


Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
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 400 campus buildings with approximately 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, and Life Safety Services. 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. These areas include but are not limited to: the Central Alarm Receiving System (CARS), all fire alarm detection and suppression systems, security and CCTV systems, key control, accessibility controllers, Biometric and Card Access, equipment alarm systems, and backup power emergency generators. Additionally, this unit supports all facets of Facilities Services, Energy Services, Environment Health & Safety, Public Safety, Facilities Planning & Construction, and Residential Student Housing in their efforts to support the campus community, all of which contribute to the University’s mission of teaching, research and public service.
Position Summary
Serves as a team member of the Life Safety/Electronics-Specialty Shop and supports the mission in the section’s daily functions and responsibilities, which include but are not limited to assisting with performing routine and preventive maintenance (PM) inspections on Life Safety, Fire Detection and Suppression systems, Security, CCTV, Equipment Monitoring Systems, and other miscellaneous electronic systems and subsystems. Also assists in installations and modifications to Life Safety, fire detection and suppression systems, Card Access, Security, CCTV, and Equipment Monitoring Systems.
Assists in performing PMs and repairs on Life Safety systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications, NFPA12A, NFPA25, NFPA72 and the International Fire Code. Obtains and maintains licensure to legally perform inspections of these systems by the N.C. State Board of Examiners, which also requires additional National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) certifications. Specific Life Safety system manufacturer certifications must also be obtained and maintained to perform any repairs or system modifications. The section currently maintains five different manufacturer system certifications.
This position is part of the Life Safety apprenticeship program. This program is a career pathway in which individuals obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and nationally recognized skill credentials in the fire alarm trade. Apprentice will attend community college classes at night or on the weekends throughout the apprenticeship. Any qualifying courses completed before entering the program will be considered for program completion.
On successful completion of the program, the apprentice will receive the US Department of Labor Journeyman status and will be eligible for a journey-level position.
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
Interest in electronic technology theory and the ability to apply such in a troubleshooting and repair application, not restricted to the system and subsystem level, but further into the circuit board component level. Knowledge of various computer operating systems and programs to perform routine maintenance on all micro-processor based systems to achieve problem resolution. Ability to use laptop computers for system diagnostic interrogations, troubleshooting, programming; and the ability to configure different system peripheral printers for extraction of required system histories and sensitivity report generations.
Ability to learn NFPA, NEC, NCBC, NCDOI, NC SCO, IFC and ADA codes, rules, and regulations to perform installations and upgrades of systems supported. Ability to use laptop computers and various computer operating systems and programs to perform system programming on all micro-processor based systems. Ability to apply specialized programming of security systems and equipment alarm systems, to ensure system integrity and individual customer/departmental application needs are met. 
Ability to provide support for Bio-Safety Level (BSL) 2+ and 3 labs, which requires a baseline blood draw and a physical. Entry into hot labs, with an Environment Health & Safety escort required. Ability to wear respiratory protection, receive annual medical certification, and be fit tested and trained.
Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential (mandatory) 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 certifications in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems and Fire Alarm Systems. Individuals not holding these licenses/certifications are required to gain licenses and certification within four (4) years. 
NC Driver’s License or ability to obtain one prior to start date.
Ability to read basic english and communicate effectively. Must be able to understand basic arithmetic calculations that may be needed within each trade.
Positive attitude, willingness to be taught, a team player and possessing a good work ethic are critical traits trainees must demonstrate. Candidates without those traits will not be successful in this program. It is essential that participants be able to take initiative, be motivated, and want to learn and work.
Trainees will be paired with more experienced staff every day. Interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Experience in the Fire Alarm industry. Experience in the review of various phases of building design in reference to life safety systems. Experience in conducting system operational testing, inspections, and commissioning, in all aspects of Life Safety Systems. Experience working with state agencies, such as: NCDOI, NCDOL, and NC SCO. Experience in prioritizing, scheduling, assigning, and managing workload, including service orders, preventive maintenance programs, emergency requests and backlog. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Required Licenses/Certifications
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Ability to stand for long periods of time, work from lifts, climb ladders and/or work from scaffolding at least 10 ft. high, crawl under buildings, enter manholes and/or work in confined spaces, stoop, squat, and ability to move objects weighing 40 lb. or more overhead with or without reasonable accommodation.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements Overtime occasionally, Valid NC Driver’s License
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/280585

Contact Information


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 (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
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.

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