Fire Alarm Technician (Electronic Equipment Technician I)

About the Role

This position performs tasks related to testing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing critical commercial building fire detection and fire suppression systems and components. It includes preventative maintenance of life safety systems and requires staying current with local, state, and national codes. The role is designated as essential personnel and may require a flexible working schedule, site rotation, on-call duties, callback, and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair electronic and electromechanical equipment specific to fire detection and suppression systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance on life safety systems and components.
• Stay current with local, state, and national codes related to fire safety.
• Work under general direction and supervision of a Chief Building Engineer and/or Facilities Manager.

Requirements

• High school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education.
• Completion of an apprentice-level vocational training program in electronics.
• One year of experience in the maintenance and repair of electronic and electromechanical equipment.
• Valid driver’s license.
• NFPA Certified Fire Alarm ITM Specialist (CFAITMS) within twelve months of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• NICET Level I Certification in Fire Alarm Systems.
• 1–2 years of experience inspecting, testing, or maintaining fire alarm and/or fire suppression systems.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, such as NFPA 72 and basic life safety requirements.
• Experience with low-voltage systems, including fire alarm panels, initiating devices, notification appliances, and related field equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, including wiring diagrams, blueprints, equipment manuals, and inspection reports.
• Bilingual in English and another language (e.g., Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs for short periods and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Frequent work near moving parts.
• Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet to enter tight spaces.
• Climb and descend ladders up to 20 feet and work in physically fatiguing positions for long periods.
• Ascend and descend stairs, ramps, and multi-story buildings (up to 12 stories).
• Wear and use respirators and OSHA-required PPE.
• Pushing, pulling, seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hands, arms, feet, or legs.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
• Work in various weather conditions (heat, rain, snow, high humidity, etc.).
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Selection may include a panel interview and an exercise. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination and provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities during the application and interview process.