Fire Sprinkler Inspector

UW Facilities Maintenance & Construction has an outstanding opportunity for a Fire Sprinkler Technician/Inspector.

About the role

Perform work in the operation, inspection, testing, servicing and maintenance of complex fire protection sprinkler systems and life safety systems on the University of Washington Seattle Campus.

Position is based at the University of Washington Main Campus and is not eligible for telework.

Responsibilities

• Perform journey-level pipefitting/sprinkler fitting work in the maintenance, repair and construction of fire protection sprinkler systems under the direction of the supervisor and lead.
• Perform and assist in five-year and annual confidence testing and certification of wet and dry fire sprinkler systems, winterization of systems, with UW personnel or contractors as required.
• Maintain, repair, and inspect fire sprinkler systems, piping, tanks, pressure vessels, and compressed air systems.
• Troubleshoot complex operational problems related to fire sprinkler systems; develop and implement solutions to these problems.
• Review, initiate, and retrieve work orders using UW’s AiM Workdesk system and assigned tablet computer.
• Operate vehicles such as UW vans and trucks to transport tools, equipment, and personnel to various job sites.
• Operate machinery such as fork-lifts, scissor-lifts, and high rangers.
• Use and operate a variety of power tools, drill presses, grinders, band saws, hand drills, pneumatic tools, small hand tools, specialized apparatuses, and test equipment.
• Read and interpret plans, blueprints, sketches, and specifications; construct, lay out or plan piping assemblies with respect to walls, structures, and other obstructions, allowing for expansion, contraction, and alignment in accordance with pipefitting practice.
• Research and coordinate technical issues related to requests for shutdowns of fire sprinkler systems and other systems to avoid or minimize disruptions of service to the campus.
• Keep leads and supervisors informed of project status, work progress, material needs, equipment requirements, and construction scheduling impacts.
• Coordinate with EH&S Fire Protection Engineers, department heads, campus engineering, construction coordinators, contractors, facilities trades, building occupants, and other clients to schedule and plan required work for operational needs.
• Respond to emergencies such as fire sprinkler systems in trouble condition to minimize or prevent loss of property, damage to research activities, and disruption to life-safety systems.
• Perform all work in accordance with applicable safety rules, environmental regulatory requirements, and SDS documents; maintain records as required according to environmental requirements.
• Coordinate with Campus Engineering, Capital Projects Office, contractors, Facilities Services trades, building occupants, and other clients regarding status of problems and repairs.
• Field phone calls and e-mails to answer requests, questions, etc., of clients and others.
• Prepare Pre-Task Plans and/or Job Hazard Assessments (JHA’s) to facilitate the safe completion of all work assigned.
• Support management directives and uphold the mission, vision, and values of Maintenance & Construction (M&C).
• Follow all University and Facilities Services policies and procedures.
• Use safe work practices working around and be knowledgeable of asbestos and lead-containing materials.

Requirements

• Possession of a valid Seattle Fire Dept AS-3 Certification and all applicable licenses; must successfully retest as long as employed as a Fire Sprinkler Technician/Inspector in UW Facilities, M&C.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license recognized by the State of Washington and a good driving record.
• Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter, OR full journey status as a plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter in a union, OR four years' applicable work experience. Vocational training may be substituted for work experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Familiarity with performing SFD Compliance Engine confidence testing.
• Experience working with Washington State L&I safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to work in a diverse workforce.
• Ability to work outdoors under all weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff on portable hand-held radios with the Seattle Fire Department, University Police Department, and other Facilities Services staff.
• Ability to lift or carry heavy objects, work in confined spaces, restricted movement areas, mechanical/electrical spaces, and around operating equipment such as boilers, fans, pumps, and transformers for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights.
• Must maintain a professional appearance, including wearing a daily uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to the job task and area.
• Willingness to work in BL2 and BL3 labs (shower in – shower out facilities).
• Ability to work in a non-smoking environment.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experienced Fire Sprinkler Technician/Inspector working with complex and critical life-safety fire piping distribution systems for repair, service, maintenance, and operations of equipment, components, etc.
• Experience working independently as a Fire Systems technician for a licensed fire sprinkler contractor or as an employee of a public agency.
• Demonstrated ability to work with clients for scheduling building fire system shutdowns and inconveniences.
• Ability to work independently to improvise necessary system component repairs.
• Experience in applicable basic desktop computer skills, maintenance work request and work order programs, and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, or Bluebeam.

Conditions of Employment

• This position is subject to callback outside normal working hours (nights, weekends, holidays) and mandatory scheduled and unscheduled overtime to respond to emergencies on an as-needed, scheduled on-call, or standby basis.

Schedule

Full time, Monday through Friday, 06:25am – 02:55pm.

Pay

Pay Range Minimum: $83,268.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum: $110,964.00 annual

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/.

About the Team

UW Facilities (UWF) manages the University’s buildings, infrastructure, and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a diverse set of roles. Our organization is comprised of multiple groups including Operations, Asset Management, Campus Energy Utilities & Operations, and other smaller units. Operations is the largest group in UWF and has the most direct responsibility for ensuring the University is ready for business each day. Operations include the Building Services Department, Maintenance & Construction, Transportation Services, and Regulated Materials.

Maintenance & Construction (M&C) is responsible for general maintenance, repair, and renovations of all University of Washington (UW) main campus facilities including building interiors, exteriors, and grounds, as well as logistics, moving, and disposal of surplus equipment and furniture.