Fire Alarm Technician

About Us:

Northstar Fire Protection of Texas is a Texas based company. Northstar has been on the forefront of the fire protection industry since 1980. With offices in Austin, Lewisville, Houston, San Antonio, and Atlanta, GA we have grown to be a nationally recognized company. Northstar engineers, fabricates, and installs fire sprinkler & fire alarm systems for structures including commercial, government, healthcare, high-rise condominiums and mixed-use projects.

We joined Shambaugh & Son, L.P., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of EMCOR Group, Inc. and together we perform more than $800 million of construction projects per year with over 2,700 employees throughout 50 states from our home office in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

We recognize people as our most important resource and it is our mission to produce the industry’s highest level of quality services and productivity on every project in order to develop repeat customers, maximize return on investment, and provide professional growth opportunities for people in the organization.

Job Summary: Perform fire alarm system inspection, testing, repair and service call activity. Ability to troubleshoot, install and service on multiple different system manufacturers of electronic fire alarm systems and other related building system products at customer sites. Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, submittals, specifications, software/systems programs, schematics and operational product manuals. Manage daily call activity and program system products, including networking and programming. Proactively assist customers with all questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner. Technician must have an understanding of requirements in accordance with NFPA 72, Underwriter’s Laboratory and local Authorities Having Jurisdiction. Performs other related tasks as assigned. Programming experience is highly desired on multiple system types/manufacturers. If you enjoy being a part of a growing Service group this is the job for you!!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform on-site inspection, testing, troubleshooting, repair and installation of fire alarm, suppression and releasing systems as well as associated devices in accordance with industry standards.
• Responsible for reading and understanding assigned project documentation and work orders including scope of work for inspections, and determine if additional information is needed.
• Inform Coordinator of any problems and concerns with assigned projects.
• Develop a thorough understanding of integrating a fire alarm system with HVAC controls, smoke management systems, elevator controllers, sprinkler/suppression systems, card access, security systems and CCTV.
• Have thorough understanding of the principles of fire alarm protection and fire alarm systems. Understand the specific arrangement and operation of a suppression system(s) and a releasing function(s) and be aware of the hazards associated with inadvertent system discharge for the purpose of inspection, testing and maintenance.
• Report to assignment with required testing tools including suitable multi-meter, hand tools, printer, etc
• Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, software/systems, programs, schematics and operation/product manuals consistent with the level of training received.
• Prepare associated paperwork/forms for customer service activities. Return completed documentation required for master customer file, future inspections, service, accounting and payroll in a timely manner as required by procedures.
• Maintain confidential information related to services performed.

Qualifications:

• 
  Education: Minimum of High School Diploma/GED; 2-4 year degree in a technical field from accredited college or university. Immediately Pursue/Obtain/maintain a NICET II, but not required.
  
  • Experience: Minimum 4 years’ experience in the installation of low voltage systems, including Fire/Life Safety Systems, Access Control Systems, Nurse Call Systems, Paging Systems, High-Rise Smoke Control Systems, School Clock Systems, and Telephone Systems.
  • Have fundamental knowledge of test equipment including multi-meters, digital analyzers, frequency meters, decibel meters, and communicating devices.
  • Must be able to understand Ohm's law, resistance and AC/DC circuits
  • Must be able to effectively handle stressful situations and have the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse groups
  Additional Skills & Abilities:
  
  • Proficient in the use of personal computers including such programs as MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, IOS and database (software) programs
  • Have a working knowledge of test equipment including multi-meters, digital analyzers, frequency meters, decibel meters, and communicating devices
  • Must have the ability to lift/move equipment and tools weighing up to 50 lbs. Perform work in unusual and sometimes difficult positions such as climbing ladders, scaffolding and high lift equipment up to 40 feet, working in ducts, crawl spaces, above ceilings, etc.
• Most work is performed indoors; some site work conditions are similar to typical construction projects
  Other:
  
  • Valid driver’s license with clear driving record
  • Ability to work a full time schedule
  • Overtime may be required for this position with short notice
  • Available for travel, which may include nights and weekends to accommodate customer’s schedule