Lead Fire Alarm Technician

Lead Fire Alarm Technician - Baltimore

About the Company

Guardian Fire Protection Services, LLC is a leading provider of fire protection, life safety, and security solutions, proudly serving the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southeast regions for more than 45 years. Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, Guardian operates 24 offices across 8 states and supports more than 90,000 customers across a wide range of industries. Guardian delivers comprehensive, end-to-end service across the fire, life safety, and security industries. Our capabilities include fire sprinklers, fire alarms and monitoring, fire pumps, extinguishers, special hazards systems, marine fire protection, and integrated security solutions that include access control systems and CCTV. Our continued growth is fueled by deep technical expertise, trusted customer relationships, strong business performance, and a disciplined acquisition strategy that ensures consistent quality and service across all locations.

Our People & Culture

At Guardian and our affiliated companies, our people are the foundation of our success. We're committed to hiring and developing talented, passionate professionals who share our mission to protect lives and property. As we continue to grow, we offer meaningful career opportunities within a dynamic organization focused on customer service, technical expertise, collaboration, and long-term success.

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About the Opportunity

Guardian is seeking an experienced Lead Fire Alarm Technician to perform fire alarm system service, inspection, troubleshooting, repair, installation, programming, testing, and commissioning for commercial customers.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of hands-on fire alarm experience , with advanced knowledge of fire alarm systems and a strong understanding of applicable NFPA and local code requirements. Experience with special hazard systems, including FM-200 and Halon, is preferred , and NICET certification is a plus.

This position will be responsible for both service and installation activities , including leading and supporting new fire alarm system installations, system modifications, device replacements, system expansions, and retrofit projects. The Lead Fire Alarm Technician will be expected to read and interpret fire alarm drawings, coordinate installation activities, properly install and terminate system components, program and configure systems, and complete testing and commissioning to ensure systems operate properly and comply with applicable codes and manufacturer requirements.

The Lead Fire Alarm Technician will work directly with customers, general contractors, project managers, and other trades and may be responsible for providing direction and technical guidance to other technicians and apprentices on installation and service projects. The position requires strong technical, organizational, communication, and customer service skills and must be available for scheduled on-call rotation.

Compensation

• Hourly pay; rate is dependent on candidate's experience and qualifications
• Potential quarterly bonuses
• Any hours worked between 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. are paid at time-and-a-half for every day of the week
• Paid 4-hour minimum at the time-and-a-half rate for emergency service calls
• Paid 4-hour minimum at the double-time rate for emergency service calls on recognized holidays, in addition to 8 hours of holiday pay at the regular rate

Job Duties

Fire Alarm Installation

• Lead and perform installation of commercial fire alarm systems, including new construction, retrofit, expansion, and system replacement projects.
• Read and interpret fire alarm system drawings, wiring diagrams, specifications, and installation documents.
• Install fire alarm control panels, initiating devices, notification appliances, modules, power supplies, batteries, annunciators, and other related equipment.
• Install and terminate fire alarm wiring and associated raceway, conduit, cable, and components in accordance with approved plans, applicable codes, and manufacturer specifications.
• Properly identify, label, terminate, and test wiring and system components.
• Program and configure fire alarm control panels and associated system components.
• Perform device addressing, point-to-point testing, system configuration, and system startup.
• Conduct functional testing and commissioning of newly installed or modified fire alarm systems.
• Identify and correct installation deficiencies, wiring issues, programming problems, and equipment malfunctions.
• Coordinate installation activities with project managers, general contractors, electricians, other trades, and customers.
• Provide technical direction and leadership to other technicians and apprentices working on installation projects.
• Ensure installations are completed safely, professionally, and in accordance with project specifications, applicable NFPA standards, local codes, and manufacturer requirements.
• Assist with inspections, testing, and acceptance testing with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), as required.

Service, Inspection & Repair

• Test and inspect fire alarm systems in commercial buildings.
• Respond to service requests and diagnose fire alarm system malfunctions.
• Troubleshoot, adjust, repair, or replace fire alarm equipment as needed to restore proper operation and compliance.
• Perform fire alarm system testing and inspections in accordance with NFPA standards, local codes, and manufacturer requirements.
• Troubleshoot and repair fire alarm control panels, initiating devices, notification appliances, wiring, power supplies, batteries, and related equipment.
• Perform system modifications, additions, device replacements, and other service-related installations.
• Inspect and service special hazard suppression systems, including FM-200 and Halon, when qualified and required.
• Prepare accurate and timely inspection, testing, service, and installation reports.
• Clearly communicate system deficiencies, recommended repairs, and completed work to customers.

Leadership & Customer Service

• Serve as a technical leader on assigned service and installation projects.
• Provide guidance and training to less experienced technicians and apprentices.
• Maintain a professional relationship with customers, general contractors, vendors, and other project stakeholders.
• Explain system operation, deficiencies, repairs, and recommended corrective actions to customers in a clear and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate service tickets, installation documentation, inspection reports, testing records, and other required paperwork.
• Ensure assigned work is completed efficiently, safely, and according to company quality standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on fire alarm industry experience preferred.
• Previous experience with both fire alarm service and installation required.
• Valid driver's license with 3 or fewer points is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of licensed driving experience is required.
• Advanced knowledge of fire alarm system diagnostics, troubleshooting, programming, and repair preferred.
• NICET certification preferred, but not required.
• Experience reading and interpreting fire alarm plans, drawings, wiring diagrams, and specifications.
• Experience installing, terminating, testing, programming, and commissioning commercial fire alarm systems.
• Functional knowledge and experience working with fire alarm systems from manufacturers such as Simplex, Notifier, Potter, Silent Knight, and Fire-Lite .
• Experience performing special hazard suppression system inspection, testing, service, and repair is a plus, particularly FM-200 and Halon systems.
• Experience with special hazard releasing programming is highly valued, particularly Kidde and Potter.
• Knowledge of applicable NFPA standards, local fire codes, and manufacturer requirements.
• Ability to lead and direct installation and service activities and provide technical guidance to other technicians.
• Ability to be available for on-call rotation when scheduled.
• Must be comfortable working on ladders 6 to 12 feet and on lifts.
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs., work overhead, and work in unusual or confined spaces such as attics and crawl spaces.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and explain work performed and repairs that may be necessary.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete accurate service, inspection, and installation documentation.
• Must be well organized and able to manage multiple service tickets, projects, and required documentation.

Benefits

• 401K with a company match
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Company paid Short Term Disability
• Company paid Long Term Disability
• Company paid Life and AD&D insurance
• Pre-tax accounts for health and dependent care
• Aflac
• Vacation and Personal time
• Paid holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement

Guardian Fire Protection Services is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because he or she is an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

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