Fire Protection Specialist

Department : FMC - Central Plant Salary : Commensurate with education and experience. Description : The Fire Protection Specialist is responsible for the inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of fire protection and life safety systems to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations. This role supports the safety of personnel, protection of property, and readiness of fire suppression and detection equipment. Assists with and oversees fire protection inspection and testing. Conducts regular inspections and functional tests of fire alarms, sprinklers, and other systems and ensures systems remain operational. Assists with system maintenance. Manages repair schedules and preventative maintenance for fire protection and HVAC systems and helps to maintain records of inspections, tests, and repairs for compliance purposes. Assists with emergency system activations. Evaluates system performance during drills or real emergencies and coordinates troubleshooting and system adjustments after activations. Works to ensure that fire protection systems adhere to NFPA standards and other applicable codes. Assists with other Operations HVAC duties as needed. Duties: Coordinates with and oversees contractors who install, maintain, and repair fire alarm devices, panels and related equipment. Conducts regular inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance of fire protection systems including sprinklers, fire pumps, alarms, smoke/heat detectors, extinguishers, and special suppression systems. Monitors the building fire protection and automation systems for alarms and trouble calls. Performs preventative maintenance procedures to fire protection equipment in accordance to established schedules. Troubleshoots, repairs, and replaces defective components in fire alarm panels, sprinkler systems, fire hydrants, and related equipment. Maintains accurate service records, inspection logs, and documentation in accordance with NFPA, state, and local fire codes. Responds to emergency service calls to assess and restore fire protection system functionality. Trains other staff in fire protection system maintenance and repair, record keeping, and inspections. Works with operations staff in support of HVAC systems and equipment on campus and performs related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: High School diploma (or GED) plus 2 years of education beyond high school in college or technical school OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Training in fire protection systems. Minimum three years of experience overseeing and maintaining fire safety systems such as alarms, sprinklers, specialty or other systems. Preferred Qualifications: Technical degree, certification or experience in fire protection systems. Five years of experience in fire protection safety in a university or school system setting. Universal license. NICET certification in fire protection (level II minimum) State fire protection license(s) or sprinkler/alarms technician license Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of NFPA standards and regulations. Knowledge of fire protection system inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance. Knowledge of coordinating contractors to service fire suppression, alarm, and other fire safety systems. Knowledge of HVAC, including central and distributed systems. Skills in installing and maintaining alarm devices and related equipment, including HVAC equipment. Understanding and knowledge of troubleshooting and repair of fire alarm panels, sprinkler systems, fire hydrants, and related equipment. Ability to maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation in accordance with NFPA, state, and local fire codes. Ability to conduct and oversee inspections and tests of installed fire protection systems. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals. Ability to respond to building HVAC, fire and automation systems for alarms and trouble calls. All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. This position also requires a motor vehicle background check. The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply. University of Houston System