Sr. Fire Alarm Technician

Fire Alarm Technician

Under the leadership and guidance of Fire Alarm Field Representative, installs, repairs, services, and tests fire alarm systems and related systems in schools, offices, and other facilities. Performs specialized skilled electrical duties pertaining to fire alarm systems. Guides and coordinates to support the work with electricians, contractors, and others.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Installs, repairs, services, and tests fire alarms in school buildings, offices, portables, and modular classrooms. Guides and coordinates the work of less experienced employees.
• Maintains fire alarm testing and inspection programs and schedules. Ensures fire alarm systems have passed inspection.
• Diagnoses alarm malfunctions. Responds to alarm malfunctions. Performs skilled electrical work.
• Meets with school administrators, staff, and others regarding fire alarms and related matters. Meets with subcontractors on projects.
• Records and maintains accurate records of work performed, time and materials used. Prepares lists to ensure efficient use of parts and supplies to be requisitioned for assigned jobs. Maintains accurate records of inventory of parts and supplies.
• Responds to emergency incidents such as those resulting from fire damage, storm damage, and vandalism.
• Communicates appropriately and frequently with faculty, school administrators, supervisor/manager(s) and other employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education, Training, and Experience:

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent. Four years of experience in electrical installation, repair, and maintenance work involving fire alarm systems.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid class C Maryland driver's license or an equivalent is required.
• Possession of a Baltimore County Electrician's License Restricted (Low Voltage) or an equivalent preferred.
• Required licensure must be maintained throughout employment within this classification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of fire alarms and associated systems. Knowledge of the principles and practices of the installation, repair, and maintenance of fire alarms and associated systems. Knowledge of the tools, equipment, and materials used in fire alarm and electrical repair, maintenance, and installation. Knowledge of electrical and fire codes. Knowledge of safety standards and procedures.
• Skill in the installation, maintenance, and repair of fire alarms and electrically operated equipment and appliances. Skill in installing and repairing electrical circuitry and electrical components. Skill in reading and interpreting electrical codes, blueprints, plans, and schematics. Skill in diagnosing and resolving problems with fire alarms. Skill in managing fire alarm projects. Skill in supervising in-house staff and contractors. Skill in communicating effectively. Skill in the use of database, spreadsheet, and word processing software is preferred.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• The work of this class entails heavy physical labor including frequent walking, standing, kneeling, reaching, bending, digging, lifting, and carrying objects of moderate to heavy weight, ascending/descending ladders, scaffolds, stairs and the use of tools and equipment.
• Works in confined spaces in proximity to loud machinery, frequently requires accessing and positioning oneself to reach limited access spaces including but not limited to crawl spaces, roofs, trenches, pits, manholes, attics, and tunnels.
• Recognizes exposure to live circuits and/or operating machinery in adverse weather conditions and travel to sites throughout Baltimore County.

This document describes the duties and responsibilities of a position or group of positions. It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Persons appointed to this classification are designated as Essential Personnel and are required to work when schools and/or offices are closed during adverse weather conditions or any other emergency.

In addition to working the assigned work schedule, persons appointed to this class work scheduled overtime and must be available for emergency overtime when the need arises by responding to overtime calls before and after standard scheduled hours of work.

Persons appointed to this class may be requested to work an alternative schedule or shift temporarily as designated by supervisor.

License to drive in the State of Maryland and the ability to drive a pickup truck or van is required.

License(s) required for this position are subject to verification and must be maintained in good and active standing during the duration of employment without lapse. Employees unable to attain the required licensure, a lapse or void in valid/active licensure may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Attendance and participation in training and related activities to attain low voltage licensure and/or low voltage work certifications.

Some positions in this class must be physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations and must remain physically qualified to operate such vehicles throughout their employment. Persons holding a commercial driver's license (CDL) are subject to alcohol and drug testing in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations and Board of Education policy.

Salary: Pay rates range from $25.99 - $39.16 per hour.

Grade: 09/American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) pay scale. Visit the BCPS Office of Payroll website for additional information on pay scales, other compensation and leave accruals at Office of Payroll - Baltimore County Public Schools.

Other Compensation: This position may also be eligible for comp time as per the AFSCME Master Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding. Visit the BCPS website for additional information at

Retirement and Benefits Eligibility

Retirement: Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System.

Benefits: BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans, dental plans, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include paid holidays, sick, personal business, and bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA, sick bank, and board approved leaves. All new hires will attend a benefits meeting upon hire. Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees at

This document describes the duties and responsibilities of a position. It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Application Instructions:

Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Information on your resume and application must match. This information is necessary for salary determination should you receive an offer of employment.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers and university/college supervisors. Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc. will not be accepted.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment. Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application may result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be the only document considered in determining your qualifications for a position.
• You MUST attach your unofficial transcript(s) or license(s) to your application if you applying for a position as a teacher or position which requires Licensure/Certification.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• All people employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools, regular and temporary, are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (per COMAR) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $109.
• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US.
• If you have military experience, you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214.
• Official transcripts will be required upon hire and must be sent via escript/clearinghouse from your university.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.