Fire Security Systems Technician

The Fire & Security Systems Technician's purpose is to provide skilled work to ensure safe and effective operation of fire alarm and security systems, and therefore, the learning environment (safety) within Vanderbilt University's buildings. This position is responsible for the commissioning, retro-commissioning, testing, maintenance, modification, repairs and record keeping of fire alarm and security systems, utilizing knowledge of security systems, fire alarm systems, emergency egress/lighting and sprinkler monitor panels. This includes such hardware as sensors, panels, wiring, power supplies, interface modules, manual pull stations as well as system operating manuals and engineered drawings.

About the Work Unit:

Facilities provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center.

Facilities annual budget exceeds $100 million in operating expenses and includes over 400 employees. This branch manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$125 million annually and facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually. The Facilities Business Operations Center provides support to the entire department, specifically regarding the areas of Finance, Employee Relations, Systems, Contracts and General Administration.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Maintain, repair, test, monitor and modify campus wide networked, addressable and manual fire alarm systems to sustain safe building operations, Life Safety systems and suppression systems in normal and unusual conditions.

• Determine nature and depth of malfunctions and initiate action to repair, or provide information to resolve and/or modify operating parameters.

• Perform all Test and Inspect duties (i.e. cleaning detectors, test initiating & indicating devices, acknowledge and reset alarm signals) as per codes.

• Simulate alarm conditions at initiating points by using test switches and values or by carefully applying heat or test smoke.

• Complete detailed test records and file/store as required.

• Refer to and understand engineering drawings and fire and security systems operating manuals.

• Provide sketches of changes and discrepancies for engineering to modify drawings.

• Work with Campus Planning and Construction during new project and renovation design, vendor commissioning and Vanderbilt University acceptance to ensure the systems meet or exceed Vanderbilt specifications for performance and code compliance prior to hand-off to Plant Operations.

• Prepare for on-site installation and repairs by examining building layout, anticipating difficulties, gathering materials and coordinating on-site work as necessary.

• Use a variety of hand tools and interpret system drawings, plans and specifications to mount, assemble and test conventional and addressable systems.

• Complete reports on a daily basis to ensure accurate record management of labor, material, and cost.

• Research and recommend repair components and test equipment to assist management in calculating costs of repairs and upgrades.

• Provide mentorship to other team members on fire safety and security strategies and systems.

• Conduct extensive self study to improve and maintain technical proficiency in building fire and security products, systems and codes. Attend and comply with Safety Training.

• Must have ability to walk, stand, climb ladders and lift at least 50 lbs. as required.

• Maintain flexibility to work overtime/weekends, as required.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively to the Controls Specialist Supervisor.

Education and Certifications:

• Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent.

• Formal Electronics/Instrumentation training such as vocational/technical school, trade school, military, or apprenticeship is desired.

• NICET I and II certification is a plus.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of four (4) years experience in all phases of fire and security systems work, including rough wiring, wiring of devices and panels, and layout and installation of alarm devices and other system components.

• Strong working knowledge of fire alarm codes (i.e. NFPA 72), including Tennessee and Davidson County codes is desired.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience with computerized service request system.

• Excellent customer service skills

• Proven ability to work with a team of multi-crafted trades people

• Basic computer user skills are required to access computerized service request system and Microsoft office products

• Knowledge and experience with Honeywell, and SimplexGrinnell systems is a plus.