Fire Sprinkler and Suppression System Service and Repair Technician at InsideHigherEd

S3042

998017

Facility Maint Mech Tradesman

Fire Sprinkler and Suppression System Service and Repair Technician

Staff

Located in North Carolina’s third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal — helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University’s 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.

Facilities Operations has the responsibility of providing a wide range of services to all administrative departments, student programs, and all academic schools and departments. Services include all aspects of corrective and preventive maintenance, operations, grounds maintenance, housekeeping, utility infrastructure maintenance and operations, business operations, safety, regulatory compliance, project management, and renovations. These duties are conducted for a campus consisting of over 100 buildings totaling 6 million gross square feet on over 275 acres.

The primary purpose of the Fire Sprinkler and Suppression System Service and Repair Technician position is the calibration, maintenance, repair, replacement, testing and inspections of fire sprinkler and suppression systems in strict accordance with local codes and national standards (NFPA 13, NFPA 10, NFPA 96. NFPA 17A, NFPA 24, NFPA 291, NFPA 72, Life Safety 101, NEC 70, Universal Building Code, etc.).

The role requires expert knowledge and experience in inspecting, testing, troubleshooting, repairing and servicing fire sprinkler systems, fire risers, fire pumps, fire hydrants, fire backflow preventers, fire extinguishers, hood suppression systems, and other fire protection systems. The Service and Repair Technician will perform skilled maintenance and repair services in various buildings by working independently, and occasionally supervising Facility Electronic Technicians with less demonstrated skills.

This position requires the following valid fire protection trade licenses: Fire Sprinkler Technician License, Fire Suppression Technician License, Fire Sprinkler Backflow License and Fire Sprinkler T&I License, issued by the State of North Carolina.

This position also files all inspection reports for compliance to Department of Insurance. This position will supply afterhours on-call emergency service for the fire sprinkler and suppression systems as well.

This position is mandatory as defined in the Adverse Weather and Emergency Event Policy.

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR EQUIVALENCY; OR DEMONSTRATED POSSESSION OF THE COMPETENCIES NECESSARY TO PERFORM THE WORK. SOME POSITIONS MAY REQUIRE SPECIAL LICENSES OR CERTIFICATION. OPTIONAL GUIDELINES: EXPERIENCE IN THE TRADE AREA RELATED TO THE AREA OF ASSIGNMENT MAY BE SUBSTITUTED ON A YEAR-FOR-YEAR BASIS.

Individuals not holding a Limited Fire Sprinkler Maintenance License by the NC State Board of Examiners will be required to gain certification within 1-year post employment.
Individuals not holding a Limited Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners for inspection and testing of water-based systems will be required to gain certification within 1-year post employment.
Individuals not holding a Limited Fire Suppression Maintenance License by the NC State Board of Examiners will be required to gain certification within 1-year post employment.
Individuals not holding a Limited Fire Sprinkler Backflow License by the NC State Board of Examiners will be required to gain certification within 1-year post employment.

Driver’s License.

• Five to seven years’ experience in Fire Sprinkler maintenance, repair, replacement, testing and inspections of fire sprinkler and suppression systems.
• Experience in Fire Hood Suppression Systems.
• Experience in conducting Fire Suppression System operational testing, inspections, and commissioning.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing electrical components relevant to fire sprinkler and suppression systems.
• Experience in basic mechanical plumbing tasks.
• Experience in prioritizing, scheduling, assigning, and managing workload including: service orders, preventative maintenance programs, emergency requests and backlog.

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Applicants are required to upload a list of at least three (3) professional references that includes:

1. Name
2. Company Name
3. Type of reference (Professional, Supervisor, Colleague, Academic, or Personal). One (1) of those references will need to be a current or previous supervisor.
4. Email Address
5. Contact Phone Number

$57,095 – $63,439

Utility Operations - 56406

8:00 am - 4:30 pm, M-F

12

Operations and Skilled Trades

Facility Maint Mech Tradesman

11/04/2025

12/04/2025

1.000

Non-Exempt

Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

• Performs scheduled PM tasks on various Fire Suppression equipment and systems.
• Continually evaluates PM tasks and makes recommendations to PM Coordinator.
• Periodically surveys buildings to identify equipment not on PM program.
• Initiates corrective work orders for repairs discovered during PMs.
• Accomplishes corrective work orders in response to trouble calls.
• Maintains existing water-based fire sprinkler systems.
• Repair work may include limited replacement of pipe, fittings, sprinklers, valves, hangers, bracing, pumps and any other sprinkler system components required for repairs only and within the scope of certification.
• Performs preventive maintenance by inspecting and testing fire protection systems to verify that such systems are operational.

Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems

• Under general supervision, assists in the proper maintenance, operation, testing and inspections of fire/safety equipment, such as but not limited to fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and fire suppression systems.
• Understand fire sprinkler systems’ interface to fire alarm systems.
• Apply best practices while working around fire sprinkler machinery including high-voltage fire pump controllers and high-speed fire pumps.
• Install and connect electric components to fire alarm system.
• Perform maintenance, repair or replacements for fire dry system air compressors.
• Assist with the preparation and issuance of hot/burn permits.
• Problem-solve plumbing issues causing fire suppression or sprinkler leakage or other water issues.
• Replace pipe, fittings, sprinklers, valves, hangers, bracing, pumps and any other sprinkler system components that can be performed within the scope of a Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician license.
• Supervise testing and troubleshooting of water flow control valves (e.g. pressure-reducing valves, check valves, OS&Y valves, Butterfly valves, PIVs, etc.)
• Perform basic plumbing mechanical tasks such as pipe threading, pipe replacement, drain line installation, control valve and water flow detector replacements.
• Communicates discrepancies, necessary system repairs, and other important issues to the supervisor.
• Commits to work until obligations are met, which may result in overtime.
• Works safely using good judgment and by following all University safety policies and work procedures.
• Oversees Fire Alarm Techs assisting with larger fire sprinkler repairs and inspections.
• Manage and offer guidance to outside contractors.

Inspection and Testing

• Performs Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-Annual and Annual Fire Sprinkler Testing and inspections on automatic fire sprinkler systems.
• Performs Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-Annual and Annual Fire Sprinkler Testing and inspections on fire service risers.
• Performs Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-Annual and Annual Fire Sprinkler Testing and inspections on fire sectional valves.
• Performs Monthly, and Annual Fire Sprinkler Testing and inspections on fire pumps.
• Performs Annual Fire Sprinkler Testing on fire backflow preventers, fire hood suppression systems, and all components of Fire Protection Systems.
• Inspect all maintenance and installation work completed by University fire sprinkler technicians and fire sprinkler vendors.
• Performs the monthly inspection of fire protection systems where assigned.

Pump Motor Repair and Replacement

• Performs repairs and replacements to fire pump motors, fire jockey pump motors, and fire dry pipe air compressors motors.
• Replaces bearings, seals, and couplings as required.
• Checks shaft alignment, freedom of rotation, and adjusts as necessary.
• Assists in the removal of motors requiring rewind service.
• Cleans and lubricates pumps and motors.

Administrative

• Maintains accurate labor and material records on all work.
• Records all time worked in Mobile TMA daily.
• Provides documentation of preventive maintenance inspections.
• Submits labor and materials reports to Life Safety supervisor daily.
• Ensures sufficient quantities of frequently used materials are on vehicle or in stock for emergency repairs.
• Ensures assigned vehicle is kept clean and available for service when required.
• Performs other tasks as may be safely and legally assigned by supervisor.
• Ensures all Inspection documentation is accurate, up to date, logged and compliant with local codes and national standards (NFPA 13, NFPA 10, NFPA 96. NFPA 17A, NFPA 24, NFPA 291, NFPA 72, Life Safety 101, NEC 70, State Department of Insurance, Universal Building Code, etc.) and posted where required.

Knowledge – Technical

• Ability to routinely and consistently perform widely varying and broad, functionally diverse facility maintenance assignments requiring in-depth analysis and problem solving regarding the most complex, non-routine building systems, using advanced skills related to assigned trade area.
• Ability to serve as a technical expert within the work unit.
• Ability to guide, direct and coach others regarding application and interpretation of technical issues.
• Ability to apply and interpret technical knowledge to resolve unique or highly complex situations.
• Ability to analyze and research appropriate solutions. Thorough and extensive understanding of programs, concepts and practices in the most complex mechanical systems trades area as well as a general understanding of one or more different trades areas.

Advanced

Problem Solving

• Ability to anticipate and proactively pursue facilities-related maintenance issues and/or problems.
• Ability to recognize inherent problems with procedures and practices and make suggestions for improvement. May require ability to include management, peers, and subordinates in the decision- making process to gain the support and acceptance of all parties.

Advanced

Attention to Detail

• Ability to check and re-check work of others considering accuracy with respect to standards and codes.
• Ability to consider options and details that are not obvious.
• Ability to troubleshoot total systems.
• Ability to integrate highest quality control standards into work.

Advanced

Coordination - Work

• Ability to identify critical and less critical activities and tasks; ability to develop timelines and milestones.
• Ability to set objectives and clearly prioritize activities and tasks; ability to adjust priorities when appropriate.
• Ability to allocate appropriate resources and time for completing own and other’s work; ability to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Advanced

Communication

• Ability to persuade and negotiate to build rapport when establishing goals and objectives for facilities maintenance projects.
• Ability to assess and weigh the impact of the message on the organization or customer, including regulatory implications.
• Ability to advise and consult with others to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of codes, instructions, policies, procedures, rules, regulations, laws, etc., related to facilities maintenance.

Advanced

Safety and Health Compliance

• Ability to regularly assess safety conditions; ability to identify, communicate, and implement accident prevention and corrective measures in work related activities.
• Ability to enforce appropriate post-emergency procedures.
• Ability to anticipate safety issues and take proactive steps to maximize safe operations and measure the effectiveness of action.

Advanced

Client/Customer Service

• Ability to identify and resolve trends and work issues that impact service delivery to groups or individual customers.
• Ability to make recommendations to improve service delivery based on customer feedback.
• Ability to make recommendations to streamline processes/procedures, remove barriers, and link resources for efficient and effective customer service.
• Ability to develop creative, alternative solutions to respond to complex service needs.

Advanced

Hand Movement-Repetitive Motions - o, Hand Movement-Grasping - f, Holding - o, Finger Dexterity - f, Vision-Skilled Trades - o, Reading - f, Writing - f, Eye-hand coordination - f, Vision-Color Distinction - o, Vision-Preparing/Analyzing figures - o, Vision-Visual inspection - f, Vision-Measuring/Assembling at distance close to eye - f, Hearing - f, Talking - f, Standing - f, Sitting - f, Walking - f, Lifting-0-30 lbs. - f, Lifting-30-60 lbs. - r, Lifting-60-90 lbs. - r, Pushing/Pulling - f, Climbing-Stairs - f, Climbing-Ladders - f, Bending - f, Squatting - f, Crawling - r, Reaching - f

Driving - Car/Truck - c, Driving - Standar/Automatic - f, Driving - Mower/Forklift - r, Location - Roof - r, Equipment/Machines - Heights - f, Equipment/Machines - Roofs - r, Equipment/Machines - Ladders - f, Equipment/Machines - Step Stools - r, Equipment/Machines - Scaffolds - r, Night/Dark - f, Extreme noise levels - r, Extreme temperatures - r, Inside - f, Outside - r, Ventilation ConditionsDust - r, Ventilation ConditionsFumes - r, Overtime - o