Apprentice Fire Sprinkler Inspector

FSS Technologies•Bemidji, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Apprentice Fire Sprinkler Inspector is an entry-level, field-based training position. You will work alongside and under the direct supervision of a qualified FSS inspector to inspect, test, and maintain water-based fire protection systems in commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings, following NFPA 25 and the requirements of the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). This is a trainee role. Until FSS confirms in writing that you are qualified, and only where state and local law allow it, you will not perform inspections on your own, sign inspection reports as the responsible inspector, or perform any work that requires a license or certification you do not hold.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets the standards of FSS and its insurance carrier.
Basic math skills, including reading pressure gauges and performing simple calculations.
Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn how fire protection systems work.
Ability to use a smartphone or tablet to complete reports.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to communicate clearly with coworkers and customers.
Successful completion of pre-employment screening after a conditional offer of employment, which may include a background check, motor vehicle record review, and drug screen, as permitted by applicable state and local law.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a trade such as plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC, mechanical service, or fire protection, including military experience.
Vocational or technical school coursework.
OSHA 10-Hour Construction certification.
Experience with hand tools, ladders, and aerial or scissor lifts.

Responsibilities

Help perform scheduled inspections, tests, and maintenance on wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, deluge, and antifreeze sprinkler systems, standpipes, and fire pumps.
Visually inspect sprinklers, piping, hangers, bracing, control valves, gauges, fire department connections, and signage, and look for leaks, corrosion, painted or loaded sprinklers, obstructions, and missing parts.
Help operate control valves and perform main drain tests, waterflow alarm (inspector’s test) tests, and valve supervisory (tamper) switch tests.
Help perform dry pipe valve trip tests, quick-opening device tests, air supply and low-air alarm checks, and fire pump tests.
Check antifreeze concentration, spare sprinkler cabinets, gauge dates, and other items required by NFPA 25.
Perform minor maintenance and corrective work as directed by your supervising inspector, within the limits of your apprentice status and applicable state licensing law.
Confirm with the building contact and the alarm monitoring company that the system may be tested, and follow FSS impairment procedures whenever a system is taken out of service.
Confirm that every system you worked on is back in service, control valves are open and supervised, and the building contact and monitoring company have been notified before leaving a site.
Treat customers, building occupants, and site staff with courtesy and respect their property, schedules, and site rules.
Record inspection and test results accurately and completely in FSS forms or software, including photos of deficiencies.
Report deficiencies to your supervising inspector the same day, and report any condition that could prevent a system from working (such as a closed valve, frozen pipe, or major leak) immediately.
Follow the FSS Safety Program, OSHA requirements, and all site-specific safety rules, and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Use ladders, lifts, and equipment only after you have been trained and authorized to use them.
Report every injury, near miss, property damage, and vehicle incident to your supervisor immediately, following FSS incident reporting procedures.
Drive a company vehicle between job sites safely and in compliance with FSS vehicle, fleet, and distracted driving policies.
Complete all assigned classroom, online, and on-the-job training, and keep an accurate record of your training hours.
Work toward NICET Level I certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems within the timeframe set in your training plan, and toward higher levels after that.
Obtain and keep current any apprentice or trainee registration required by the state where you work.