Field Operations Leader-Fire Alarm and Security

Total Fire Protection•Pottstown, PA

About The Position

The Field Operations Lead directs daily field operations for the Fire Alarm Division across the PA/NJ/DE service territory while remaining hands-on with installations, inspections, service, and commissioning. This is a full-time, hourly position for an experienced commercial fire alarm and security technician who can also lead a small field crew. The initial planning assumption is approximately 50% field production and 50% coordination and supervision, with the balance flexing according to workload. The role reports directly to the Director, Fire Alarm Division. The role coordinates technician schedules and assignments, job execution, quality, safety, documentation, and customer communication. The lead also monitors job-level labor against estimates, coaches technicians, and coordinates staffing, project constraints, escalations, change orders, and customer commitments with the Director. The position has no independent authority to change project pricing, contractual scope, or approved budgets without authorization. Target base pay is $45–$50 per hour, subject to candidate qualifications and company approval; the role is hourly/nonexempt, with overtime handled under applicable law. The employer describes a comprehensive benefits package but does not specify its components.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in one or both of the following: Lead Installation Technician work and project management.
Strong commercial fire alarm installation, programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning background.
NICET Certification in Fire Alarm.
EST, Auto Call, or Notifier Certification.
Prior experience leading at least a small field crew, with demonstrated coaching and accountability.
Ability to interpret drawings, risers, device schedules, specifications, and labor budgets.
Strong communication, organization, jobsite safety, and customer-service judgment.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the PA/NJ/DE territory.
Relevant credentials and licenses as required by jurisdiction.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with addressable systems.
Silent Knight experience.
Potter experience.

Responsibilities

Schedule and dispatch field technicians; coordinate daily priorities, materials, site access, safety, and customer communication.
Personally install, program, troubleshoot, test, and commission commercial fire alarm systems when needed.
Review job-level actual labor hours against estimated budgets during execution, identify variances, and promptly recommend corrective action.
Lead and coach B-level technicians by assessing skills, providing hands-on training, documenting progress, and addressing performance concerns.
Manage installation quality, punch lists, inspections, deficiencies, documentation, and job closeout readiness.
Coordinate with the Director on staffing, project constraints, escalations, change orders, and customer commitments.
Ensure work follows applicable adopted codes, AHJ requirements, approved plans, manufacturer instructions, and company procedures.
Accurately allocate time between direct project work and general supervisory or administrative activities.
Own and publish reliable weekly field schedules and daily technician assignments during the first 90 days.
Provide weekly job-level labor variance, project risk, and corrective-action reporting during the first 90 days.
Establish baseline skills and written development plans for each technician during the first 90 days.
Reduce routine field escalations to the Director without compromising safety or quality.
Maintain accurate job documentation, timely deficiency closure, and clear customer updates.