Fire Alarm & Electronics Specialist 60%25

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

About The Position

The Engineering Fire Alarm Specialist works independently under the guidance of the Housing Facilities Associate Director. The role installs, programs, tests, diagnoses, and repairs fire alarm systems and potentially integrated systems. It also manages projects, reviews sequences of operations for new construction and renovations, and maintains databases and graphical interfaces used for system monitoring and diagnosis. The position manages fire alarm, life safety, card access, lighting control, and other electronic systems across Housing facilities. It develops maintenance and inspection programs, supports code compliance, leads system projects, collaborates with design and construction professionals, oversees contractor work, and provides technical guidance and training. It also contributes to long-range system replacement planning, budgeting, inventory management, staffing recommendations, and resource planning. The Division of Student Life works collaboratively to support student safety and success through educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A minimum of 3–5 years of experience with card access and fire alarm systems.
Typically 3–5 years of professional experience coordinating major facilities with networked fire alarm systems, including system design, installation, operation, and commissioning.
NICET Level II in Fire Alarm Systems.
Ability to conduct fieldwork and interact with clients professionally and responsively.
Excellent written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of system connections and interfaces with building automation systems.
Ability to make quick and accurate adjustments to maintain system performance following equipment failures.
Familiarity with construction site safety guidelines.
Familiarity with installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Windows operating systems and fire alarm program software.
Ability to read and understand mechanical and system drawings, wiring diagrams, specifications, sequences of operation, and installation and operation manuals.
Willingness to learn new fire alarm brands, models, programming, software, and concepts.
Strong attention to detail.
Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining a welcoming and respectful environment.

Nice To Haves

Valid driver’s license and ability to meet and maintain the UI Driving Policy.
NICET Level III in Fire Alarm Systems.
Extensive experience programming and installing complex fire alarm systems.
Familiarity with fiber optic systems.
Ability to troubleshoot system problems using panel log data and meters.
Ability to provide training in building fire alarm systems.
Working knowledge of Notifier or JCI/Simplex fire alarm inspection, service, networking, and programming training.
Familiarity or experience with card access systems and maintenance of other low-voltage equipment.
Familiarity with Lutron or other lighting control systems.
Ability to provide clarity and direction for complex and ambiguous problems and challenges.

Responsibilities

Manage and maintain fire alarm, life safety, card access, lighting control, and other electronic systems across Housing facilities to ensure reliable operation and regulatory compliance.
Analyze building occupancy, usage patterns, and safety needs to identify opportunities to improve student, staff, and guest safety.
Develop and implement preventive maintenance, testing, and inspection programs for life safety and electronic systems, maintaining accurate documentation and code compliance.
Program, troubleshoot, integrate, and commission electronic systems, including fire alarm, access control, building automation, and related technologies.
Lead and oversee system projects, including upgrades, renovations, new construction, testing, and final acceptance.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and design professionals on system layouts, equipment selection, wiring methods, and technology solutions.
Serve as the departmental subject matter expert on fire alarm, life safety, and electronic systems, providing technical guidance and problem resolution.
Coordinate with campus partners, regulatory agencies, inspectors, emergency services, and insurance representatives to meet applicable codes, standards, and operational requirements.
Evaluate system performance and develop long-range replacement and capital renewal plans, including lifecycle analysis, budgeting, and cost forecasting.
Provide quality assurance and oversight of contractor work, including testing, commissioning, installation verification, and compliance with project specifications.
Develop and deliver training programs, operational procedures, and technical documentation for staff, student employees, and campus partners.
Support departmental operations through inventory management, staffing recommendations, hiring assistance, and resource planning for electronic and life safety systems.
Update and maintain databases and graphical interfaces used for system monitoring and diagnosis.