Fire Alarm & Electronics Specialist 60%

UIOWA•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 the graphical interface used for system monitoring and diagnosis. The specialist manages electronic and life safety systems across Housing facilities, supports regulatory compliance and reliable operation, leads system projects, and serves as a departmental technical expert. The position works with campus partners, design professionals, contractors, regulators, inspectors, emergency services, and insurance representatives. It also supports long-range system planning, contractor quality assurance, training, documentation, inventory, staffing recommendations, and resource planning. The University of Iowa’s Division of Student Life works collaboratively to support student safety and success through educationally purposeful services and activities. The division includes 15 departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in 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, 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 system 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 in complex and ambiguous situations.

Responsibilities

Manage and maintain fire alarm, life safety, card access, lighting control, and other electronic systems across Housing facilities.
Analyze building occupancy, usage patterns, and safety needs to identify opportunities to enhance student, staff, and guest safety.
Develop and implement preventive maintenance, testing, and inspection programs, ensuring 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 electronic and life safety 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, providing technical guidance and problem resolution.
Coordinate with campus partners, regulatory agencies, inspectors, emergency services, and insurance representatives regarding 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 contractor work oversight and quality assurance, including testing, commissioning, installation verification, and adherence to 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.