Life Safety Technician

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Building Services provides full maintenance and repair services for all UNC facilities and ensure the proper operation of those facilities in support of the UNC mission of teaching, research and public service. Building Services supports more than 400 campus buildings with approximately 18 million gross square feet of space. The teams that provide quality maintenance, repair and construction services that support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University include Campus Maintenance, EMCS, Facilities Operations Support, Housing Support, HVAC Systems, and Life Safety Services. The Life Safety Services section is a specialized unit within the Building Services Division of Facilities Services. This section is comprised of the Life Safety/Electronic-Specialty Shop, the Access Control/Key Shop, and the Emergency Generator Shop. This organizational unit delivers a high level of maintenance and support to safeguard human life, property, research, and other critical areas of significant financial and time investments for the entire University campus community including: all residence halls, classrooms facilities, research lab facilities, athletics facilities, medical school facilities, and offices facilities. These areas include but are not limited to: the Central Alarm Receiving System (CARS), all fire alarm detection and suppression systems, security and CCTV systems, key control, accessibility controllers, Biometric and Card Access, equipment alarm systems, and backup power emergency generators. Additionally, this unit supports all facets of Facilities Services, Energy Services, Environment Health & Safety, Public Safety, Facilities Planning & Construction, and Residential Student Housing in their efforts to support the campus community, all of which contribute to the University’s mission of teaching, research and public service.

Position Summary

A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $4,919 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN TWO INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $2,459.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $2,459.50 (12) MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.

This recruitment is for three (3) Electronics Specialist – Journey positions (00052172, 00052171, 00035827). By applying, you will be considered for all three (3) positions.

Serves as a team member of the Life Safety/Electronics-Specialty and Emergency Generator Shop and supports the mission in the section’s daily functions and responsibilities, which include but are not limited to performing routine and preventive maintenance (PM) inspections on Life Safety, Fire Detection and Suppression systems, Equipment Monitoring Systems, and other miscellaneous electronic systems and subsystems. Also installs and/or makes modifications to Life Safety, Fire Detection and Suppression Systems, and Equipment Monitoring Systems.

Performs preventive maintenance (PMs) and repairs on Life Safety systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications, NFPA12A, NFPA25, NFPA72 and the International Fire Code. Obtains and maintains licensure to legally perform inspections of these systems by the N.C. State Board of Examiners, which also requires additional National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) certifications. Specific Life Safety system manufacturer certifications must also be obtained and maintained to perform any repairs or system modifications. The section currently maintains five different manufacturer system certifications.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

NICET Level II certification in Fire Alarm Systems.
NICET Level II certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.
Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.

Individuals not holding a NICET Level II Certification for Inspection and Testing of Water-based Systems, Limited Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners and a Limited Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners are required to gain licenses and certification at the expense of the university within three (3) years of employment, as a condition of continued employment.

Individuals not holding NICET Level II Certification for Fire Alarm Systems are required to gain certification within four (4) years, at the expense of the university, as a condition of continued employment.

Must possess a valid NC Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Associate’s degree in electronics; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences

• Extensive fire alarm industry experience, including programming, troubleshooting, repair, testing, inspection, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection, alarm, suppression, and life safety systems.
• Advanced knowledge of fire protection and life safety codes and standards, including NFPA, NEC, IFC, ADA, and North Carolina regulatory requirements.
• Expertise in electronic systems diagnostics, circuit-board-level troubleshooting, microprocessor-based systems, and system programming using computer-based tools.
• Factory certification from at least two major fire alarm manufacturers, with the ability to configure systems, ensure code compliance, and train end users.
• Proven ability to manage service priorities and customer needs while collaborating professionally with stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and diverse client groups.

Required Licenses/Certifications

NICET Level II certification in Fire Alarm Systems.
NICET Level II certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.
Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.

Individuals not holding a NICET Level II Certification for Inspection and Testing of Water-based Systems, Limited Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners and a Limited Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners are required to gain licenses and certification at the expense of the university within three (3) years of employment, as a condition of continued employment.

Individuals not holding NICET Level II Certification for Fire Alarm Systems are required to gain certification within four (4) years, at the expense of the university, as a condition of continued employment.

Must possess a valid NC Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to stand for long periods of time, work from lifts, climb ladders and/or work from scaffolding at least 10 ft. high, crawl under buildings, enter manholes and/or work in confined spaces, stoop, squat, and ability to move objects weighing 40 lb. or more, overhead.

Ability to provide support for Bio-Safety Level (BSL) 2+ and 3 labs, which requires a baseline blood draw and physical. Entry into hot labs, with an Environment Health & Safety department escort, required. Ability to wear respiratory protection, receive annual medical certification, and be fit tested and trained.

Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential (mandatory) University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions may require the University to close.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

• Evening work occasionally
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials
• Night work occasionally
• On-call occasionally
• Overtime occasionally
• Valid NC Driver’s License
• Weekend work occasionally

Special Instructions

ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:

To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act. A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).

This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy.

This recruitment is for three (3) Electronics Specialist – Journey positions (00052172, 00052171, 00035827). By applying, you will be considered for all three (3) positions.

Organization

The nation’s first public university is at the heart of what’s next, preparing a diverse student body to become creators, explorers, innovators and leaders in North Carolina and throughout the world. Carolina’s nationally recognized, innovative teaching, campus-wide spirit of inquiry and dedication to public service continue the legacy that began in 1795 when the University first opened its doors to students.

Here, in one of America's most beautiful college settings, we offer exceptional careers in richly diverse fields. Come explore what UNC-Chapel Hill has to offer you.

Undergraduate Enrollment: 19,117

Graduate/Professional Enrollment: 10,894

Total Student Enrollment: 30,011

Founded: 1789, as the first state university in the United States

Type of Institution: Public, four-year

Undergraduate Admission: 15,961

Graduate/Professional Enrollment: 10,039

Total Student Enrollment: 26,000

Faculty: 3,000

Percentage of faculty who hold Ph.D.s or the highest degrees in their field: 94 percent

Faculty/student ratio: 1/14

Location: UNC is located in the heart of Chapel Hill, the best college town in America! It's a friendly town of about 40,000 in the geographical center of North Carolina. Chapel Hill is at the western point of the Research Triangle, an area of about one million people, comprised of Chapel Hill, the cities of Durham and Raleigh, and the Research Triangle Park, home of many corporate offices and scientific research centers. Carolina is about 30 miles from the state capital, Raleigh, and 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Chapel Hill's main street, Franklin Street, borders the campus and offers shops, coffee houses, cafés, movie theaters and houses of worship. The town has a historic district, museum, library, parks, malls, and many recreational facilities.

Origins of Carolina's students: 82 percent of UNC's freshmen are from North Carolina and 18 percent are from out-of-state. Our students come from 42 different states and our international students represent 37 countries.

Size of freshman class: Approximately 3,400

Class size: Barely five percent of undergraduate classes contain more than 100 students; two-thirds of undergraduate classes have fewer than 30 students. Forty-one percent have fewer than 20 students, including First Year Seminars, in which first-year students work closely with professors.

Sports and athletic programs: UNC is an NCAA Division I school with 28 varsity teams. Carolina is the proud home of the Dean Smith Center, Kenan Stadium, Carmichael Auditorium, Koury Natatorium, and many other fine athletic facilities. Students join more than 60 intramural and club sports, which include baseball, bowling, crew, golf, lacrosse, rock climbing, rugby, tae kwon do, and ultimate frisbee. The Student Recreation Center offers weight training, aerobics, stair machines, and all the equipment you would expect to find at a great health club! Carolina offers a newly renovated outdoor pool and indoor pools, a golf course, tennis courts, and the longest zipline in America!

Number of residence halls: Incoming undergraduates will live in one of Carolina's 29 residence halls, which are wired for Internet access and cable television. housing.unc.edu

Scholarships and financial aid: About 40 percent of UNC-Chapel Hill students receive scholarships and/or some form of financial aid. studentaid.unc.edu

Special research institutes: Institute for Research in Social Science, Institute of Outdoor Drama, Morehead Planetarium, Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, Institute of Government, Institute of African American Research.

Career services: On-campus counseling, job fairs, résumé writing service, internships, placement services. www.unc.edu/depts/career

Technological facilities: Students find multiple uses for Carolina's state-of-the-art technological resources. They can access Carolina's computer services through Academic Technology and Networks, which manages academic computing, e-mail, microcomputing labs, interactive media presentation, video and classroom support, and a help desk. The MetaLab oversees the development of SunSITE, one of the world's busiest digital library and electronic publishing projects.

Students may open e-mail accounts, and many use campus computer resources to construct personal Web pages. Students in residence halls have hardwired network connections to the Internet and cable television in their rooms. At the ATN Training center, students may take classes on software packages and utilities. Computer labs are available for student use all over campus.

Carolina Computing Initiative: Beginning with the freshman class of 2000, undergraduates must purchase laptop computers. The University has arranged for IBM to offer computers at excellent prices. Students, faculty, and staff will enjoy cost savings, higher quality compatible equipment, and better technical support through CCI. www.unc.edu/cci

The Study Abroad program allows students to live and learn in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Rim, Africa, and the Americas. www.unc.edu/depts/abroad

The Honors Program offers special seminars, research programs, and the chance to design your own independent studies. www.unc.edu/depts/honors

Carolina students spend time in public service through student organizations, the Campus Y, the Carolina Center for Public Service, and courses that incorporate community service.

UNC's chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a national collegiate honor society, is the oldest in North Carolina, dating from 1904. There are many other honorary societies at Carolina.

UNC offers ROTC programs in all branches of national military service.

Through the First Year Seminars program, first year students will understand what it means to study at a premier research university. They will learn from faculty members and share in their research in seminars of no more than 20 students.

Life outside the classroom: More than 370 clubs, teams, and student organizations offer something for everyone! You can choose from among musical and dramatic performing groups, publications, ethnic and religious clubs, the Campus Y and other service organizations, fraternities and sororities, and pre-professional organizations. Whatever your interests, you will find others at Carolina who share them! www.unc.edu/depts/union/student/listintr.htm