Apr 05, 2020
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years. Facilities Services (FS) is a world-class organization providing exceptional services anywhere, anytime in support of the University of Washington’s mission of teaching, research, and discovery. FS engages employees through LEAN practices and continuous improvement. FS includes eight departments that operate, maintain and support the University: Building Services Department, Campus Engineering & Operations, Emergency Management, Facilities Employee Services, Facilities Maintenance & Construction, Finance and Business Services, Integrated Operations & Engagement and Transportation Services. Our staff must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty and staff of many social, economic, cultural, ideological, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Campus Operations maintains and operates critical building systems including fire/life safety systems, elevator systems, building environmental systems and controls, central clock systems, high voltage distribution systems, and a utility shutdown coordination program. Campus Operations also provides emergency maintenance response service to the Seattle campus community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Campus Utilities produces steam, emergency electrical power, chilled water, and compressed air for the campus. We have an outstanding opportunity for a Fire Alarm Control Technician Lead. Responsibilities include providing leadership, planning, scheduling, and directing the work of journey-level fire alarm control technicians; as well as performing skilled work in the operation, inspection, testing, servicing and maintenance of complex building fire detection/alarm, life safety and clock systems. This work requires specialized skills and knowledge in high-rise and low-rise building fire detection/alarm systems and emergency communication systems. This person will report directly to the Fire Alarm and Life Safety Systems Manager. Duties and Responsibilities:
Work as a team partner with the fire alarm control technicians, Fire Construction Maintenance Specialist and Fire Alarm and Life Safety System manager on a daily basis in a professional, respectful and collaborative manner at all times. Keep manager informed of project status, work progress, and required project materials and equipment. Resolve complex fire detection/alarm and life systems issues, clock issues, associated equipment and personnel issues.
Develop work plans, methods, and standard operating practices to be followed by assigned personnel. Routinely schedule and perform the work in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and maintain detailed records for the regulatory preventive maintenance program of the Seattle Campus Fire Alarm Systems.
Coordinate with EH&S Fire Protection Engineers, department heads, campus engineering, construction coordinators, contractors, facilities trades, building occupants and other clients to schedule and plan required work
Assign and lead assigned shop personnel in the performance of work, installation, maintenance, repair, calibrate, commission, and troubleshoot system failures relating to all aspects of the fire detection/alarm, life safety and clock equipment and systems. Inspect work for quality and completeness; ensure clients are advised of progress and when work is complete.
Assist with planning, recordkeeping, and creating work assignments and work orders to properly maintain fire detection/alarm, life safety and clock systems.
Develop preliminary cost estimates for installations and repairs.
Field phone calls and e-mails to answer requests, questions, etc., of clients, and others.
Maintain and update system schematics through red line system changes and create if necessary, fire detection/alarm, life safety and clock system schematics.
Work collaboratively with other skilled trades’ leads, supervisors, managers and department heads, students and outside vendors in a courteous and professional manner with particular attention to customer service.
Respond to emergency situations such as fire alarm systems in a trouble condition in order to minimize or prevent loss of property, damage to research activities, and disruption to life-safety systems.
Operate vehicles such as UW vans and trucks to transport tools, equipment and personnel to various job sites.
Coordinate with the Fire Construction Maintenance Specialist, Capital Projects Office personnel, procurement and purchasing and others for the purpose of planning contract work which affects fire detection/alarm systems. This involves scheduling system shutdowns and reviewing specifications. coordinate fire detection/alarm system shutdowns and inconveniences with clients, construction coordinators, and contractors communicating by telephone, e-mail, and on site conferences.
Inspect projects to ensure compliance with local standards and codes and maintain records of work performed and inspect contractors’ work to see that the work is performed to campus specifications.
Monitor equipment and supply needs, coordinate with supervisor, and requisition parts and materials to ensure that employees have what they require to perform job duties and for service and repair of equipment and recommend purchase of equipment and supplies for the shop operation, maintenance repairs, and for clients’ alteration projects.
Work with Facilities Services Stores to determine parts inventory.
Participate in and follow through with University of Washington process improvement initiatives (Balanced Score Card, Lean and Idea Systems). Support the goals and objectives of the department.
Know and comply with occupational health and safety regulations, the ethics law and use of state resources that apply to work actions and conduct on the job, including the use of personal protective equipment, computers and other state resources. Ensure that assigned personnel comply with the same regulations and laws, and report infractions to the supervisor.
Provide leadership related to work on lead and asbestos-containing items in accordance with applicable safety rules and procedures.
Positively support all management directives and actively promote the purpose and foundational values of CEO.
Follow and enforce adherence to all University and Facilities Services policies, practices and procedures.
Have knowledge, understanding, and practicing of safe work practices and policies.
Attend and actively participate in all required meetings and training.Assist in providing training to assigned personnel.
Must be available to work overtime, including evenings and weekends.
Perform all duties of a journey-level fire alarm control technician.
Perform other related duties as required.
Core Competencies:
Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness
Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively
Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems
Be responsible and accountable
Use organizational skills and provide attention to details
Maintain a positive, optimistic and success-oriented attitude
Exercise professional demeanor, which includes being tactful and courteous
Exhibit a professional work ethic
Continuously promote a safe work environment
Requirements include:
One year of full-time experience as a journey control technician, or equivalent trade skill.
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license required.
Additional requirements include:
Excellent customer service; written and oral communication skills. Must be able to communicate appropriately and professionally with clients, staff and students.
Experience and working knowledge of fire alarm regulatory requirements in NFPA 72 and the Seattle Fire Code.
Must be conversant with one or more fire alarm systems and programming languages (Simplex, Gamewell, Edwards, Silent Knight).
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret drawings and construction documents related to building fire detection/alarm and life safety systems.
Demonstrated ability to lead by example in both performance and behavior and to hold employees accountable to established expectations.
Demonstrated ability to take direction, meet expectations, and work cohesively as a member of a team.
Must be skilled with basic desktop computer skills, maintenance work request/work order programs and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook or willingness to learn/use computers and related software. Willingness to learn Access and Publisher.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. Desired:
One or more years of lead experience with a major fire alarm system contractor as a fire alarm control technician lead.
Five or more years of full-time experience as a journey-level fire alarm control technician with a major fire alarm system contractor as a certified fire alarm control technician working with complex building fire detection/alarm and life safety systems, with a wide variety of systems and in the repair, service, maintenance and operations of equipment.
Possession of a valid N.I.C.E.T. level II license (or higher).
Two-year Associates Degree in electronics or equivalent.
Experience working with Washington State safety rules and regulations.
Detailed working knowledge of Simplex fire alarm systems and TrueSite networking system.
Knowledge and practical experience with WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) regulations.
Experience with Lean implementation. Must be able to analyze and evaluate information and situations in order to solve problems.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must have the ability and willingness to learn, adapt to new technologies and be flexible when situations change.
Must possess the ability to handle stressful situations and changing priorities effectively. Must demonstrate professional demeanor which includes being tactful, civil and courteous at all times.
Must demonstrate professional work ethics at all times.
Must be a strong team player, and work closely with multiple trades in a highly complex major learning and research university.
Must be able to work in a diverse workforce and outdoors under all weather conditions.
Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment. The University of Washington is a smoke-free campus.
Must be willing to work in animal and other research areas, including BL2 and BL3 areas (shower in – shower out facilities).
Have possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license recognized by the State of Washington and have a good driving record.
Must be able to communicate effectively with staff on portable hand-held radios.
Must be able to follow all Washington State safety rules and regulations.
Must be able to lift or carry heavy objects, climb ladders, catwalks, high lifts and work in confined spaces and restricted movement areas, mechanical/electrical rooms and spaces, ventilation fan housing, etc for extended periods of time and work at heights.
Must be a strong team leader and be able to work both independently and as a team member.
Must maintain a professional appearance at all times.
Possess excellent skills in building a working crew harmony.
Must possess, or obtain within 60 days of employment, and maintain a valid Seattle Fire Dept FA-1 Certification and successfully retest as long as employed as a Fire Control Technician Lead.
This position may require the wearing of a daily uniform and personal protective equipment appropriate to the job task and area.Additionally, approved safety shoes must be provided at the employee’s expense and worn on the job.
Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job. Must participate in medical screening/monitoring (such as TB screening and proof of measles inoculation) required for work assignments in locations, including but not limited to, nonhuman primate areas, the Animal Research and Care Facility, and the University of Washington Medical Center.
This position is subject to callback or standby outside normal working hours to respond to emergencies, and occasionally scheduled or unscheduled overtime. Must be able to respond to system emergencies during regular business hours and outside of regular business hours.
Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions and communicate in English regarding the use of chemicals, supplies, and equipment; comply with safety policies and procedures.
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs.
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
