Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Manages fire alarm detection systems for the University. Reviews all construction documents for compliance with applicable laws regulating the installation and operation of fire alarm systems. Conducts plan reviews of all laboratory remodeling for appropriate applications of building, fire and life safety code standards.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Fire Protection Engineering, or equivalency; two years experience in a private firm or public plan review agency; and a strong background in fire alarm system design, testing, repair, and installation required. Knowledge of the International Construction Code (ICC), International Fire Code (IFC), NFPA and State Fire Prevention Board Rules and Regulations; demonstrated communications skills; the ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks and make decisions related to building code interpretations; and the ability to adapt to quickly changing design parameters and short deadlines also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Responsible for proper installation and operation of all fire alarm systems on campus.
2. Assists the fire investigation team as the University representative in conducting fire investigations.
3. Implements code changes impacting maintenance, testing and repair of alarm systems into the system maintenance testing and repair operation program.
4. Advises management team of priorities for fire alarm system upgrades and improvement. Also prepares detailed estimates for fire alarm system repairs.
5. Reviews construction specification documents for quality assurance and compliance with University standards for fire alarm systems.
6. Reviews architectural plans for compliance with applicable codes. Ensures review comments are incorporated into the design solution for the project. Acts as project coordinator in area of expertise.
7. Coordinates the fire alarm system maintenance and testing program. Maintains quality control of University testing and repair technician staff as well as outside contractors.

Problem Solving

The position has the responsibility to resolve all fire alarm problems. The incumbent works with architects, engineers and departments on campus to incorporate building and fire code life safety features into assigned construction projects. He/she has authority to visit any construction site or research project on campus and stop the work in progress if it poses a direct threat to the preservation of life or property on campus. The incumbent has the decision making capacity to evaluate all technical fire alarm system proposals for compliance with University standards and make a recommendation regarding installation and use on campus. The position has the authority to assign field technician fire alarm system testing priorities and make changes to the testing schedule.

The incumbent supervises four full-time non-exempt employees, five part-time work study interns, as well as outside contractors and University staff working on 135 fire alarm systems protecting approximately 7 million square feet of University space.