The Environmental Health and Safety unit of the Division of Facilities and Services at West Virginia University is accepting applications for a Fire Control Trades Specialist I

About the Opportunity

Fire Control Trades Specialist I perform maintenance, testing, inspection, system upgrades, response, and new installation of fire safety systems components to assure life safety codes for all WVU buildings on main campus, regional campuses and WVU farms are maintained and compliant with applicable codes.

What you'll do:

Fire Alarm Systems and Sprinkler Systems-Maintenance, testing, response and replacement:

• Annually inspects, tests, and maintains building fire alarm systems as required by WV State Fire Code SFC 87 and NFPA 72.
• Performs upgrades to existing fire alarm systems including device replacement, electrical wiring circuit upgrades, add new devices to system, and programming as applicable and required.
• Provides technical support and access during contractor operations in WVU buildings.
• Evaluates initiating devices, audio/visual devices, main fire alarm control panel, annunciator panels, and back-up power supply for compliance with WV State Fire Code.
• Tests and inspects all supplemental systems that interface with the fire alarm systems including smoke management, fire pump and emergency power system interface, verify digital alarm communication transmitter is functioning properly.
• On a weekly basis, tests all diesel-powered fire pumps to ensure proper start-up when needed, correct water volume, flow, and pressure, required fuel supply is present, and to determine if proper level of lubrication is being maintained.
• On a monthly basis, tests all AC powered fire pumps to ensure proper start-up when needed, correct water volume, flow, and pressure, and to determine if proper level of lubrication is being maintained.
• On an annual basis, supervise and assist with NFPA required full flow pump testing conducted by qualified contractor.
• Perform routine monthly pump maintenance to include fluid levels, battery charge level, check for loose bolts, water leaks, and general pump condition.
• On a quarterly basis inspects, tests, and maintains all fire sprinkler systems as required by WV State Fire Code including fire alarm activation time, volumetric flow, remote flow point test, exercise all system valves, and test fire alarm interface for supervisory signals.
• Maintain monthly record of quarterly WVU fire sprinkler system inspections - Perform upgrades to existing fire sprinkler systems including sprinkler head replacement, minor pipe upgrades, and replacement of various gauges and valves.
• Evaluates quarterly test results for compliance with WV State Fire Code. - Tests and inspects all sprinkler system interface connections with protected premise fire alarm system.
• Responds to location of all fire alarms, trouble signals, and supervisory signals to determine problem and render assistance by silencing alarms when necessary, making repairs or arrange with contractors to repair equipment when needed.
• Assists with multi-trade projects related to overall work assignments inclusive of backflow prevention inspection and electronics repairs of related fire equipment.
• Responds during off hours to cover emergency situations. -
• Operates small tools including electronic test equipment, power drills, machine tools, hand tools, and decibel meter, to evaluate system performance and make repairs when necessary. -
• Operates a variety of computers utilizing different operating systems and software programs to facilitate proper programming of addressable fire alarm systems, maintaining proper records, generating, and completing work orders and maintaining materials accountability as necessary. - Interacts with contractors, vendors, project managers, and regulatory personnel, as needed, to schedule maintenance including replacement, repair, or installation of new fire and life safety equipment.

Fire Extinguisher maintenance, installation, and testing:

• Inspects, maintains, and replaces fire extinguishers in accordance with NFPA 10. -
• Performs 6 and 12-year preventive maintenance, hydrostatic testing, and recharging of extinguishers safety equipment in accordance with NFPA 10.

Administrative Activities:

• Maintains fire extinguisher inspection records as required by WV State Fire Code and NFPA 10.
• Maintains and provides updated monthly reports on progress of extinguisher inspection schedule compliance.
• Receives and processes facilities work orders using database and computer systems.
• Work with project managers, contractors, and administrative staff to finalize scope and needs of projects.
• Assists with building inspections performed by West Virginia Board of Risk Management to determine if code violations exist and recommend corrections.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area including, safety, and security of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Using computer program and database maintains monthly record of annual WVU fire alarm system inspections.

Pay Grade: 13

Work Hours: 7:00am - 3:00pm

• High school diploma and technical/vocational training of up to 18 months beyond high school in fire systems, electrical, or a related maintenance field or an equivalent combination of education and directly related fire systems work experience.
• Two (2) years of experience in fire alarm and sprinkler system maintenance and/or installation, low voltage electrical service, and fire extinguisher maintenance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of state, federal, and local codes and requirements pertaining to WV State Fire Code, NFPA-National Fire Protection Association, OSHA-Occupational Safety and Health Administration, ANSI-American National Standards Institute, IBC-International Building codes NFPA, OSHA, ANSI, IBC, WVU guidelines, and additional pertinent government and local codes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of technical terms related to fire/life safety, plumbing, electrical, and electronic equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work with multi-craft trades personnel.
• Demonstrated knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical systems, and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people in a stressful environment.
• Demonstrated ability to train and oversee contractor and specialist work.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to use logical problem-solving techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to perform a variety of duties, changing from one task to another without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Demonstrated ability to work under time constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to hear and interpret sounds and verbal instructions in the work area.
• Demonstrated ability to read blueprints and electrical schematics.
• Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical computations.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and use of general database systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of warehousing functions.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well utilizing both written and oral instructions.

• Valid US driver's license required.
• WV Fire Protection Worker License-WV State Fire Code Requirement within 1 year of hire.
• Backflow Preventer Certification within 2 years of hire.
• NICET certification- Level I in Fire Alarm Systems or Inspection and Testing of Water Based Fire Protection Systems within 1 year of hire.
• Sprinkler System Testing certification within 1 year of hire.
• Fire alarm Testing Certification within 1 year of hire.
• Some of the time:
  • Ability to climb a ladder to heights over ten feet.
  • Ability to work in inclement weather, extreme weather conditions and temperatures of WVU steam tunnels and coolers.
  • Ability to handle materials over 51 pounds.
  • Ability and coordination to stoop, bend, walk, crawl, etc., over rough or slippery surfaces.
• Rarely:
  • Operate a man lift to 50 feet.

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley - the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.

Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU's academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

To learn more about West Virginia University, visit go.wvu.edu. View current career opportunities at careers.wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.