Technician, Fire and Safety Systems

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION 

This is a skilled and technical level operations position. Under the direction of Building Maintenance Management, the Fire & Safety Systems Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of school facilities by maintaining and repairing essential fire and security systems. This position is responsible for the preventative maintenance and repairs of fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, CCTV systems, card readers, call-boxes, and security systems across all school sites. The Fire & Safety Systems Technician performs routine inspections and addresses system malfunctions to maintain a high standard of safety and compliance with regulations. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy. 

Education:  

• High School diploma or GED (must scan and upload to the online application). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please visit the MSDE website . 

Experience:  

• 3 years experience as a Fire Alarm technician. 

License:  

• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.    

Education: 

• Completion of a recognized fire alarm or safety systems training program. 

License: 

• Certifications in fire safety, such as NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

• Performs regular inspections, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems to ensure they are functioning correctly and in compliance with fire safety regulations. Update service logs and records for maintenance and inspections. 

• Diagnose and repair faults in fire alarm systems, including replacing faulty components, wiring, or control panels. Respond to emergency service calls and resolve system issues promptly. 

• Conduct routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs of security systems such as CCTV cameras, burglar alarms, and card readers to ensure they function effectively. 

• Assist with the installation and upgrades of fire and security systems, ensuring proper setup, configuration, and testing of new systems. 

• Maintain detailed records of all maintenance, inspections, repairs, and upgrades. Ensure compliance with all fire safety and building codes, preparing reports for management and regulatory agencies. 

• Communicate with school administrators and maintenance teams to schedule work and provide updates on the status of fire and security systems. Including, Provide training or guidance to staff on the proper use of fire safety equipment and evacuation protocols. 

Employee Safety 

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. 

• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator. 

• The employee is responsible for the safety and maintenance condition of their assigned vehicle. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.  

• Knowledge of various fire alarm systems and their components. 

• Familiarity with relevant codes, standards, and regulations. 

• Diagnosis and Troubleshooting skills of commercial low voltage systems. 

• Competent computer skills. 

• Field electrical and/or electronic practical experience required. 

• Must be able to differentiate color coding of cables. 

• Knowledge of standard trade practices, methods, tools, instruments, and equipment. 

• Utilizes thorough working knowledge of fire alarm systems with regard to installation and maintenance and troubleshooting of work. 

• Skilled in the use of hand tools utilized in the trade. 

• Ability to interpret and prepare work orders with respect to time and materials used. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and good working relationships with fellow workers and school administration. 

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. 

• Knowledge of principles of safety as they relate to the trade. 

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements. 

• Ability to carry tools and to handle materials and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds. 

• Ability to work at heights on aerial lifts, scaffolding, stepladders and/or extensions ladders. 

• Ability to crawl in, under, over, or through equipment. 

• Ability to work in confined spaces. 

• Ability to respond to emergency calls, 24 hours a day/7 days a week. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions 

• Work involves exposure to uncomfortable or unpleasant surroundings. 

• Work involves exposure to hazardous conditions which may result in injury. 

• Work involves special physical demands such as lifting 50 pounds or more, climbing ladders, etc. 

• Work requires use of protective equipment. such as goggles, gloves, mask, etc. 

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education. 

Working Hours 

• The duty day for a full-time position is 8.5 hours per day including an unpaid duty-free thirty-minute lunch. 

• This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement. Maintenance employees are issued a school system cell phone to receive calls from their supervisor and respond to emergency events as needed. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  
 
SELECTION CRITERIA 

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience which most closely matches the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.  

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION 

Compensation 

This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee bargaining unit.  This position is Grade IX on the Audio Visual/ Grounds/ Maintenance/ Warehouse salary scale. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the HCPSS and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is non-exempt.   

Retirement 

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.  

Benefits 

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit. 

Pre-Employment Requirements 

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. 

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing. 

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship. 

For questions regarding this posting, please contact natasha_mahasa@hcpss.org. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org.

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.