Fire Alarm Technician

Job Title: Fire Alarm Technician (NICET II Certified)

Location: Alexandria, VA

Workplace Type: On-site / Field-Based

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation: $32+/hour, based on experience

Travel: DMV area - Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Fire Alarm Technician with NICET Level II certification to help build and lead the company's commercial fire alarm inspection, testing, service, and repair operations throughout the DMV market
.

This is a hands-on field position with significant autonomy and responsibility. The successful candidate will manage a daily route of commercial customers, including restaurants, schools, offices, hospitality facilities, and light industrial properties. The technician will perform code-required inspections, testing, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and documentation in accordance with NFPA 72
, applicable NFPA 10 requirements, and local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.

The role is particularly suited to a technician who combines strong technical expertise with professional customer communication and wants the opportunity to help build an alarm service division from the ground up
. The founding technician will have the opportunity to establish inspection processes, customer relationships, service standards, and operational practices, with potential progression into a leadership or management position.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform periodic commercial fire alarm inspections and testing in accordance with NFPA 72 and applicable local AHJ requirements.
• Inspect and test smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations, duct detectors, notification appliances, supervisory devices, and monitoring connections.
• Verify proper operation of addressable and conventional fire alarm systems.
• Test and verify panel programming, battery backup capacity, and central-station communication pathways.
• Identify system deficiencies, impairments, failed devices, coverage issues, communication problems, and other code-related concerns.
• Clearly document inspection findings and communicate deficiencies to customers.

Service & Preventive Maintenance

• Perform sensitivity testing, cleaning, replacement, and functional testing of smoke detectors as required.
• Replace batteries, initiating devices, notification appliances, and other fire alarm components.
• Perform system resets and functional verification following service activities.
• Coordinate monitoring-center test windows to safely place systems on and off test.
• Schedule and coordinate testing with facility managers, tenants, and other site representatives while minimizing disruption to operations.

Troubleshooting & Repairs

• Diagnose and repair fire alarm panel troubles, ground faults, wiring issues, communication faults, and device failures.
• Troubleshoot addressable loops and field devices.
• Identify electrical and low-voltage system issues and restore systems to proper operating condition.
• Respond to same-day and emergency service calls when required.
• Ensure repaired systems are fully functional and code compliant before completing the service call.
• Escalate complex or specialized repairs when additional technical support is required.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete accurate digital inspection and testing reports for customer and fire marshal/AHJ review.
• Document deficiencies, corrective actions, impairments, repairs, and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate service records using the company's field documentation system.
• Identify recurring equipment or system issues and communicate them to management.
• Stay informed about changing AHJ requirements throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

Customer Service & Field Representation

• Serve as a professional representative of the company at customer locations.
• Explain inspection findings, code requirements, deficiencies, and recommended corrective actions to facility managers and customers.
• Maintain professional relationships with customers, facility personnel, monitoring centers, and AHJs.
• Take ownership of assigned jobs from arrival through completion and documentation.
• Demonstrate strong communication, reliability, professionalism, and follow-through.

Field Operations

• Manage a daily service and inspection route across the DMV region.
• Travel to commercial customer locations throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to emergency service requirements.
• Maintain company-provided vehicle, tools, equipment, and uniforms appropriately.
• Follow all company safety procedures and applicable fire/life-safety requirements.

Required Qualifications

• NICET Level II certification in Fire Alarm Systems or Inspection & Testing of Fire Alarm Systems is required.
• Candidates with equivalent factory certifications, such as Fire Lite, Notifier, or Silent Knight, may be considered with 3+ years of relevant inspection, testing, and maintenance experience.
• Minimum 3 years of commercial fire alarm inspection, testing,…