Fire Systems Technician
Location: Mechanicville, NY 12118
Client: Sanders Fire & Safety
Website: https://www.sandersfireandsafety.com/
Salary: $25–$40 per hour, depending on experience and certifications
Job Type: Full-Time, On-site
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8-hour shifts, with overtime and rotating on-call responsibilities
About the Client
Sanders Fire & Safety (SFS) is an established provider of fire protection, life safety, and low-voltage security systems. Founded in 1933, the company has built a reputation for delivering innovative technology solutions and comprehensive installation, service, and maintenance support throughout Upstate New York and the Metro New York area.
SFS provides integrated solutions, including fire alarms, fire suppression systems, video surveillance, access control, intrusion alarms, emergency communications, central monitoring, and room for integrity systems.
The company offers a professional work environment, opportunities for advancement, on-the-job training, and a competitive benefits package.
Job Summary
Seeking a skilled and motivated Fire Systems Technician to install, service, troubleshoot, program, and maintain fire protection and low-voltage security systems at various customer locations.
The technician will work with fire alarm and suppression systems, emergency communications, access control, IP video/CCTV, and intrusion detection systems. The ideal candidate has at least two years of hands-on experience with fire alarm systems or related electrical and low-voltage technologies, strong troubleshooting abilities, and a commitment to safety and quality.
This role requires someone who can work independently, interpret technical drawings, complete installations accurately, and provide reliable service in commercial and other customer environments.
Responsibilities
Install, inspect, service, troubleshoot, and maintain fire alarm and fire suppression systems.
Install and connect low-voltage cabling, system components, and associated equipment.
Work with access control, emergency call, emergency communication, intrusion alarm, and IP video/CCTV systems.
Program and configure fire alarms, suppression, video surveillance, access control, and other security system solutions.
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, installation plans, material takeoffs, and as-built documentation.
Perform final connections, system testing, troubleshooting, and adjustments to ensure proper operation.
Diagnose system faults and implement effective corrective actions.
Maintain accurate system records, service documentation, and computer-based databases.
Follow applicable state and national fire safety and electrical codes, industry standards, and company procedures.
Communicate professionally with customers, project teams, and other technicians.
Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in safe and organized conditions.
Travel to customer sites throughout the service area as required.
Participate in overtime, rotating on-call schedules, and occasional overnight travel.
Continue developing technical knowledge of company products, systems, and installation practices.
Qualifications
At least two years of hands-on experience with fire alarm systems, fire protection systems, electrical work, or related low-voltage technologies preferred.
Working knowledge of fire alarm systems and associated components.
Familiarity with applicable state and national fire and electrical codes.
Experience installing, servicing, troubleshooting, or programming fire alarm and security systems.
Ability to read blueprints, technical drawings, material takeoffs, and as-built plans.
Basic computer literacy and database management skills.
Proficiency with hand tools and power tools.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and manage assigned tasks effectively.
Valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Ability to lift an extension ladder weighing up to 80 pounds and work at heights of approximately 15–25 feet.
Willingness to work overtime, participate in a rotating on-call schedule, and travel overnight when necessary.
Ability to commute to Mechanicville, NY, and work on-site.
Preferred Qualification:
NICET certification in fire alarm systems or a related fire protection discipline.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an experienced fire alarm or low-voltage systems technician who can confidently install, program, maintain, and troubleshoot life safety and security equipment.
They should demonstrate:
Practical experience with fire alarm systems and related electrical or low-voltage installations.
Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to identify and resolve technical issues.
Familiarity with fire codes, electrical standards, technical drawings, and system documentation.
Experience with access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, or fire suppression systems.
A safety-conscious, detail-oriented approach to installations and service work.
The ability to work independently while maintaining professional communication with customers and team members.
A willingness to learn new technologies, obtain relevant certifications, and grow within the organization.
Candidates with NICET certification, multiple fire and security system capabilities, and experience handling service calls independently will be especially attractive.
Simple Explanation of the Job
This person will install, repair, program, and maintain fire alarm systems and related safety and security equipment at customer locations.
For example, when a business needs a new fire alarm system, the technician will install the wiring and equipment, connect the components, program the system, and test it to ensure it works properly. If an existing system develops a fault, the technician will troubleshoot the issue, make the necessary repairs, and verify that the system operates correctly.
In simple terms, the Fire Systems Technician helps keep buildings safe by ensuring their fire alarm, fire protection, and security systems are installed correctly and working reliably.
Screening Questions
Relevant Experience: How many years of hands-on experience do you have installing, servicing, or troubleshooting fire alarm systems or related low-voltage equipment?
System Knowledge: Which systems have you worked with? For example, fire alarms, fire suppression, access control, IP video/CCTV, intrusion alarms, or emergency communications.
Installation and Programming: Have you independently installed, wired, programmed, and commissioned fire alarm or security systems? Please describe your experience.
Troubleshooting: Can you provide an example of a challenging system fault you diagnosed and resolved?
Codes and Standards: What experience do you have working with applicable fire codes, electrical codes, and life safety requirements?
Technical Drawings: Are you comfortable reading blueprints, wiring diagrams, installation plans, material takeoffs, and as-built documentation?
Certifications: Do you hold NICET certification or any other relevant fire alarm, electrical, or manufacturer-specific certifications?
Tools and Physical Requirements: Are you comfortable using hand and power tools, lifting an 80-pound extension ladder, and working at heights of 15–25 feet?
Travel and Schedule: Are you comfortable working on-site in Mechanicville, NY, Monday through Friday, with overtime, rotating on-call duties, and occasional overnight travel?
Employment Requirements: Do you have a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record, and are you able to pass the required background check and drug screening?
Compensation: What is your current or expected hourly rate? Would the $25–$40 per hour range, depending on experience and certifications, meet your expectations?
Availability: What is your current employment status, and when would you be available to start?