Fire Alarm Technician

Who We Are:

Symons Fire Protection, Inc. is a premier, full-service fire-life safety contractor based in San Diego, CA. For over 30 years, we have specialized in the design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of residential and commercial fire sprinkler and fire alarm/low voltage systems across Southern California.

We pride ourselves on operational excellence, high-quality craftsmanship, and unwavering safety standards. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to providing opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and build a rewarding career in the fire protection industry.

As a Fire Alarm Technician, you will play an important role in installing, programming, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining fire alarm systems that help protect people, property, and buildings.

How Well Take Care of You:

- 401(k) + Company Matching

- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D Insurance, including FREE Employee Only premium for SIMNSA and Kaiser Permanente Bronze Base medical plans

- Vacation, Holidays, Birthday Holiday, and Sick Pay

- Discretionary Bonus Program

- Training and professional development opportunities

- Opportunities to develop technical skills and advance within the fire protection industry

- Company Celebrations, including summer picnic and holiday events

- Employee Referral Program

- FREE Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

- FREE Onsite Gym

- FREE premium coffee and snacks

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Job Summary

We are seeking a dependable and skilled Fire Alarm Technician to join our team. This position is responsible for installing, programming, testing, troubleshooting, servicing, and maintaining fire alarm systems in new and existing residential and commercial buildings across various types of construction.

The Fire Alarm Technician will work with fire alarm control panels, initiating devices, notification appliances, conduit, wiring, junction boxes, and related equipment to ensure systems are installed and operating properly. Responsibilities include interpreting installation requirements, routing and terminating wiring, identifying electrical faults, programming system components, and testing completed installations.

The successful candidate will demonstrate technical aptitude, attention to detail, a commitment to safety, reliable attendance, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with foremen, project managers, and other field personnel.

Core Responsibilities

1. Fire Alarm Installation

- Install fire alarm systems in new and existing buildings in accordance with project requirements, approved plans, and applicable codes and standards.

- Install and service fire alarm control panels, audible and visual notification appliances, manual pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors, and other system devices.

- Fabricate, assemble, install, and maintain conduit, junction boxes, terminals, supports, and related fire alarm equipment.

- Measure, mark, cut, and bend conduit as needed for installation.

- Attach conduit and related components to walls, structures, and fixtures using appropriate brackets, clamps, anchors, and tools.

- Pull, strip, route, and terminate wiring at fire alarm devices and control panels using appropriate connections, including crimps, solder, heat-shrink tubing, wire nuts, tape, and terminal blocks.

- Follow installation drawings, diagrams, specifications, and instructions to complete work accurately and efficiently.

- Maintain professional workmanship and ensure installations meet company quality standards.

2. Testing, Troubleshooting & Maintenance

- Inspect, examine, and test installed fire alarm systems to verify proper operation and system performance.

- Use digital multimeters and other appropriate testing equipment to troubleshoot ground faults, short circuits, open circuits, and related electrical issues.

- Identify installation deficiencies, wiring issues, and equipment malfunctions and take appropriate corrective action.

- Perform functional testing of fire alarm devices, circuits, panels, and related equipment.

- Verify the operation of audible and visual notification appliances, initiating devices, and system components.

- Assist with service calls, system repairs, maintenance, and troubleshooting as assigned.

- Document identified issues and communicate unresolved problems to the appropriate supervisor.

3. Fire Alarm Programming & System Components

- Program and configure fire alarm control panels, single-line circuits, modules, sensors, and input/output devices as required.

- Follow manufacturer specifications, approved system designs, and project requirements when configuring equipment.

- Verify that programmed devices and circuits operate as intended.

- Assist with system startup, testing, and commissioning activities as assigned.

- Maintain familiarity with fire alarm equipment, installation practices, and applicable industry standards.

4. Safety & Compliance

- Follow all company safety policies, job-site requirements, and applicable OSHA and Cal/OSHA regulations.

- Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests, as appropriate.

- Use tools, ladders, electrical testing equipment, and installation materials safely and correctly.

- Maintain awareness of job-site hazards and report unsafe conditions, incidents, and near misses to the appropriate supervisor.

- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

- Follow applicable fire alarm codes, project specifications, manufacturer requirements, and company quality standards.

5. Tools, Materials & Equipment

- Safely handle and use hand tools, power tools, digital multimeters, conduit-working equipment, and fire alarm testing devices.

- Measure and prepare materials for installation, including conduit, wiring, supports, and system components.

- Keep tools and equipment in good working condition and report damaged, missing, or malfunctioning items.

- Organize materials and maintain an orderly work area to support efficient installation and service activities.

- Notify the appropriate supervisor of material shortages, equipment issues, or damaged components.

6. Documentation & Communication

- Maintain accurate documentation related to work performed, system testing, troubleshooting, and installation progress.

- Communicate effectively with foremen, project managers, coworkers, customers, and other job-site personnel as required.

- Report project delays, installation concerns, equipment issues, and safety hazards promptly.

- Use company communication and technology tools, including Paycom, Outlook, and BuilderTrend, as required.

- Follow instructions provided verbally, in writing, or through construction drawings and diagrams.

7. Attendance & Work Standards

- Maintain reliable and predictable attendance.

- Arrive at work and assigned job sites on time and prepared to perform job duties.

- Maintain a professional attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to quality workmanship.

- Work cooperatively with other trades and members of the project team.

- Adapt to changing project schedules, job-site conditions, and business needs.

- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Reliable and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Duties and responsibilities may be changed at any time based on business needs.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

- High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Previous experience installing, servicing, troubleshooting, or programming fire alarm systems is preferred.

- Experience with low-voltage electrical systems, conduit installation, electrical wiring, or related construction trades is beneficial.

- Familiarity with fire alarm control panels, notification appliances, initiating devices, and system testing procedures is desirable.

- OSHA 10-hour training and CPR/First Aid certification must be completed within the first three months of employment.

- Ability and willingness to participate in additional training and professional development as required.

Language Skills

- Ability to read, write, and speak English.

- Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

- Ability to read construction drawings, wiring diagrams, equipment instructions, lists, reports, and other job-related documentation.

- Ability to communicate technical information, job-site concerns, and safety issues clearly to supervisors and coworkers.

Computer & Technology Skills

- Basic computer and mobile-device skills.

- Ability to learn and use company systems, including Paycom, Outlook, and BuilderTrend.

- Ability to use digital multimeters and other appropriate testing equipment for fire alarm troubleshooting.

- Ability to learn and operate fire alarm programming software and manufacturer-specific systems as required.

Mathematical Skills

- Basic math skills are required.

- Ability to perform calculations involving measurements, dimensions, figures, and amounts.

- Ability to calculate rates, ratios, and percentages.

- Ability to accurately measure, mark, and prepare conduit and wiring for installation.

- Ability to understand basic electrical measurements and apply them during testing and troubleshooting.

Reasoning Ability

- Ability to apply common sense, sound judgment, and practical problem-solving skills when completing assigned tasks.

- Ability to follow instructions provided in written, verbal, or diagram form.

- Ability to identify and troubleshoot basic electrical and system issues.

- Ability to evaluate test results, recognize installation deficiencies, and communicate problems appropriately.

- Ability to manage multiple job-site tasks and adapt to changing conditions while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Physical Requirements

This position requires physical stamina and the ability to safely perform construction-related activities throughout the workday. Employees must be able to stand, walk, climb ladders, reach, bend, crouch, stoop, and work with their hands and arms while installing and servicing fire alarm systems.

The position may require lifting and carrying tools, conduit, wiring, equipment, and other materials. Employees must be able to perform repetitive physical tasks and work in active construction environments, including areas with limited space or elevated work locations.

Physical requirements include:

- Standing: Remain standing for extended periods while performing installation, testing, and service duties.

- Walking: Walk and move throughout active construction sites and buildings.

- Climbing: Ascend and descend ladders and similar equipment to access installation locations.

- Crouching: Bend the body downward or forward by bending the legs and spine to access equipment and wiring.

- Handling: Seize, hold, manipulate, and work with tools, wiring, conduit, and fire alarm components.

- Lifting: Raise, lower, carry, and position tools, materials, and equipment as required.

- Reaching: Extend hands and arms in various directions to install, connect, and service system components.

- Stooping: Bend the body downward and forward at the knees or waist to perform installation and troubleshooting tasks.

- Vision: Possess sufficient visual acuity to accurately read equipment labels, wiring diagrams, panel displays, and installation documentation, including the ability to distinguish colors where required.

- Talking & Hearing: Communicate effectively by phone and in person with coworkers, supervisors, customers, and other job-site personnel.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Reference the applicable Essential Functions form, if required, for additional details regarding the physical demands of this position.

Travel, Work Hours & Supervision

Travel Expectations

Travel to assigned job sites throughout Southern California is required. Some out-of-town travel may be necessary based on project needs. Accommodations will be provided when necessary.

Work Hours

Work schedules may vary based on project requirements, customer needs, and construction schedules. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and operational needs.

Supervision

The Fire Alarm Technician will work under the direction of the assigned foreman, supervisor, or project manager and is expected to follow project instructions, company policies, and established safety procedures.

Other

No Third-Party Agency Solicitation.

Location Requirement: This position is open to local candidates currently residing in the Southern California area. Candidates must be able to reliably report to assigned job sites as required. Remote work is not available for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Symons Fire Protection, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law.