Description
The Department of Maintenance-Life Safety within the Facilities Management is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Fire Alarm Technician.
Operations and Maintenance (O&M) department, as a part of Facilities Management, is responsible to ensure that building structures and systems for all University owned and leased properties are operated and maintained in a reliable, efficient and cost effective manner to ensure a safe and comfortable work environment in which campus users can carry out their activities. Campus is divided into 6 operating zones.
This position reports to the Life Safety Team Lead. Work is performed under minimal supervision.
This position is a part of the AUPE Collective Bargaining Unit. The normal shift is 7.0 hours per day, five days per week, usually Monday to Friday, however, transfer to other shifts, with notice, is a possibility. Overtime may be required, and the incumbent will be expected to participate in an On-Call rotation. Callouts to the campus can be expected during emergencies.
The Life Safety Systems Department is responsible for the primary life safety systems: fire alarm control panels on the campus-wide control network. The systems typically include detection, communication and signaling devices, sprinklers, preaction systems, deluge systems, standpipe firefighting systems, fire pumps, fire hydrants, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, chemical fire suppression systems (sapphire, inergen, CO), kitchen fire suppression systems (dry and wet chemical), hazardous fume and gas detection systems, building emergency control devices as well as other peripherals.
The Fire Alarm Technician is responsible to ensure the proper installation, maintenance, repair, and testing of all Life safety Systems. This position is required to assist the U of C Life Safety Technicians with the operations and maintenance of the Campus wide fire alarm systems. This includes a continuous high volume of work with certain peak periods, imposing high physical and mental demands. Problems encountered are from moderate to high complexity due to a vast scope of equipment and systems to be maintained, as well as a wide range of system variety from antiquated, obsolete equipment, up to the newest high tech electrical processes. The diverse workload involves operational deadlines, shifting priorities, and simultaneous organization, all of which can impact the performance of each facility or group of facilities.
This position requires work be carried out with the following conditions: within confined spaces, scaffolds, and lifts of heights up to 4 metres, heavy lifting up to and including 25 kilograms that may require performing physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials, year round indoor and outdoor responsibilities and controlled hazardous environments.
Primary Purpose of the Position (key purpose, functions, roles):
- Performs electrical work related to electrical systems of less than 24 volts, including electronic circuitry.
- Inspects tests, calibrates, repairs, and replaces various low-voltage components and systems, including building security, building automation, and master clock.
- Inspects, tests, calibrates, repairs, and replaces fire alarm system components, including initiating devices (for example: water flow switches and pull boxes), notification appliances (for example: horns, bells, strobes), detectors (for example: smoke, heat, flame, and gas), wiring, and associated control panels.
- Inspect, test, calibrates, repairs and replaces electronic systems.
- Inspects tests, calibrates, repairs, and replaces low-voltage components build into equipment, such as variable-frequency drives.
- Performs minor installation or modification work on low-voltage systems, including planning the work; estimating and arranging the materials, supplies, and equipment required; and coordinating with other trades.
- Acts as the U of C representative for fire alarm verifications and approvals. Life Safety Systems personnel contribute knowledge and experience in the areas of various electronic systems on campus as well as back-up support for the building management system.
- Communicates with customers, contractors, suppliers and trade staff to successfully complete tasks.
- Completes of computerized records related to work is also required.
- Analyzes information and evaluates results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Monitors and reviews information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Develops specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Ensures the work assigned is completed as required and is in compliance with the University specifications, standards and procedures.
- Responsible to become familiar with all existing University structures and systems, as well as acquire knowledge of new trends, techniques, codes and equipment as they become relevant to the operation of the University.
- Ensures that equipment, workspaces, and tools supplied by the University are used for their intended purposes, and are maintained in a safe working order.
- Manages own time effectively and ensures immediate supervisor is kept informed of activities, and progress of work.
- Pleasantly and respectfully interacts with co-workers, supervisors, contractors, consultants, suppliers, students and other members of the University community.
- Is willing to learn and adapt to change and is expected to actively participate in own training and development in coordination with the department.
- Is expected to actively participate in own training and development in coordination with the department, and is willing to learn and adapt to change.
- Meets all ongoing EH&S initiatives, follows University EH&S policies, procedures and OH&S Legislation as required ensuring personal, public and co-worker safety when completing tasks or engaging in potentially hazardous situations.
- Is familiar with the University of Calgary "Statement on Principles of Conduct" and conducts himself/herself according to these principles in all situations when acting on behalf of the University of Calgary.
- Discretion, confidentiality, and attention to detail are required attributes.
- Ensures regular work attendance and timely reporting for start of shift.
- Ensures that personal hygiene, attire and grooming are appropriate for the work environment.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Must possess CFAA - Canadian Fire Alarm Association certification.
- Journeyman Red Seal Electrical trades certification will be considered an asset.
- Minimum 3 years' experience related to Life Safety Building Systems of less than 24 volts (low voltage), including electronic circuitry.
Application Deadline: May 7, 2025.
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
