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 p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .

Job Posting End Date:

11-16-2026

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

Appli