Fire Alarm Test & Inspection Technician / Apprentice

• Perform NFPA 72 compliant test and inspections of commercial fire alarm and related life safety systems.
• Test and verify field devices including:
  • Smoke detectors
  • Duct detectors
  • Manual pull stations
  • Horns, strobes, speakers, and notification appliances
  • Waterflow and tamper switches
  • Supervisory and relay devices
• Interpret and work from device layouts, riser diagrams, submittals, and operation manuals.
• Accurately record test results, device counts, and deficiencies in digital or physical inspection forms.
• Identify obvious device failures, damaged components, or wiring issues.
• Follow inspection sequences and safety procedures as required by NFPA 72 and the local AHJ.
• Maintain company tools, testing equipment, and PPE.
• Assist with basic installation, trim-out, cable pulling, labeling, or cleanup if inspection schedules slow.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Apprentice-level: mechanical/electrical aptitude; no fire alarm experience required.
• Technician-level: 1–5+ years of commercial experience in fire alarm installation, service, or inspection preferred.
• Ability to use ladders, hand tools, and inspection equipment.
• Ability to work in commercial and institutional environments.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to pass background checks and pre-employment screening.

• FASA/BASA (or ability to obtain prior to or shortly after hire).
• Ability to obtain a Florida State JLA (Jessica Lunsford Act) badge when required by project.

• NICET I or II in Fire Alarm Systems. NICET is not required for hire. Advancement support is available for motivated employees.
• Manufacturer certifications (Notifier, Fire-Lite, Silent Knight, etc.).
• OSHA safety training or similar credentials.

• Familiarity with NFPA 72 inspection procedures.
• Ability to read basic risers or system layouts.
• Experience documenting results in inspection software or paper forms.
• Understanding of commercial fire alarm system components.

• Preliminary troubleshooting
• Communicator testing
• Panel-level review
• Identification of system deficiencies

Fundamental Functions

Work Environment

• Work assignments may vary based on client requirements.
• Work may be performed inside a large facility. An inside environment may be a cubicle (considerations: close quarters, low to moderate noise, bright or dim lighting).
• Work may be performed in the field. Outside work may include various environmental conditions including hot, dusty, cold, wet, icy, or windy climates.

Schedule

• Regular attendance following an established work schedule is mandatory.
• It is important to be able to work any shift/designated hours required.
• You may be asked to continue performance during inclement weather or other conditions when others are not permitted to work.
• This position may require night and weekend work and could include travel to areas with varying field conditions.

Physical Requirements

• May require climbing ladders, working at heights and in small, confined spaces such as under raised floors, inside closets, and server racks.
• Must possess the capability to sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch for extended durations. Will be required to operate in noisy environments with temperatures higher or lower than standard office conditions. Must be able to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Sitting at desk. Phone use and PC/laptop. May require lifting and carrying boxes of supplies or files. Extended periods of sitting while on PC/laptop or phone.

Equipment and Machines

• General office equipment includes but is not limited to PCs/laptops, telephones, copiers, servers, switches, routers, and other computer equipment that supports the network environment.
• General field equipment includes but is not limited to hand tools, power tools, ladders, aerial/motorized lifts, and test equipment.
• This position may require the operation of motor vehicles as an essential job function. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. The ability to operate company vehicles safely and responsibly is crucial. Employees may be subject to periodic motor vehicle record checks, and any discrepancies may impact eligibility for the position. MCS of Tampa assumes no liability for accidents, incidents, or violations that may occur while employees are operating motor vehicles for non-work-related purposes. Safety is of utmost importance, and adherence to traffic laws and company policies governing the use of motor vehicles is mandatory.

Travel

• Travel requirements will vary. Not all positions require travel.
• A current passport is required for Overseas travel.

Other Essential Functions

• Employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining required certifications or licenses through the duration of the project or contract. Failure to obtain/maintain required certifications will result in disqualification for this position and could result in termination.
• Candidate must exhibit a professional behavior that promotes teamwork, fosters cooperation and enhances productivity in the workplace. Must be well organized with the ability to coordinate, prioritize, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Candidate must have the ability to communicate verbally and in writing to work effectively with various external customers including government, military, and contractor personnel at all levels.
• Candidate must be able to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the company.
• For office environments, grooming and dress are typically business casual but are dependent on the client’s standards.
• For field environments, grooming and dress must not pose a safety hazard to yourself or employees working in the same general area. MCS of Tampa employees must adhere to OSHA Standards.
• The position for which you are applying for may require a US government security clearance. This is to advise you, that should you be extended an offer, if you possess a dual citizenship (i.e., citizen of the US and another country), to be granted a clearance you will be required to relinquish your citizenship in the foreign country.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. To request reasonable accommodation, you may contact MCS at 813-872-0217.
• MCS maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing including background checks.

Mission Critical Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, veteran status, or any other protected class. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.