Sprinkler Crew Lead - Fire Life and Safety

SUMMARY

The Sprinkler Crew Lead, Fire Protection is a field-based working leader responsible for overseeing and actively participating in the inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, and small project execution of fire sprinkler and water-based fire protection systems. This role bridges the gap between frontline technicians and operations management by providing hands-on technical leadership, field coordination, and quality oversight while maintaining productivity and compliance.

The Foreperson works alongside technicians in the field, leads daily job execution, supports training and mentoring, ensures adherence to NFPA and provincial codes, and acts as the primary on-site point of contact for clients and internal operations. This position does not function as a desk-based management role and is expected to maintain strong technical competency and field presence.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Leadership & Supervision

• Acts as the working lead on sprinkler and water-based fire protection jobs, performing hands-on work alongside technicians.
• Assigns daily tasks, sequences work activities and provides real-time technical guidance in the field.
• Mentors and supports the development of sprinkler technicians and apprentices through coaching and on-the-job training.
• Monitors workmanship, productivity, and safety performance of assigned crews.
• Escalates technical, safety, or resourcing issues to Operations Management as required.

Inspection, Testing & Service Execution

• Performs and oversees inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire pumps, valves, and associated components in accordance with NFPA Standards and applicable provincial codes.
• Leads troubleshooting and repair activities related to leaks, impairments, corrosion, faulty components, and system deficiencies.
• Supports emergency response activities related to sprinkler activations, system failures, and water damage incidents.
• Ensures all work is completed safely, efficiently, and to required technical standards.

Compliance, Safety & Quality Assurance

• Ensures all field work complies with NFPA standards, provincial fire codes, building codes, and BGIS safety policies.
• Conducts field-level safety reviews, hazard assessments, and tailgate meetings.
• Verifies completion and accuracy of inspection reports, deficiency lists, and service documentation prior to submission.
• Ensures deficiencies are clearly documented, communicated, and escalated when corrective action is required.

Coordination & Client Interaction

• Serves as the primary on-site contact for clients, property managers, and tenants during field work.
• Communicates inspection findings, system conditions, and required repairs in a clear and professional manner.
• Coordinates field activities with other trades, subcontractors, and internal teams as required.
• Supports Operations Management with job updates, site conditions, and scheduling feedback.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Completes and reviews service documentation, inspection forms, deficiency reports, and time entries.
• Provides input on material requirements, tooling, and minor scope changes encountered in the field.
• Supports estimating and scoping for small repairs or remedial work when requested.
• Participates in operations meetings and contributes field-level insights to improve processes and service delivery.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Experience leading crews or acting as a lead hand / senior technician.
• Strong working knowledge of NFPA 13, NFPA 25, NFPA 20, and applicable provincial fire and building codes.
• Experience with fire pump testing, backflow preventers, and impairment management.
• Advanced technical knowledge of sprinkler and water-based fire protection systems.
• Strong ability to lead, coach, and support technicians in a field environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Clear and professional communication skills with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to enforce safe work practices.
• Comfortable working in active job sites and responding to emergency situations.

Licenses and/or Professional Accreditation

One or more of the following would be considered an asset:

Required

• Valid Sprinkler Fitter Journeyperson certification (provincial).
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Minimum 5–7 years of hands-on experience working with fire sprinkler, standpipe, and water-based fire protection systems.

Assets

• CFAA certification or equivalent fire protection accreditation.