Fire Alarm Mechanic

Coho Technology Solutions is seeking an experienced Fire Alarm Mechanic to install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair fire alarm systems and associated electrical and electronic equipment at NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic facilities in Great Lakes, Illinois.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and operational readiness of complex fire alarm systems, including master alarm panels, control consoles, detection devices, alarm circuits, monitoring equipment, and associated wiring and components.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Install, inspect, test, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair fire alarm systems and associated electrical and electronic equipment.
• Maintain and repair master fire alarm systems, control consoles, alarm panels, monitoring equipment, and transmitting devices.
• Inspect, test, adjust, and repair fire alarm components, including smoke and heat detectors, fire bells, sprinkler switches, alarm boxes, and auxiliary circuits.
• Diagnose electrical and electronic malfunctions by tracing circuits, isolating defective components, and repairing or replacing damaged equipment.
• Troubleshot master alarm circuits, underground cables, control panels, backup recording systems, and related electronic components.
• Install, modify, and maintain electrical systems, fixtures, controls, conduit, wiring, connections, and associated equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable route drawings, and technical manuals.
• Perform electrical testing and diagnostics using multimeters, voltmeters, ohmmeters, oscilloscopes, cable fault-locating equipment, and other specialized instruments.
• Repair or replace circuit boards, relays, switches, wiring, and other electrical and electronic components.
• Maintain accurate fire alarm circuit drawings and document system modifications, inspections, testing, and repairs.
• Perform operational testing and system adjustments to verify proper equipment functionality and system performance.
• Follow established work orders, technical instructions, applicable codes, and safety procedures.
• Independently determine appropriate repair methods, tools, and materials while exercising sound technical judgment and working with minimal supervision.
• Provide technical guidance and demonstrate safe work practices to assigned trainees and junior personnel.
• Perform additional electrical maintenance and repair duties as assigned.

Essential Job Qualifications and Requirements:

• Licensure:
  • Valid state driver's license

• Education and Certification:
  • Must meet and maintain at least one of the following qualifying requirements for Fire Protection Systems (FPS):
    • Recognized journeyman- or craftsman-level qualification in fire protection systems, such as NICET
    • Recognized journeyman- or craftsman-level qualification in fire alarm systems through a formalized labor organization-based training program or equivalent
    • State or local jurisdiction electrical/fire alarm qualification or license, including applicable continuing education requirements.
  • Experience installing, testing, maintaining, and repairing fire alarm systems and associated electrical equipment
  • Ability to obtain and maintain mandatory CPR certification

• Required Experience:
  • Journeyman-level experience and working knowledge of electrical, electronic, and fire alarm systems

• Required Skill and Competencies:
  • Working knowledge of electrical and electronic theory, circuit principles, and troubleshooting techniques
  • Demonstrated ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and technical drawings
  • Knowledge of electrical testing instruments and diagnostic equipment.
  • Familiarity with the National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • Ability to troubleshoot open circuits, short circuits, intermittent electrical faults, and electronic system malfunctions

• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Working knowledge of UFC 3-601-02, Operations and Maintenance: Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems.
  • Familiarity with NFPA 72 and NFPA 25 standards
  • NICET certification or an equivalent journeyman-level fire alarm system qualification
  • Experience working with complex, integrated fire alarm systems and electronic control panels
  • Experience performing electrical maintenance in commercial, industrial, or government facilities

• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to independently lift and carry up to 40 pounds. Heavier items must be lifted with assistance
  • Ability to pull or lift heavy electrical cables using appropriate equipment or assistance
  • Ability to climb ladders, poles, towers, and scaffolding and work at elevated heights, including from bucket trucks
  • Ability to work in confined spaces, trenches, manholes, equipment rooms, and other physically demanding environments
  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach while performing maintenance and repair activities
  • Normal vision is required

• Working Conditions:
  • Work is performed indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • May be required to work in confined spaces, equipment rooms, rooftops, beneath buildings, and other challenging environments
  • Potential exposure to extreme temperatures, high noise levels, dust, dirt, grease, oil, fumes, and poorly ventilated or illuminated areas
  • Must properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, hearing protection, flame-resistant clothing, nonconductive gloves, and protective footwear
  • May be designated as essential personnel and required to report for duty during emergencies, severe weather events, or other critical situations
  • May be assigned to other NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic locations within the established commuting area based on operational requirements

• Additional Employment Requirements:
  • Successfully complete required pre-employment and annual physical examinations
  • May be required to participate in a rotational on-call schedule and respond to after-hours emergencies within two hours

Position Pay Range 30.75 - 32 USD