Position Specific Summary:
The Engineering Fire Alarm Specialist will work independently under the guidance of the Housing Facilities Associate Director. The duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to installing, programming, testing, diagnosing, and repairing fire alarm systems and potentially integrated systems. This position is also responsible for managing projects and reviewing sequence of operations on new construction and renovations. Other duties include updating/maintaining databases and the graphical interface that provides system monitoring and diagnosis.
Specific Job Tasks:
Manage and maintain fire alarm, life safety, card access, lighting control, and other electronic systems across Housing facilities to ensure reliable operation and regulatory compliance.
Analyze building occupancy, usage patterns, and safety needs to identify opportunities that enhance student, staff, and guest safety.
Develop and implement preventive maintenance, testing, and inspection programs for all life safety and electronic systems, ensuring accurate documentation and code compliance.
Program, troubleshoot, integrate, and commission complex electronic systems, including fire alarm, access control, building automation, and related technologies.
Lead and oversee electronic and life safety system projects, including system upgrades, renovations, new construction, testing, and final acceptance.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and design professionals on system layouts, equipment selection, wiring methods, and technology solutions.
Serve as the departmental subject matter expert on fire alarm, life safety, and electronic systems, providing technical guidance and problem resolution.
Coordinate with campus partners, regulatory agencies, inspectors, emergency services, and insurance representatives to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and operational requirements.
Evaluate system performance and develop long-range replacement and capital renewal plans, including lifecycle analysis, budgeting, and cost forecasting.
Provide oversight and quality assurance for contractor work, including testing, commissioning, installation verification, and adherence to project specifications.
Develop and deliver training programs, operational procedures, and technical documentation for staff, student employees, and campus partners.
Support departmental operations through inventory management, staffing recommendations, hiring assistance, and resource planning for electronic and life safety systems.
For a detailed job description, please email Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu.
About the Division of Student Life:
The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, works together to keep our students safe, and provides them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreational Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and minimum 3-5 years' experience in card access and fire alarm systems.
Professional experience (typically 3-5 years) with coordination of major facilities with networked fire alarm systems, including experience in system design, installation, operation, and commissioning
Ability to conduct fieldwork and interact with clients in a professional and responsive manner
NICET Level II in Fire Alarm Systems
Excellent communication (written and verbal), and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of system connection/interface with building automation systems.
Ability to perform quick and accurate adjustments to maintain system performance due to equipment failures
Familiarity with construction site safety guidelines
Familiarity with installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting windows operating systems, as well as fire alarm program software.
Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings, system drawings, wiring diagrams, specifications, sequences of operation, installation, and operation manuals.
Willingness to learn new fire alarm system brands, models, programming, software, and new concepts.
Strong attention to detail
Demonstrated experience creating and maintaining a welcoming and respectful environment
Desired Skills:
Valid Driver’s license and ability to meet and maintain UI Driving Policy.
NICET Level III in Fire Alarm Systems.
Extensive experience in programming and installing complex fire alarm systems.
Familiarity with Fiber Optic Systems.
Ability to troubleshoot system problems utilizing panel log data, and meters.
Ability to provide training in building fire alarm systems.
Working knowledge of Notifier or JCI / Simplex fire alarm inspection, service, networking, and programming training
Familiarity or experience with Card Access systems and maintenance of other low voltage equipment
Familiarity with Lutron or other lighting controls systems
Able to provide clarity and direction to complex and ambiguous problems and challenges
Application Details
To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States. For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Sehmann at michelle-sehmann@uiowa.edu
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
