Fire alarm technician job description

This post includes 3 parts: duties list, job qualification and job description writing tips for Fire alarm technician in details. A complete job description concludes Fire alarm technician key duties/responsibilities, Fire alarm technician job qualifications (knowledge, education, skills, abilities, experience…KSA model) and other ones such as daily tasks, key activities, key/core competencies, job functions/purpose…

I. List of Fire alarm technician duties:

1. Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, submittals and product manuals to properly program and verify new systems.
2. Serve as a technical advisor on systems programming and configuration, as well as coordinate code requirements with local fire marshals.
3. Oversee and ensure proper completion of work performed by team members, and train technicians and other employees on proper procedures.
4. Evaluate, diagnose and troubleshoot systems equipment that requires servicing.
5. Communicate systems performance to customer.
6. Communicate regularly with the senior systems coordinator on all low voltage projects.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

II. List of Fire alarm technician qualifications

1. At least three years of related work experience required; five or more years preferred.
2. Minimum of NICET Level I – Fire alarm certification
3. Possess knowledge of computer programming and technologies related to fire alarm, security and other low voltage systems.
4. Knowledge of current state regulations and codes.
5. Ability to read schematics and follow written direction while working under minor supervision.
6. Must be willing to travel as required.
7. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work with customers and employees at all levels of the organization. Must be proficient with the Microsoft Office suite. Demonstrate and uphold all the core values of Power Design, which include integrity, accountability, teamwork, innovation and growth.

III. Tips to write job description

1. Too-long job description:

Looking at a too-long job description can frighten the candidates off and drive the away. A job description, no matter how important the job is, should not be included in more than 3 pages. If one focuses on too many things at a time, he shall definitely lose focus on the main items and get overwhelmed by the remaining; So, keep it concisely.

2. Too-short job description:

While too-long can be a problem, too-short is more a problem. It will ruin the meaning of the job description. A too-short one means it lacks necessary details and therefore, the candidate will not be able to understand while reading it.

3. Listing unnecessary functions or job duties:

Just classifying these into the “others” category will save you a lot of effort and space. On the other hand, the job description will become more dilute and easy to be neglected.

4. Key functions

Not listing key functions as required for the job can be a fatal mistake to a job description.

5. Grammar and spelling

Poor grammar and having spelling errors can ruin the job description, too. Never think that as you are the employer, you may have the right to make grammar or spelling errors while requires other not to. A job description with such errors is easily to be mistaken as a fake or ghost ads; as a result, the candidate will turn away from it.

6. Not specific enough:

Be specific and concise; if you don’t address the specific, then what the job description is for. It is for the candidate to understand just exactly what he needs to do or needs to have. Lacking details can confuse the candidates very well.

7. Not having the job description reviewed by others:

This is also a common mistake. One may be subject to bias, but more than one, especially with the help of those external advisor, the job description can be more perfect.

8. Using buzzwords or abbreviations:

In fact, it is not necessary at all to use such in a job description.

9. Using slang or legal words:

Just use common wording to communicate with others and don’t do anything extraordinarily.

10. Not updating the job description:

The same job may require different duties and responsibilities in different times, so, you cannot use the same job description for 2 different times.