Fire Alarm Technician

Position Summary

James Lane Fire Protection is seeking a licensed Fire Alarm Technician to inspect, test, service, install, and program fire alarm and life safety systems across our North Texas customer base. This is a territory-ownership role: the technician serves as the primary field representative of James Lane at healthcare facilities, schools, industrial plants, and commercial properties throughout the region, working directly with facility managers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction.

The position includes a dedicated service vehicle, company-provided tools and test equipment, and a defined advancement path. James Lane funds NICET progression, state licensing, and continuing education, and promotes from within.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance

• Perform scheduled and annual inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm and detection systems in accordance with NFPA 72, Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6002, and 28 TAC Chapter 34.
• Complete and submit accurate inspection reports, deficiency reports, and service tickets through company digital platforms on the day of service.
• Test initiating devices, notification appliances, control panels, batteries, and system interfaces including elevator recall, HVAC shutdown, damper release, and sprinkler monitoring.
• Identify code deficiencies and non-conformance issues; document findings and generate repair recommendations for quoting.

Service & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and repair faults in fire alarm control panels, addressable and conventional devices, notification circuits, and field wiring.
• Program and reprogram fire alarm control panels.
• Respond to emergency service calls and participate in the after-hours on-call rotation.
• Reduce nuisance and false alarm conditions through root-cause troubleshooting.

Installation & Project Support

• Install fire alarm systems and devices on new construction and retrofit projects; pull, terminate, and label cable to company and NFPA 72 standards.
• Read and interpret blueprints, riser diagrams, sequence-of-operations matrices, and electrical schematics.
• Perform system start-up, acceptance testing, and verification; support AHJ walk-throughs and owner turnover.
• Maintain accurate as-builts, system record drawings, and device labeling.
• Coordinate with project managers, general contractors, electricians, and other trades to maintain project schedule.

Customer Service & Administration

• Train end users on system operation, panel silencing, reset, and reporting procedures.
• Communicate findings, timelines, and recommendations to customers professionally and in plain language.
• Maintain vehicle inventory of parts, devices, and test equipment.
• Follow all OSHA and company safety procedures, including PPE, ladder safety, lockout/tagout, and driver safety requirements.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Texas Fire Alarm Technician (FAL) license issued by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, or the ability to obtain within [90 / 120] days of hire. James Lane sponsors and funds licensure.
• [2–4] years of hands-on experience in commercial fire alarm inspection, service, or installation.
• Working knowledge of NFPA 72, NFPA 70 (NEC Articles 300 and 760), and the International Fire Code.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents and system schematics.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with a clean MVR (no DUI/DWI within the last [3] years) and eligibility for the company fleet program.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
• Proficiency with laptop, tablet, smartphone, and email for reporting and panel programming.

Preferred Qualifications

• NICET Level II or higher certification in Fire Alarm Systems, or NICET Inspection & Testing of Fire Alarm Systems.
• Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) license.
• Manufacturer factory certifications on [insert panel lines].
• Experience in healthcare, education, or industrial facilities.
• Familiarity with fire alarm monitoring, communicator programming, and cellular/IP transmission.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Frequently lift, carry, and position equipment and tools up to 50 lbs unassisted.
• Work from ladders, lifts, and scaffolding; access ceiling spaces, mechanical rooms, roofs, and confined spaces.
• Ability to distinguish wire colors and read small print on device labels and panel displays.
• Frequent standing, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and reaching overhead.
• Work in occupied buildings, active construction sites, and outdoor conditions including extreme heat and cold.
• Regional travel across the North Texas service territory; occasional overnight travel.

Compensation & Benefits

• Overtime and premium pay for after-hours and emergency call-outs.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid life insurance; short-term and long-term disability options.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.