FLS Technician

Distinguishing Characteristics of Work and Essential Attributes 

Employees in this classification perform operational level duties on a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week basis, typically working five [5} eight [8] hour shifts totaling 40 hours per week; however, overtime may be required. 

Work varies, but is generally governed by department rules, regulations and operating procedures, with job performance reviewed regularly by the Technical Services Manager. Fire Life Safety Technicians are expected to act with a great deal of independence and initiative in daily performance of their duties, continuously demonstrating and maintaining proficiency in all assigned tasks. Technicians will be tested on their knowledge and asked to demonstrate certain skills at regular intervals.

The Fire Life Safety Technician must always display the following essential attributes while representing KDC:

• Best Practices 
• Customer Service 
• Integrity 
• Honesty 
• Teamwork 
• Strategic thinking 
• Reliable 
• Ambitious
• Insightful 
• Respect other’s points of view
• Kind 
• Decisive 
• Loyal
• Dependable 

Required Knowledge Abilities and Skills 

• Thorough knowledge of complex Fire/Life/Safety equipment and alarm systems with the ability to:
• Simultaneously perform multiple tasks;
• Obtain information from distressed individuals
• Remain calm in emergency situations
• Evaluate and prioritize work demands
• Follow instructions precisely
• Learn new equipment, software and upgrades
• Operate computerized databases
• Speak clearly over the radio and/or telephone
• Communicate effectively and deal firmly with diverse, demanding, and sometimes hostile people
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing electromechanical systems and their operation
• Prepare detailed, well written reports with few if any grammatical errors.
• A typing speed of 20 words per minute without mistakes is a requirement for this position.

• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations governing the operation of Fire/Life/Safety Equipment, especially NFPA standards and insurance requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of all Fire/Life/Safety Equipment’s operation and role during emergencies, especially all Simplex Systems.
• Thorough knowledge of all emergency response procedures/protocols and the ability to assist when needed.
• Knowledge of specialized tools used in maintaining emergency equipment.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other company employees and/or work groups, public safety personnel and the public.
• Ability to read and interpret building plans and specifications.
• Ability to successfully train security staff on Fire/Life/Safety or Access Control equipment and procedures.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in emergencies and assigned job duties.
• Ability to maintain effective communications both up and down the chain of command.
• Ability to track, communicate and follow through on service requests regardless of whether they originate via email, written, phone or verbal.

Essential Functions and Duties

Within assigned areas, this position requires the following. Other duties will be assigned as needed.

• Maintain all Fire/Life/Safety Administrative records for The Collection.
• Meet with vendors - provide instruction and follow-up for equipment installation and repair.
• Fire pump churn exercises for all three properties.
• Physically exercise Fire System Control Valves per insurance company specifications.
• Maintain and exercise emergency portable generators.
• Participate in smoke control testing as necessary to meet regulations for high-rise buildings.
• Check and maintain fuel for generators at all properties.
• Maintain/check air compressors to maintain pressure in all dry systems.
• Assist with quarterly testing of Fire/Life/Safety Systems by Simplex.
• Interface with Bellevue Fire Department in maintaining/correcting any deficiencies with our fire suppression or other electromechanical systems.
• Drain/fill/maintain backup water supplies for fire systems.
• Assist with training of security officers on building Fire/Life/Safety Systems.

• Must successfully complete the following training programs:

• Safety Orientation, MSDS program and emergency evacuation, etc.
• First Aid
• CPR
• AED “defibrillator training” 
• Fire Extinguisher Training
• Report Writing
• FM Global’s Fire/Life/Safety Training Series

Environmental Factors/Physical Demands:

• Due to the nature of this work, candidates with 100% loss of sight, hearing ability, or with major speech impediments will not be considered. Eligibility determination of candidates with a less severe disability will be made on an individual basis. Incumbents must be able to function under stress and be able to work odd hours when required or needed.
• Work involves running to emergencies on occasion, the ability to walk up and down several flights of stairs, walking and/or standing for several hours, talking, hearing, smelling, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Periodically, the employee in this classification will be required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl. Normal color vision is required, as well as close vision, distance vision, night vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Hearing is critical to success in this job classification. 
• The employee may be required to push, lift, and/or carry up to 50lbs.
• The Fire Life Safety Technician must be able to enter and exit vehicles quickly while wearing approximately 10 pounds of equipment. In response to crimes in progress, fire alarms, medical emergencies, etc., the Fire Life Safety Technician must be able to run. Manual dexterity coupled with good hand and arm strength is required. The Fire Life Safety Technician will be required to lift objects and/or persons in excess of 80 lbs. on occasion and stand for extended periods of time when directing traffic and/or controlling crowds at special events.
• The Fire Life Safety Technician will be exposed to extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain and at times, potentially dangerous environments, diseases, chemicals and excessive noise. (All necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be supplied by Kemper Development Company in compliance with OSHA/WISHA standards.) Work involves walking, talking, climbing and balancing on ladders, hearing, smelling, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. 
• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderately loud, with hearing protection required for certain environments such as: Generator room(s) when generator(s) is/are running. (PPE supplied by Kemper Development Company)
• Routinely the employee will be required to sit for long periods, bend, stoop, kneel and reach up overhead.
• Operation of scissor lifts and work on high-rise rooftops will be required. 

Education/Work Experience Requirements 

Education: High School Graduate or GED Certification and proof thereof required. 

Experience: Five years’ experience in general maintenance and repair work that demonstrates a considerable background and aptitude in the skilled trades as well as experience repairing mechanical and electrical systems. 

 One year of related general maintenance and repair experience may be substituted for one year of education up to a maximum of two years. College work may be substituted for the work experience on a semester for six months basis.

Pay: $35-$37 per/hr.

Schedule: 9am-5:30pm M-F 

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

This job description reflects management’s assessment of essential functions. It does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned nor is it considered a contract of employment