What are the responsibilities and job description for the Life Safety Technician position at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Posting Information
Department
Bldg Svcs-LSAC-2nd Shift-245320
Career Area
Facilities and Skilled Trades
Is this an internal only recruitment?
No
Posting Open Date
07/22/2026
Application Deadline
08/03/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Electronics Specialist - Journey
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC09 / GN09
Working Title
Life Safety Technician
Position Number
20077385
Vacancy ID
P021219
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment
Hours per week
40
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 4:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Work Location
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$52,549 - $74,585
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
Notice to Applicants
This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.
Position Summary Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Building Services provide full maintenance and repair services for all UNC facilities and ensure the proper operation of those facilities in support of the UNC mission of teaching, research and public service. Building Services supports more than 300 campus buildings with more than 18 million gross square feet of space. The teams that provide quality maintenance, repair and construction services that support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University include Campus Maintenance, EMCS, Facilities Operations Support, Housing Support, HVAC Systems, Life Safety Services, and the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling. The Life Safety Services section is a specialized unit within the Building Services Division of Facilities Services. This section is comprised of the Life Safety/Electronic-Specialty Shop, the Access Control/Key Shop, and the Emergency Generator Shop. This organizational unit delivers a high level of maintenance and support to safeguard human life, property, research, and other critical areas of significant financial and time investments for the entire University campus community including: all residence halls, classrooms facilities, research lab facilities, athletics facilities, medical school facilities, and offices facilities. These areas include but are not limited to: the Central Alarm Receiving System (CARS), all fire alarm detection and suppression systems, security and CCTV systems, key control, accessibility controllers, Biometric and Card Access, equipment alarm systems, and backup power emergency generators. Additionally, this unit supports all facets of Facilities Services, Energy Services, Environment Health & Safety, Public Safety, Facilities Planning & Construction, and Residential Student Housing in their efforts to support the campus community, all of which contribute to the University’s mission of teaching, research and public service.
Position Summary
A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $4,919 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN TWO INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE: $2,459.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE AND $2,459.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.
Serves as a team member of the Life Safety/Electronics-Specialty and Emergency Generator Shop and supports the mission in the section’s daily functions and responsibilities, which include but are not limited to performing routine and preventive maintenance inspections on Life Safety, Fire Detection and Suppression systems, Equipment Monitoring Systems, and other miscellaneous electronic systems and subsystems. Also installs and/or makes modifications to Life Safety, fire detection and suppression systems, and Equipment Monitoring Systems.
Performs preventive maintenance (PMs) and repairs on Life Safety systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications, NFPA12A, NFPA25, NFPA72 and the International Fire Code. Obtains and maintains licensure to legally perform inspections of these systems by the NC State Board of Examiners, which also requires additional National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) certifications. Specific Life Safety system manufacturer certifications must also be obtained and maintained to perform any repairs or system modifications. The section currently maintains five different manufacturer system certifications.
***Required Licenses/Certifications:
NICET Level II certification in Fire Alarm Systems
NICET Level II certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
Individuals not holding a NICET Level II Certification for Inspection and Testing of Water-based Systems, Limited Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners and a Limited Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners are required to gain licenses and certification at the expense of the university within three (3) years of employment, as a condition of continued employment.
Individuals not holding NICET Level II Certification for Fire Alarm Systems are required to gain certification within four (4) years, at the expense of the university, as a condition of continued employment.
Must possess a valid NC Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.
Serves as a team member of the Life Safety/Electronics-Specialty and Emergency Generator Shop and supports the mission in the section’s daily functions and responsibilities, which include but are not limited to performing routine and preventive maintenance inspections on Life Safety, Fire Detection and Suppression systems, Equipment Monitoring Systems, and other miscellaneous electronic systems and subsystems. Also installs and/or makes modifications to Life Safety, fire detection and suppression systems, and Equipment Monitoring Systems.
Performs preventive maintenance (PMs) and repairs on Life Safety systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications, NFPA12A, NFPA25, NFPA72 and the International Fire Code. Obtains and maintains licensure to legally perform inspections of these systems by the NC State Board of Examiners, which also requires additional National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) certifications. Specific Life Safety system manufacturer certifications must also be obtained and maintained to perform any repairs or system modifications. The section currently maintains five different manufacturer system certifications.
***Required Licenses/Certifications:
NICET Level II certification in Fire Alarm Systems
NICET Level II certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
Individuals not holding a NICET Level II Certification for Inspection and Testing of Water-based Systems, Limited Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners and a Limited Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners are required to gain licenses and certification at the expense of the university within three (3) years of employment, as a condition of continued employment.
Individuals not holding NICET Level II Certification for Fire Alarm Systems are required to gain certification within four (4) years, at the expense of the university, as a condition of continued employment.
Must possess a valid NC Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Associate’s degree in electronics; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Management Preferences
- Extensive fire alarm industry experience, including programming, troubleshooting, repair, testing, inspection, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection, alarm, suppression, and life safety systems.
- Advanced knowledge of fire protection and life safety codes and standards, including NFPA, NEC, IFC, ADA, and applicable North Carolina regulatory requirements.
- Expertise in electronic systems diagnostics, circuit-board-level troubleshooting, microprocessor-based systems, and system programming using computer-based tools.
- Factory certification from at least two (2) major fire alarm manufacturers, with the ability to configure systems, ensure code compliance, and train end users.
- Proven ability to manage service priorities and customer needs while collaborating professionally with stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and diverse client groups.
Required Licenses/Certifications
NICET Level II certification in Fire Alarm Systems
NICET Level II certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
Individuals not holding a NICET Level II Certification for Inspection and Testing of Water-based Systems, Limited Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners and a Limited Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners are required to gain licenses and certification at the expense of the university within three (3) years of employment, as a condition of continued employment.
Individuals not holding NICET Level II Certification for Fire Alarm Systems are required to gain certification within four (4) years, at the expense of the university, as a condition of continued employment.
Must possess a valid NC Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.
NICET Level II certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
Individuals not holding a NICET Level II Certification for Inspection and Testing of Water-based Systems, Limited Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners and a Limited Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License by the NC State Board of Examiners are required to gain licenses and certification at the expense of the university within three (3) years of employment, as a condition of continued employment.
Individuals not holding NICET Level II Certification for Fire Alarm Systems are required to gain certification within four (4) years, at the expense of the university, as a condition of continued employment.
Must possess a valid NC Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Ability to stand for long periods of time, work from lifts, climb ladders and/or work from scaffolding at least 10 ft. high, crawl under buildings, enter manholes and/or work in confined spaces, stoop, squat, and ability to move objects weighing 40 lb. or more, overhead.
Ability to provide support for Bio-Safety Level (BSL) 2 and 3 labs, which requires a baseline blood draw and physical. Entry into hot labs, with an Environment Health & Safety department escort, required. Ability to wear respiratory protection, receive annual medical certification, and be fit tested and trained.
Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential (mandatory) University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions may require the University to close.
Ability to provide support for Bio-Safety Level (BSL) 2 and 3 labs, which requires a baseline blood draw and physical. Entry into hot labs, with an Environment Health & Safety department escort, required. Ability to wear respiratory protection, receive annual medical certification, and be fit tested and trained.
Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential (mandatory) University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions may require the University to close.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Evening work, Night work, On-call occasionally, Overtime occasionally, Shift work, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time OffSalary : $52,549 - $74,585