Why This Role Exists
This is the first dedicated fire alarm hire at Valley Fire Control.
We have a large existing customer base that we already service for kitchen suppression and portable extinguishers. Many of those customers have asked us to take on their fire alarm and sprinkler inspections as well. The work is there. We need someone who can step in, deliver quality service from day one, and help us build out the fire alarm division.
This is not a maintain-the-status-quo role. You will do real technical work, but you will also be expected to engage with customers, identify opportunities, and help grow the division. We are looking for someone who wants to build something.
About the Role
This is a field-based, hands-on role. You will perform fire alarm inspections, testing, troubleshooting, service, and installation work across commercial systems. If you are cross-trained in sprinkler, backflow, extinguishers, kitchen systems, or clean agent inspections, you will use those skills too — and you will be compensated accordingly.
You will be expected to work independently, manage your day, communicate clearly with customers, and represent the company well. You will also play an active role in business development — visiting existing customers, setting up new appointments, and helping convert existing relationships into full-scope inspection and service contracts.
What You’ll Do
- Perform fire alarm inspections and testing in accordance with NFPA 72 and applicable local codes
- Troubleshoot, repair, and service fire alarm systems
- Support installation of fire alarm systems, including wiring, devices, and conduit (EMT/rigid)
- Program and commission systems (Edwards EST preferred; Potter, Fire-Lite, and Silent Knight also used)
- Complete monitoring takeovers (dialers, communicators, signal verification)
- Perform inspections across other life safety scopes you are licensed and qualified for (sprinkler, backflow, extinguishers, kitchen systems, clean agent) as applicable
- Identify deficiencies, communicate required repairs or upgrades, and quote work where appropriate
- Actively support business development: visit existing customers, schedule new appointments, and help convert relationships into recurring inspection and service work
- Sell and upsell where appropriate — recommend system upgrades, code-driven repairs, and additional services that genuinely benefit the customer
- Document all work accurately using company software (iPad-based)
- Coordinate with schedulers, project managers, and customers to keep jobs moving
- Assist with AHJ coordination and inspection scheduling when needed
- Train and support junior technicians as the division grows
- Represent Valley Fire Control professionally in every customer interaction
Scope will flex between service, inspections, and install depending on workload and your skillset.
Who You Are
- Self-sufficient — you do not need constant oversight
- Technically strong — you understand how systems actually work, not just how to follow a procedure
- Problem solver — you can diagnose issues, including ground faults, opens, and shorts
- Customer-focused — you communicate clearly, professionally, and put the customer first
- Comfortable selling — you can identify opportunities and confidently recommend the right scope of work
- Team-oriented — willing to coach others and be coached
- Aligned with our values: Customer Centricity, Effective Communication, Consistency, Initiative, and Trustworthiness
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience working on limited energy systems (fire alarm, security alarm, CCTV, access control, or similar)
- At least 1 year of that experience performing testing and inspections
- Active Oregon Limited Energy Technician (LEA) license
- Working knowledge of NFPA 72 and NEC (NFPA 70)
- Willingness and ability to obtain Washington State 06 Limited Energy Electrical License within 6 months of hire
- Willingness and ability to obtain Idaho Limited Energy Electrical License within 12 months of hire
- Must reside within a 1-hour radius of Albany, OR
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Strong computer and mobile device skills (iPad, Microsoft Office, cloud-based apps)
- Fluent in spoken and written English
- Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen
Preferred Qualifications
- Edwards EST manufacturer training and field experience (strongest preference)
- City of Portland fire alarm technician licensing
- NICET certification (any level) in Fire Alarm Systems
- Experience troubleshooting, tracing ground faults, and performing service and installation work
- Cross-training and inspection experience in additional life safety scopes: Fire sprinkler systems, Backflow prevention, Portable fire extinguishers, Kitchen suppression systems (wet/dry chemical), Clean agent / special hazards, Emergency lighting and exit signs
- Manufacturer training on Potter, Fire-Lite, or Silent Knight
- Experience with commercial intrusion alarms, access control, CCTV, or nurse call systems
- Multi-state licensing (WA, ID, NV, CA, UT)
- EMT and rigid conduit installation skills
- Bilingual (Spanish or other languages)
Compensation
This role follows a structured, development-based pay scale. Compensation is tied to demonstrated capability, licensing, and certifications — not tenure alone.
Tier
Hourly Rate
Trainee Fire Alarm Technician (not currently hiring) $20.00 – $27.00
Fire Alarm Technician - $35.00
Senior Fire Alarm Technician -$52.00
Master Fire Alarm Technician -$62.00
Cross-Trained Inspector (Alarm + Sprinkler + Suppression + Extinguishers) - $57.00
We are not currently hiring at the Trainee level. It is shown to make the full career progression transparent.
The Cross-Trained Inspector rate ($57/hr) applies to candidates with full inspection licensing and at least 7 years of experience inspecting all scopes (alarm, sprinkler, kitchen systems, and portable extinguishers). This is a parallel track for cross-trained inspectors and is not a step in the alarm technician progression.
Growth Tiers
Wage increases will be considered as you obtain and demonstrate competent proficiency in the skills, licenses, and certifications below, as determined by your supervisor.
Trainee Fire Alarm Technician: $20.00 – $27.00 per hour (not currently hiring)
Entry-level pathway for candidates building toward full technician status. Shown for transparency. Not an active opening.
Typical attributes:
- High school diploma or GED required; trade school, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree preferred
- Completion of electrical, low voltage, or fire protection apprenticeship programs
- 0–5 years of experience in fire alarm, electrical, or low-voltage systems
- Manufacturer certifications (Edwards, Potter, Honeywell, etc.) or NICET (any level) a plus
- Demonstrated ability in conduit installation, wire pulling and terminations, multimeter use, basic troubleshooting (ground faults, opens, shorts), basic system programming, and NFPA 72 testing and inspections
Fire Alarm Technician: $35.00 per hour
Able to independently perform inspections, service calls, and system programming, including diagnosing and resolving system issues in the field.
Required qualifications:
- Oregon Limited Energy Technician (LEA) license (prerequisite at hire)
- Washington 06 Limited Energy Electrical License (must be obtained within 6 months of hire)
- Idaho Limited Energy Electrical License (must be obtained within 12 months of hire)
- NICET II – Fire Alarm Systems
- EST4 programming certification with proven capability
- Proficiency installing and programming Starlink, Telguard, and AES communicators independently
Senior Fire Alarm Technician: $52.00 per hour
Senior Technicians demonstrate advanced technical expertise and field leadership.
Requirements (in addition to Fire Alarm Technician qualifications):
- Nevada Limited Energy Electrical License
- NICET III – Fire Alarm Systems
- Air sampling manufacturer certification with programming proficiency
- Proven experience leading high-rise fire alarm inspections: Minimum of 7 buildings over 75 feet, Completed independently or as lead inspector, No customer-impacting issues during testing
Master Fire Alarm Technician: $62.00 per hour
Master Technicians are top-tier field leaders responsible for complex systems, high-risk work, and successful project execution.
Requirements (in addition to Senior Fire Alarm Technician qualifications):
- NICET IV – Fire Alarm Systems
- Proven performance as a General Foreman, including: Oversight of at least 4 successful projects exceeding $100,000 each, Projects meeting both customer satisfaction and >25% gross margin targets, Direct supervision of at least two installers on consecutive projects
- Stairwell pressurization manufacturer training with proven programming and testing capability
- Strong competency in special hazards releasing systems, including testing and programming without accidental system discharge
Cross-Trained Inspector: $57.00 per hour
Parallel track for candidates whose primary value is full-scope inspection capability rather than alarm-focused service and installation.
Requirements:
- Full inspection licensing across all major scopes: fire alarm, fire sprinkler, kitchen suppression systems, and portable fire extinguishers
- Minimum of 7 years of experience inspecting all listed scopes
- Backflow assembly tester certification preferred
- Clean agent or special hazards inspection experience preferred
Schedule & Work Environment
- Full-time, Monday–Friday
- Occasional after-hours or on-call work as needed
- Daily travel between the Portland and Eugene markets is expected; most customers are within 30 minutes of Albany
- Occasional minor travel to Washington, Idaho, and the Medford area
- Work performed at commercial customer sites, including occupied buildings, ladders, mechanical rooms, and active construction sites
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, work at heights, and navigate active jobsites
Why This Role Works
- First fire alarm hire — real opportunity to build a division, not maintain one
- Strong existing customer base ready to absorb new services
- Variety of work across service, inspections, and install
- Clear pay progression tied to real skill development
- Take-home company vehicle
- High trust, high ownership environment
- Backed by a growing multi-state fire protection group with long-term focus
Pay: $35.00 - $57.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Fuel card
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Fire alarm: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Oregon LEA License (Required)
Work Location: In person
