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Fire Alarm Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Fire Alarm Specialist information

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$43.5K

$75.1K

$101K

How much do fire alarm specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire alarm specialist in the United States is $75,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire alarm specialist?

Fire Alarm Specialists are professionals who install, maintain, inspect, and repair fire alarm systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that fire detection and alarm systems are functioning correctly to provide early warning in case of fire emergencies. They may also test systems for compliance with safety codes, troubleshoot issues, and educate clients about system operation. Fire Alarm Specialists often work with other safety and security systems as part of building protection strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire alarm specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Alarm Specialist, you need expertise in fire alarm systems installation, troubleshooting, and compliance with safety codes, often backed by a high school diploma and relevant certifications such as NICET. Familiarity with fire alarm panels, testing equipment, and systems like Notifier or Siemens is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication with clients and team members are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of fire protection systems in residential and commercial environments.

What are some common challenges fire alarm specialists face when working on-site, and how can they effectively address them?

Fire Alarm Specialists often encounter challenges such as coordinating with other contractors, dealing with outdated or incompatible building infrastructure, and working in active, occupied environments. To effectively address these challenges, specialists should communicate proactively with other teams, stay updated on the latest fire alarm technologies and codes, and plan installations or maintenance work to minimize disruption. Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability are essential, as every site can present unique obstacles that require on-the-spot solutions.

What is the difference between Fire Alarm Specialist vs Fire Alarm Technician?

AspectFire Alarm SpecialistFire Alarm Technician
CertificationsNICET Certification, State LicensingNICET Certification, State Licensing
Work EnvironmentDesign, inspection, troubleshooting, system testingInstallation, maintenance, repair of fire alarm systems
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, contractors, industrial facilitiesContractors, service companies, building maintenance

Fire Alarm Specialists focus on system design, inspection, and troubleshooting, often working in consulting or industrial settings. Fire Alarm Technicians primarily handle installation, maintenance, and repairs. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ, with specialists emphasizing system analysis and technicians focusing on hands-on installation and repairs.

How much do fire alarm specialists make in the US?

Fire alarm specialists in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled technicians with certifications such as NICET may earn higher wages, especially when working in commercial or industrial environments requiring specialized knowledge of fire alarm systems and code compliance.
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Who are the top companies hiring for Fire Alarm Specialist jobs?

The top employers for Fire Alarm Specialist jobs are:

What states have the most Fire Alarm Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Fire Alarm Specialist jobs include:

Fire Alarm Specialist

California State University

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$5.9K - $8.7K/mo

Full-time, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


California State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Fire Alarm Specialist

Apply now Job no: 560439
Work type: Staff
Location: Long Beach
Categories: Unit 6 - Teamsters Local 2010, Temporary, Full Time, Trades

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)!

Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus-one of the largest in the CSU system-serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

As a member of the CSULB community, you'll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It's an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.

Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California's future-offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth.


Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director, this position performs journey level fire alarm testing, repairing, installing and programming of fire alarm systems and components within the buildings, grounds and structures of the University and other related duties as required.


Key Responsibilities
  • Installs, maintains, inspects, tests, programs, corrects deficiencies, updates and repairs fire alarm systems and components. Consults and works with other trades persons.
  • Creates reports, maintains all required records of inspecting and testing of fire alarm systems. Informs Electrical Supervisor, Facilities Management, EH&S, and D&CS of deficiencies in existing systems and reviews plans for future renovations and construction.
  • Assist with campus fire extinguisher program
  • Assist with fire rated roll up doors, smoke hatches and fire suppression systems.
  • Consults with AHJ and fire alarm manufacturer to maintain the fire alarm systems in accordance with the latest NFPA 72 regulations.

Department

FM Engineering Services


Department Description

Beach Building Services (BBS) at California State University Long Beach is dedicated to supporting the university by ensuring the safe operation, maintenance, and development of the campus. As a large, thriving department, BBS provides facilities based comprehensive support to the campus in the areas of academics, activities and event services. These facilities contribute to a well-rounded and enriching campus experience for students, faculty and staff.  BBS is proud to contribute to the dynamic and transformative educational and social events and programs that make CSU Long Beach one of the most sought-after institutions and a leader among the CSU campuses.

Departments within BBS:

  • Environmental Health and Safety
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Facilities Operations (Service Response, Fiscal Operations, Payroll/Personnel, IT Services)
  • Planning and Sustainability
  • Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (Engineering, Fire Alarm, Electrical and Plumbing Shops)
  • Building Trades (Lock, Sign, Carpentry, Paint and Auto Shops)
  • Grounds and Landscaping Services
  • Custodial Services
  • Design and Construction Services

BBS is composed of talented and skilled employees and dedicated administrators who work hard and collaborate to achieve our mission to "Build a Better Campus Every day."


Time Base

1.0 time-base, 40 hours per week.


Duration of Appointment

This is a temporary position for 1 year with no permanent status granted. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.


Classification

Electrician


Compensation

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department's fiscal resources.

  • Hiring Range: The hiring range for this position is $5,998 (Step 1) - $8,737 (Step 20) per month commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being.

To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that can include:

  • Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
  • Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
  • Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
  • Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This position has extensive experience coordinating and performing annual and biannual fire alarm system inspections and testing in accordance with current NFPA 72 requirements. They are skilled in installing, repairing, calibrating, maintaining, and testing fire alarm systems and related components, while supporting campus fire protection programs, including fire extinguishers, fire-rated roll-up doors, smoke hatches, and fire suppression systems. They possess the ability to train and supervise testing crews, ensure proper operation of fire dampers, doors, elevator and HVAC fire alarm interlocks, and emergency notification systems. The ideal candidate maintains accurate and timely records, responds effectively to emergencies both during and outside normal work hours, reviews renovation plans for code compliance, and provides technical recommendations as needed. They maintain all required certifications, oversee fire alarm shop operations, safely work from ladders and lift equipment, and apply comprehensive knowledge of electrical installation, maintenance, repair practices, building codes, and safety regulations in the performance of their duties.

Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.  Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.  Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."


Education and Experience

Equivalent to a high school diploma and journey-level electrician skills similar to that acquired through the completion of an electrician's apprenticeship program required.


Licenses / Certificates

California State certified Fire Life Safety Technician required.

Simplex certified training required (Campus standard, sole system) or Notifier certified training required within a year of hire date.

Valid California driver's license required.

Employees who are required to operate motorized vehicles and/or use their personal vehicle more than once a month on University business are required to take a mandatory Defensive Driving course and enroll in the DMV Employee Pull Notice (EPN) Program.


Application Procedures

Click "Apply Now" to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.

Please fill out the application completely. It is important that all sections of the online application are completed fully and accurately. Be sure to include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.


Physical Summary

Heavy work - Job involves lifting more than 40 pounds. Approximately half of the incumbent's time will be spent walking, standing, squatting, kneeling, or climbing.


Additional Information

CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.


Equal Employment Statement

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.


Accommodations

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu.


Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Advertised: Jul 24 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 24 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

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About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US