Life Safety Technician III - Facilities Management

Department:

FM Energy and Environmental Systems

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Safety & Security

Position Title:

Life Safety Technician III - Facilities Management

Job Family Group:

University Support Staff

Job Description Summary:

The Life Safety Technician III serves as a senior-level technical specialist responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the University of Kansas Medical Center’s (KUMC) life safety systems. This role ensures full compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements for fire alarm, sprinkler, and suppression across all KUMC facilities.

The Life Safety Technician III leads or supports emergency response and system restoration efforts. This position collaborates closely with Facilities Operations, Environmental Health & Safety, and external inspectors to maintain uninterrupted system integrity across the medical campus.

Job Description:

Job Duties Outlined:

Fire Alarm System Operations & Maintenance

• Serve as the primary operator and subject matter expert for the KUMC campus-wide fire alarm network, including Edwards EST3/EST4 systems and integration with building management systems.
• Perform and document all required inspections, testing, and maintenance (ITM) per NFPA 72 and AHJ requirements.
• Program, configure, and update fire alarm panels and devices; respond to system alarms, faults, and supervisory signals in real time.
• Diagnose and repair system components including modules, initiating and notification devices, and network controllers.

Fire Sprinkler and Suppression Systems

• Conduct inspections and minor repairs of wet, dry, and pre-action sprinkler systems in accordance with NFPA 13 and NFPA 25.
• Support vendor-conducted testing and ensure corrective actions are tracked and completed.
• Maintain fire pump performance records, tamper and flow switch functionality, and suppression system readiness.

Compliance, Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain detailed service logs, test reports, and compliance documentation for regulatory inspections (Joint Commission, KDHE, CMS, Fire Marshal, etc.).
• Maintain accurate system records and ensure all life safety systems interface properly with fire alarm and building automation systems.
• Support Facilities Management leadership in developing preventive maintenance (PM) programs and campus-wide life safety strategies.
• Provide daily activity updates and incident reports to the Manager, FM Safety & Security.

Emergency Response & Support

• Respond to system outages, alarms, or life safety emergencies on a 24/7 rotating basis when required.
• Serve as the technical lead for after-hours system troubleshooting and restoration.
• Coordinate with local fire authorities and internal stakeholders during system impairments or fire events.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment:

• This position requires availability for on-call emergency response.
• This position has exposure to electrical systems, confined spaces, and occasional high-noise environments.

Required Qualifications

Certifications/Licenses:  A current, valid driver’s license.

Work Experience:

• Three (3) years of related experience in life safety system maintenance, electrical systems, electronics, or fire protection. Education may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. 
• Experience with NFPA 13, 17, 25, 72, and 101/102 codes and standards.
• Experience interpreting blueprints, schematics, and specifications.
• CMMS experience.
• Experience in at least two of the following disciplines:
  • Fire Alarm Systems Maintenance.
  • Edwards EST3/EST4 Fire System Programming.
  • Fire Sprinkler Systems Maintenance.
  • Electrical or Low-Voltage Controls.
  • Piping, Controls, or Electronics Installation.
• Lift up to 50 lbs., climb ladders, and access mechanical spaces with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Technical or trade degree in electronics, electrical systems, or fire protection.

Certifications/Licenses: 

• NICET Level II or higher i