Life Safety Technician, Maintenance-Life Safety, Facilities Management

Description The Maintenance-Life Safety within the Facilities Management is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Life Safety Technician. Facilities Management is responsible for providing the operations and capital asset management functions for the University. Operations includes all activities associated with the routine, day to day use, support and maintenance of buildings or physical assets; inclusive of administration, management fees, normal/routine maintenance, custodial services and cleaning, fire protection services, pest control, snow removal, grounds care, landscaping, environmental operations and record keeping, trash-recycle removal, service contracts, leases and utility charges (electric, gas/oil, water). Capital asset management is the identification and prioritization of facility and infrastructure physical, functional, and budgetary needs, spanning a multi-year timeframe. It also includes the process of reinvesting funds into physical assets in support of the organizational mission, above and beyond normal routine operations and maintenance. The Operations & Maintenance work unit of Facilities Management is responsible to ensure that building structures, utility distribution systems, building operating and monitoring systems for the university owned and leased properties are operated and maintained in a reliable, efficient and cost effective manner to ensure a safe and comfortable work environment in which campus users can carry out their activities. This position reports to the Manager, Maintenance and Contracting. This position is a part of the AUPE Collective Bargaining Unit. The normal shift is 7.5 hours per day, five days per week, usually Monday to Friday, however, transfer to other shifts, with notice, is a possibility. Overtime may be required, and the incumbent will be expected to participate in a rotating "on-call or stand-by" schedule. Callouts to the campus can be expected during emergencies. This position requires work be carried out with the following conditions: within confined spaces, scaffolds, and lifts of heights up to 4 metres, heavy lifting, year round indoor and outdoor responsibilities and controlled hazardous environments. This position is highly analytical in project planning, system and event documentation and working with contract personnel required to complete all code required inspections, repairs, verifications and installations. Work is highly complex and stressful. Life Safety Systems Technician must resolve complex problems where there is little or no documentation. Impact of error when dealing with University Life Safety Systems is severe. Systems at the University vary from state of the art, CPU based, fully programmable fire and gas detection systems to systems that are obsolete but must be maintained in peak operating condition. Individuals in this group coordinate and assist emergency personnel responding to disasters campus wide. The level of responsibility is very high as even a minute error or omission could lead to loss of life and extreme liability for the University. Primary Purpose of the Position (key purpose, functions, roles): The Life Safety Systems Department is responsible for the primary life safety systems: fire alarm control panels on the campus-wide control network. The systems typically include detection, communication and signaling devices, sprinklers, preaction systems, deluge systems, standpipe fire fighting systems, fire pumps, fire hydrants, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, chemical fire suppression systems (halon, inergen, CO), kitchen fire suppression systems (dry and wet chemical), hazardous fume and gas detection systems, building emergency control devices as well as other peripherals. Duties include: Ensuring that all Life Safety Systems are operational at all times, as down time is not acceptable. Maintaining and operating all building safety systems and related equipment campus wide. Proper design, installation, verification, maintenance and operation of Life Safety systems including sprinklers, fire alarms, fire standpipes, fire pumps, fire hydrants, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, kitchen hood suppression systems, special hazards suppression systems and hazardous gas detection systems on campus along with associated University controlled buildings. Design and implementation of: programming, inspection, verification, calibration, modification, troubleshooting, repair and documentation of all life safety systems on campus, as well as identification and immediate correction of Life Safety concerns within the University. Orientation, coordination, and mentoring of contractors ensuring that all related code requirements are met, verification and approval of work done by contractors and University personnel working on life safety systems; computer programming of Life Safety Systems. Coordination and overseeing of work done by various contractors and specialists who may be working on campus systems due to insurance requirements or on projects such as renovations or new construction. Giving advice to representatives of system manufacturers, suppliers and contractors who are generally here with little knowledge of the systems on campus and university protocols and procedures. Running diagnostics on systems using laptops; inspection, testing and verification of systems. Troubleshooting and repair of systems. Attending planning meetings. Ensuring codes and University procedures and standards are adhered to. Reviewing and approval of plans and blue prints for new installations and retrofits. Training of campus personnel and the University of Calgary projects teams on system operations and effect. Responding to emergencies on campus to direct personnel and ascertain problems. Supply of technical information, advice, guidance and/or training to University departments such as Safety, Security, Facilities Management and Development, Risk Management, engineers, manufacturers, suppliers and contractors is required. Ensuring compliance with NFPA Standards, Alberta Building Code, Electrical Code and University of Calgary established standards, policies and procedures. Acting as the U of C representative for fire alarm verifications and approvals. Life Safety Systems personnel contribute knowledge and experience in the areas of various electronic systems on campus as well as back-up support for the building management system. Communication with customers, contractors, suppliers and trade staff to successfully complete tasks. Completion of computerized records related to work is also required. Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to): Ensure other University departments as well as contractors follow safety codes and procedures during planning and completion of projects. Ensure University exposure to risk and liability is not adversely affected by work of self or others. Develops and delivers Life Safety Systems training and/or presentations on all relevant stakeholders on and off-campus. Ensure notification of authorities and required University departments of any adverse situations that may exist on campus. Develop and design, install and maintain proper programming for the smooth interfacing/ running old and new campus wide Life Safety Systems. Ensure all life safety systems are fully functional during and after normal working hours. Respond to inquiries and emergency situations after normal working hours. Development of the programs and processes needed to keep systems fully operational. Make tough decisions under stressful conditions without exposing University to undue liability. Plan and detail projects so the information required by others is available. Identify problems and create solutions for them. As a member of Commissioning Team, provide expertise and approval on the design of blue prints, schematics and plans across campus, ensuring systems meet or exceeds industry standards. Act as University liaison between emergency response crews and inspectors during normal and emergency situations. Required to attend in all situations involving suppression system discharge, gas detection system activation, sprinkler system activation, Life Safety equipment malfunction, Life Safety Systems vandalism, Life Safety Systems shutdowns, and Life Safety Systems verifications. Required to attend when fire alarm systems are activated. Ensure the work assigned or encountered is completed as required by the standards of the applicable codes and University specifications, standards and procedures. Manage the programming, installation, set-up, and maintenance of complex 4100U Fire Safety Systems and respond to changing technology. Required to become familiar with all existing University Life Safety Systems, as well as acquire knowledge of new trends, techniques, codes and equipment within the industry, as they become relevant to the operation of the University. Organize, analyze and process information in a logical prioritized order under any circumstances or conditions. Supply expert direction to others. Develop and mentor procedures for others who may have access to Life Safety Systems. Maintain records, as-built blueprints, and schematic diagrams when altering any existing or new systems. Ensure that equipment, workspaces, and tools supplied by the University are used for their intended purposes, are maintained in safe working order. Ensures the work assigned is completed as required and is in compliance with the University specifications, standards and procedures. Responsible to become familiar with all existing University structures and systems, as well as acquire knowledge of new trends, techniques, codes and equipment as they become relevant to the operation of the University. Ensures that equipment, workspaces, and tools supplied by the University are used for their intended purposes, and are maintained in a safe working order. Manages own time effectively and ensures immediate supervisor is kept informed of activities, and progress of work. Pleasantly and respectfully interacts with co-workers, supervisors, contractors, consultants, suppliers, students and other members of the University community. Discretion, confidentiality, and attention to detail are required attributes. Is expected to actively participate in own training and development in coordination with the department, and is willing to learn and adapt to change. Meets all ongoing OHS initiatives, follows University OHS policies, procedures and OHS Legislation as required; ensuring personal, public and co-worker safety when completing tasks or engaging in potentially hazardous situations. Is familiar with the University of Calgary "Statement on Principles of Conduct" and conducts himself/herself according to these Principles in all situations when acting on behalf of the University of Calgary. Ensures regular work attendance and timely reporting for start of shift. Ensures that personal hygiene, attire and grooming are appropriate for the work environment. Qualifications / Requirements: Must have an Alberta Journeyman Electrical Certificate, preferably with Masters License, or a completed CFAA certification with several years experience in troubleshooting, repair, testing and programming of complex fire protection systems. An asset would be for those who possess Electronic Technician or Technologist Certification with fire alarm ticket, sprinkler certification. Excellent organizational and communication skills as interaction with a diverse group such as engineers, faculty, fire inspectors, fire fighters, safety inspectors, management, planning and projects groups, as well as various campus departments is expected. Good working knowledge of current Canadian Electrical Code, current Alberta Building and Fire Codes and pertinent NFPA Standards is required. Must have expertise in of computerized fire alarms, sprinkler systems, chemical suppression systems and gas detection systems. Must be able to analyze information and make decisions in stressful situations. Must be able to understand and analyze complex electrical and electronic circuit diagrams as well as building plans and specifications. Must be able to perform physically demanding work, and be able to work on ladders at various heights. Must have good manual dexterity, must be able to distinguish colors and have the ability to do exact work, as consequence of error would result in unsafe conditions for University occupants. Must hold a valid Class 5 driver¿s license (cannot be a graduated license) with proven good driving record (abstract required). Application Deadline: November 24, 2026. We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted. This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2. For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. About The University Of Calgary UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do. The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary. As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]). Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

Responsible for the operation, maintenance, and programming of campus-wide life safety systems including fire alarms, sprinklers, and gas detection. Coordinates with contractors and emergency personnel to ensure full compliance with safety codes and minimize university liability.

Requires an Alberta Journeyman Electrical Certificate or CFAA certification with extensive experience in complex fire protection systems. Must possess a valid Class 5 driver's license and have deep knowledge of Canadian Electrical Code and NFPA standards.

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Fire Alarm Programming
• System Troubleshooting
• NFPA Standards Compliance
• Blueprint Analysis
• Contractor Coordination
• Emergency Response
• Electrical Circuit Analysis
• Project Planning
• Technical Documentation
• Safety Inspections
• Calibration
• Risk Management

• Security & Safety
• Trades
• Engineering
• Education
• Government & Public Sector

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

5+ years

Apply by

Sep 25, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

38 hours per week

Seniority

Mid-Senior level