About FSS Technologies
FSS Technologies, LLC is a fire protection and electronic security company serving customers across Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Our teams install, inspect, test, and service fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and security systems that keep people and property safe.
Position Overview
The Apprentice Fire Sprinkler Inspector is an entry-level, field-based training position. You will work alongside and under the direct supervision of a qualified FSS inspector to inspect, test, and maintain water-based fire protection systems in commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings, following NFPA 25 and the requirements of the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
This is a trainee role. Until FSS confirms in writing that you are qualified, and only where state and local law allow it, you will not perform inspections on your own, sign inspection reports as the responsible inspector, or perform any work that requires a license or certification you do not hold.
Essential Functions
The duties below are the essential functions of this position. They are representative, not all-inclusive, and FSS may assign other related duties at any time.
Inspection and Testing
- Help perform scheduled inspections, tests, and maintenance on wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, deluge, and antifreeze sprinkler systems, standpipes, and fire pumps.
- Visually inspect sprinklers, piping, hangers, bracing, control valves, gauges, fire department connections, and signage, and look for leaks, corrosion, painted or loaded sprinklers, obstructions, and missing parts.
- Help operate control valves and perform main drain tests, waterflow alarm (inspector’s test) tests, and valve supervisory (tamper) switch tests.
- Help perform dry pipe valve trip tests, quick-opening device tests, air supply and low-air alarm checks, and fire pump tests.
- Check antifreeze concentration, spare sprinkler cabinets, gauge dates, and other items required by NFPA 25.
- Perform minor maintenance and corrective work as directed by your supervising inspector, within the limits of your apprentice status and applicable state licensing law.
System Impairments and Customer Coordination
- Before any test, confirm with the building contact and the alarm monitoring company that the system may be tested, and follow FSS impairment procedures whenever a system is taken out of service.
- Before leaving a site, confirm that every system you worked on is back in service, control valves are open and supervised, and the building contact and monitoring company have been notified.
- Treat customers, building occupants, and site staff with courtesy and respect their property, schedules, and site rules.
Documentation and Reporting
- Record inspection and test results accurately and completely in FSS forms or software, including photos of deficiencies.
- Record only work that was actually performed and conditions that were actually observed. Falsifying, estimating, or copying forward inspection results is prohibited and is grounds for discipline up to and including termination.
- Report deficiencies to your supervising inspector the same day, and report any condition that could prevent a system from working (such as a closed valve, frozen pipe, or major leak) immediately.
Safety and Vehicle Use
- Follow the FSS Safety Program, OSHA requirements, and all site-specific safety rules, and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Use ladders, lifts, and equipment only after you have been trained and authorized to use them.
- Report every injury, near miss, property damage, and vehicle incident to your supervisor immediately, following FSS incident reporting procedures.
- Drive a company vehicle between job sites safely and in compliance with FSS vehicle, fleet, and distracted driving policies.
Training and Development
- Complete all assigned classroom, online, and on-the-job training, and keep an accurate record of your training hours.
- Work toward NICET Level I certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems within the timeframe set in your training plan, and toward higher levels after that.
- Obtain and keep current any apprentice or trainee registration required by the state where you work.
Qualifications
The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for this position and are not all-inclusive.
Required
- At least 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets the standards of FSS and its insurance carrier.
- Basic math skills, including reading pressure gauges and performing simple calculations.
- Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn how fire protection systems work.
- Ability to use a smartphone or tablet to complete reports.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to communicate clearly with coworkers and customers.
- Successful completion of pre-employment screening after a conditional offer of employment, which may include a background check, motor vehicle record review, and drug screen, as permitted by applicable state and local law.
Preferred
- Experience in a trade such as plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC, mechanical service, or fire protection, including military experience.
- Vocational or technical school coursework.
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction certification.
- Experience with hand tools, ladders, and aerial or scissor lifts.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands below are essential to this position. FSS will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, as required by law, unless doing so would create an undue hardship.
- Regularly lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds, including test equipment and ladders.
- Climb and work from ladders and lifts, including at heights.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, crawl, and reach overhead for extended periods, including in attics, crawl spaces, above ceilings, and in tight mechanical rooms.
- See well enough to read gauges, tags, and labels and to tell colors apart (for example, sprinkler temperature ratings); hear well enough to recognize alarms and warnings.
- Work indoors and outdoors in heat, cold, rain, snow, noise, dust, and wet conditions.
- Work a full-time schedule that may include early starts, overtime, and occasional evening or weekend work when customer operations require it. Some overnight travel within the FSS service territory may be required.
What We Offer
- Pay: $18 – $25per hour. Starting pay depends on skills, experience, and certifications. Because this position is non-exempt, you will be paid for all hours worked, including overtime as required by law.
- Growth: A defined path from Apprentice to Inspector and beyond, with eligibility for NICET certification premiums under the FSS program in effect at the time.
- Training: Paid on-the-job and classroom training. FSS covers the cost of required training and approved certification exams, subject to FSS training and reimbursement policies.
- Equipment: Test equipment, tools needed for the job, and required PPE.
- Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), life insurance, paid time off, and paid holidays, subject to the terms and eligibility rules of each plan.
Commitment to Inclusion
FSS Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for or perform this job, please contact Human Resources.
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