Fire and Security Alarm Systems Technician (External)

Job Description:

Fire and Security Alarm Systems Technician (External)

Description

Marketing Statement

Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.

Job Summary

Pay Rate:
Step 76: $41.88/hour to Step 99: $54.75/hour.

Current Assignment: Fire and Security Alarm Systems Technician

Department: Maintenance & Engineering (M&E)
Location: San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is seeking a skilled and motivated Fire and Security Alarm Systems Technician to join our dynamic Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) team. This is a unique opportunity to work with one of the nation’s premier transit agencies, helping to ensure the safety and security of millions of riders each year.

As part of BART’s commitment to operational excellence and public safety, this position plays a crucial role in the maintenance, repair, inspection, and installation of fire alarm and life safety systems, intrusion detection systems, access control, and CCTV across our expansive infrastructure. The selected technician will be instrumental in supporting BART’s transition to modern, integrated security technologies while maintaining the reliability and functionality of legacy systems.

Current Operational Priorities:

• System Modernization: Support the rollout of new fire alarm panels and upgraded security systems to enhance response capabilities and minimize false alarms.
• Preventive Maintenance Excellence: Conduct thorough preventive maintenance inspections across BART’s 50+ stations and operational facilities to ensure continuous compliance with life safety regulations.
• Incident Response: Provide rapid troubleshooting and repair services in real-time during emergencies or service disruptions.
• Data-Driven Operations: Utilize BART’s computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to log service activities, generate reports, and support predictive maintenance planning.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Work closely with Police, Emergency Management, Capital Programs, and IT to ensure integrated functionality of security systems and alignment with long-term infrastructure goals.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate is a results-oriented technician with a strong technical foundation in both fire alarm and electronic security systems. They are proactive, organized, and thrive in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment. Candidates should possess proven hands-on experience with major fire alarm systems (e.g., Notifier, Simplex), access control, intrusion detection systems, and IP-based surveillance technologies. Familiarity with relevant NFPA codes, local fire authority standards, and knowledge of low-voltage electrical systems is essential.

This position will require work in field environments including underground stations, elevated platforms, tunnels, and maintenance shops. Flexibility for emergency call-outs, night or weekend shifts, and work under pressure during service disruptions is a key component of this role.

Required Competencies:

The most qualified candidates for this position will have highly developed competencies in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:

• Technical Expertise in fire alarm and electronic security systems
• Problem Solving and Diagnostics under time-sensitive conditions
• Knowledge of Codes and Standards such as NFPA 72, NEC, and local fire/life safety regulations
• Communication and Documentation for interdepartmental coordination and compliance reporting
• Safety Awareness and Risk Mitigation in a transit or similarly complex operational environment

Selection Process

This is a SEIU Local 1021 Bargaining unit position. However, All SEIU members must follow the "Bid Form Process", failure to comply will invalidate an employee's application.

The selection process will include a screening for minimum qualifications as listed in this posting and may additionally involve a skills/performance test, written exam, and/or a panel interview. Outside applicants will not be considered until all employees who have applied have been considered first.

Application Process
This is a SEIU Local 1021 Bargaining unit position. However, all full-time SEIU District employees must follow the "Bid Form" process and deposit their bids in the bid box. Failure to comply may invalidate the employee's bid. As actual vacancies occur, District employees on the internal eligibility list will be considered before outside candidates.

External applicants may only apply on line, at www.bart.gov/jobs. Applicants needing assistance with the on line application process may receive additional information by calling (510) 464-6112.

The Employment Office will screen Bid form applications and resumes against the minimum qualifications. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the hiring department for further consideration. The selection process may involve a skills/performance test, written exam, and/or a panel interview. Outside applicants will not be considered until all employees who have applied have been considered first.

All applicants are asked to complete the application in full, indicating dates of employment, all positions held, hours worked, and a full description of duties. Online applicants are invited to electronically attach a resume to the application form to provide supplemental information, but should not consider the resume a substitute for the application form itself.

Examples of Duties

Maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, and installs fire and security alarm electronic equipment on District property, including but not limited to equipment found in train stations, shops, administrative buildings, and structures and entry points along the right of way (e.g. train control huts, vent structures, doors, etc.).

Performs ongoing, recurring inspections of fire and security alarm systems and related components to ensure compliance with state and local codes, District requirements, and industry standards.

Identifies maintenance and repair work needed on fire and security alarm systems and equipment through a variety of activities, including but not limited to physically examining systems to locate problems (e.g. loose connections, blown fuses, etc.); testing backup batteries, keypad programming, sirens, or other security features to ensure proper performance and to diagnose malfunctions; and identifies and orders parts needed for repairs.

Maintains records of services in the District’s maintenance tracking software/system.

Escorts and supports vendors to achieve problem resolution when needed.

Responds to and resolves fire and security alarm system issues, including diagnosing system malfunctions, and repairing, replacing, or adjusting equipment as needed.

Participates in fire and security alarm system projects as assigned, including system installations, modifications, repairs, and upgrades.

Handles low voltage wiring and maintenance of corresponding devices for the operation of low voltage alarm equipment.

Operates District vehicles to get to and from worksites.

Minimum Qualifications

Education :
Possession of a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent.

Experience :
The equivalent of two (2) years of full-time experience installing, repairing, maintaining, and/or troubleshooting primarily fire alarm systems, and/or security systems, access electronics, and related equipment.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of :

• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the installation, repair, modification, and maintenance of fire and security systems.
• Applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), California Fire Prevention Code, and local building codes.
• Basic principles of computer operations, analog and digital electronics, and electrical circuitry.
• Alarm systems, hardware and software systems used by the District.
• Alarm systems terminology, concepts, and integration testing.
  
  

Skill in :

• Implementing and managing fire and security alarm systems and related technologies.
• Troubleshooting and repairing alarm systems and equipment in compliance with applicable state and local fire codes.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establishing effective working relationships.
• Using personal computers and personal electronic devices.
• Maintaining accurate records of work performed and materials used.
• MS Office, maintenance tracking software, and the ability to learn other computer applications.
• Working from elevated positions and using equipment such as scissor lifts and ladders.
• Maintaining and rewiring pressure and flow switches.
• Coordinating testing of fire systems with other departments.
• Reading fire alarm blueprints, submittals, and operation/product manuals.

Equal Employment Opportunity GroupBox1

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov .

Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs .

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.

Highlights

• Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
• Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
  • 2% @ 55 (Classic Members)
  • 2% @ 62 (PEPRA Members)
  • Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)
• Money Purchase Pension Plan (in-lieu of participating in Social Security tax)
  • 6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65
• Deferred Compensation & Roth 457
• Sick Leave Accruals (12 days per year)
• Vacation Accruals (3-6 weeks based on time worked w/ the District)
• Holidays: 10 observed holidays and 3 floating holidays
• Life Insurance w/ ability to obtain additional coverage
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Survivor Benefits through BART
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care
• Commuter Benefits
• Free BART Passes for BART employees and eligible family members.

Closing Date/Time: 10/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$87,112.90 - $113,873.14 Annually