Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Alarms/Low Voltage Technician

  • Title: Alarms/Low Voltage Technician
  • Class: Classified
  • Exempt Status: Non-exempt
  • Grade: 22

Nature and Scope of Work

Under the direction of Facilities Management Services department management, ensures the design, construction, repair and maintenance of all fire and intrusion alarm systems and elevator controls meet college expectations. Incumbent receives and evaluates work orders and requests, investigates requests or problems where appropriate, establishes priorities and coordinates with contractors, when required, to make necessary repairs. Incumbent provides subject matter expertise related to fire and intrusion alarms and elevator controls. Incumbent develops budgets for project work and provides project management to see that those budgets are met. Incumbent manages the work of outside contractors to make sure all work meets college requirements and applicable codes. Incumbent reviews and approves contractor invoices. May assist other departments such as Technology Solutions Services and/or Audio Visual Services with wiring or installations within license authority. Interpersonal contacts are generally with peers in immediate work group, vendors, contractors, fire department and alarm system monitoring company and with members of the College community at all levels. Responsible for producing journey-level work output on an independent basis at all campuses subject to supervisory direction and review.

Principal Accountabilities

  1. Designs, installs and/or supervises contractors who install wiring in college wide new construction and remodel projects relating to intrusion alarm and fire alarm systems. Reviews plans for all alarm work related to new construction to be certain work meets College requirements.
  2. Coordinates low voltage electrical work of contractors related to repair, renovation and maintenance activities.
  3. Oversees elevator maintenance contractors to ensure that all elevator controls and alarm systems are properly maintained, all tests conducted at the appropriate times and services are available during all operational periods. Reviews costs, invoices and makes approval recommendations and adjustments as needed.
  4. Obtains quotes for repair and/or installation of alarm systems district wide. Defines options and estimates costs, sets priorities and schedules for construction activities.
  5. Assists in establishing annual budgets as well as long range plans for expenditures needed to keep systems code legal and operational. Manages budgets for all work related to both alarm systems and elevators.
  6. Researches methods, systems or materials for purchase of low voltage alarm systems. Keeps equipment updated and operational meeting required local, state, federal and ADA requirements.
  7. Instructs employees in the use of alarm systems. Establishes and coordinates alarm codes and keeps a record of those having access to such codes.
  8. Coordinates required fire alarm tests and assists with practice drill evacuations. Reviews fire systems with Fire Marshall’s office and local inspectors to ensure legal and safe systems.
  9. Maintains inventory of essential parts and equipment to ensure repairs and installation in a timely manner.
  10. Assists other departments including Technology Solutions Services and/or Audio Visual Services with the installation of low voltage cable.
  11. Responds to college emergencies and closures including adverse weather to secure buildings, furnishings and fixtures to prevent damage or operational problems.
  12. Maintains appropriate records as required.
  13. Responds to phone, pager, email, voice mail, verbal and written work orders.
  14. Knows and understands all safety procedures of the college. Observes the work of contractors and brings safety concerns to their attention as needed. Reports all unsafe acts and conditions which remain uncorrected to supervisor or Safety & Risk Manager. Allows no work to be performed when conditions are considered unsafe.
  15. Operates an assigned college vehicle and is responsible for the maintenance and safe operation of that vehicle.
  16. Attends regular staff meetings of the Facilities Management Services maintenance staff and participates in problem solving and discussions of system and project related issues.
  17. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work pressure, disturbances of work flow and/or irregularities in work schedule are expected and occur on an intermittent basis. Work is performed primarily in the field at the site of the work. Working conditions may be somewhat disagreeable requiring occasional exposure to safety hazards and noise when reviewing the work of contractors. Regular travel between campus locations in assigned college vehicle. While primary duty hours are day shift, must be able to work in the event of emergencies or operational disruptions.

Physical Requirements

Extended standing and moderate to heavy lifting is occasionally required. Requires a good deal of walking and some climbing (ladders, etc.) to get to the site of the work on a daily basis.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; State of Oregon Limited Energy Electrical License; two years experience installing and maintaining fire, security, data and telephone systems. Two years supervising maintenance contracts. Must have basic computer skills and understanding of basic operations and software applications.

Must have a valid drivers license to operate motor vehicle in the state of Oregon and possess an acceptable driving record.

Reviewed: 05/10/07, 12/2018

  • Replaces: Alarms/Elevator Technical Specialist, 02/07/01