We have a strong existing customer base across Oregon that we already service for kitchen suppression and portable extinguishers. Many of those customers want us to take on their sprinkler inspections, testing, and service work as well. The work is there.
We are looking for someone with real sprinkler experience — not someone who just runs through a checklist. The role mixes inspection, testing, and service/repair work, with the expectation that you can handle the technical jobs that keep customers from having to call multiple vendors.
About the Role
This is a field-based, hands-on role focused on the inspection, testing, and service of commercial fire sprinkler systems. This is not an installation role. We are looking for someone who knows sprinkler systems well enough to inspect them, identify deficiencies, perform complex repairs, and handle the harder service work that less experienced techs cannot.
You will be expected to work independently, manage your day, communicate clearly with customers, and represent the company well. As our customer base grows, you will play a role in identifying additional work, recommending code-driven repairs, and helping convert inspections into recurring service relationships.
Location: Albany, OR (must reside within a 1-hour radius)
Reports To: General Manager
Union Status: Non-union
Travel: Daily travel between Portland and Eugene; occasional travel to Medford, WA, and ID
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Experienced — you know sprinkler systems well and can work without someone looking over your shoulder
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Technically strong — you understand how systems actually work, including the harder service items
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Methodical — you take inspections seriously and document them accurately
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Customer-focused — you communicate clearly, professionally, and put the customer first
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Comfortable selling — you can identify deficiencies and confidently recommend the right scope of work
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Team-oriented — willing to coach apprentices and be coached by senior staff
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Aligned with our values: Customer Centricity, Effective Communication, Consistency, Initiative, and Trustworthiness
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Inspection and service focus — no install-heavy schedule
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Strong existing customer base ready to absorb new sprinkler service
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Real technical work — complex repairs, not just running tags
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Clear pay progression tied to real skill development
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Take-home company vehicle
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High trust, high ownership environment
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Backed by a growing multi-state fire protection group with long-term focus
Schedule & Work Environment
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Full-time, Monday–Friday
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Occasional after-hours or on-call work as needed
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Daily travel between the Portland and Eugene markets is expected; most customers are within 30 minutes of Albany
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Occasional minor travel to Washington, Idaho, and the Medford area
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Work performed at commercial customer sites, including occupied buildings, mechanical rooms, riser rooms, and backflow vaults
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Confined space entry (backflow vaults) — training provided if not already certified
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Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, work at heights, and navigate active jobsites
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Perform inspections and testing of fire sprinkler systems in accordance with NFPA 25 and applicable local codes
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Conduct annual, semi-annual, quarterly, and monthly ITM (inspection, testing, and maintenance) on wet, dry, preaction, deluge, and antifreeze system
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Perform backflow assembly testing and required documentation (OHA submittals)
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Diagnose and complete complex repairs, including:
- Replacing dry valves and trim
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Repacking and servicing fire pumps
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5-year internal pipe inspections and obstruction investigations
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System flushing
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Antifreeze replacement and testing
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Replacing sprinkler heads, gauges, switches, and related components
- Minor pipefitting and service-related modifications
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Identify deficiencies and clearly communicate required repairs, upgrades, or code-driven corrections to customers
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Submit required reports to AHJ and customers in a timely manner
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Coordinate with schedulers, project managers, and customers to keep jobs moving
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Recommend additional services where appropriate — system upgrades, repairs, or scope expansion that genuinely benefits the customer
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Train and support junior technicians and apprentices
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Represent Valley Fire Control professionally in every customer interaction
This is not an installation role. Scope is focused on inspection, testing, and service/repair work, with occasional minor pipefitting tied to repairs.
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5+ years of experience working on commercial fire sprinkler systems (inspection, testing, and service)
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Demonstrated experience performing complex repairs, including dry valve replacement, fire pump service, 5-year internal pipe inspections, system flushing, and antifreeze replacement
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Working knowledge of NFPA 25 and NFPA 13
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Oregon Backflow Assembly Tester (OR BAT) certification, OR ability to obtain within 4 months of hire
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Must reside within a 1-hour radius of Albany, OR
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Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
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Strong computer and mobile device skills (iPad, Microsoft Office, cloud-based apps)
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Fluent in spoken and written English
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Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen
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Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, work at heights, and navigate active jobsites
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NICET certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems (Level II or III preferred)
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City of Portland fire sprinkler technician license
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ASSE
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Oregon BAT backflow tester certification
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Washington Sprinkler Fitter Certificate of Competency (L&I)
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Washington Sprinkler ITT (Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance) Certificate of Competency
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Confined space training and experience (for backflow vault work)
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Experience with the following types of systems and components:
- Wet and dry pipe systems
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Preaction and deluge systems
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Antifreeze systems (including transition to alternative methods per NFPA)
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Fire pumps (electric and diesel)
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Standpipe systems
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Backflow assemblies (RPDA, DCDA, DCVA)
- Cross-training in other life safety scopes (alarm, kitchen suppression, extinguishers)
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Bilingual (Spanish or other languages)
About Valley Fire Control
Valley Fire Control is a fire and life safety company serving customers across Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest. We historically design, install, inspect, and service pre-engineered and engineered fire suppression systems and portable fire extinguishers.
In 2025, we joined Columbia Safety Services, and between our sister companies, we are a full service fire protection company providing services of fire alarm, fire sprinklers, clean agent suppression, backflow prevention, kitchen suppression systems, portable extinguishers, and related life safety equipment.
We are part of a growing multi-state fire protection group focused on building something long-term. We respect the trades, run a disciplined operation, and care about doing the work right. If you want to join a team that takes the work seriously and treats people well, this is a good place to land.
Compensation
This role follows a structured, development-based pay scale. Compensation is tied to demonstrated capability, licensing, and certifications — not tenure alone.
Apprentice / Trainee Sprinkler Technician
Fire Sprinkler Technician / Inspector
Senior Fire Sprinkler Technician / Inspector
Cross-Trained Inspector (Alarm + Sprinkler + Suppression + Extinguishers)
We are not currently hiring at the Trainee level. It is shown to make the full career progression transparent.
The Cross-Trained Inspector rate ($57/hr) applies to candidates with full inspection licensing and at least 7 years of experience inspecting all scopes (alarm, sprinkler, kitchen systems, and portable extinguishers). This is a parallel track for cross-trained inspectors and is not a step in the sprinkler technician progression.
Wage increases will be considered as you obtain and demonstrate competent proficiency in the skills, licenses, and certifications below, as determined by your supervisor.
Apprentice / Trainee Sprinkler Technician: $20.00 – $27.00 per hour
Entry-level pathway for candidates building toward full technician status.
Typical attributes:
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High school diploma or GED required; trade school, associate’s, or apprenticeship completion preferred
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0–4 years of experience in fire sprinkler, mechanical, or related piping trades
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Basic familiarity with NFPA 25 inspection requirements
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Demonstrated ability with hand tools, threading/grooving, basic pipefitting, and assisting on inspections and service calls
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Working toward NICET Water-Based ITM certification and/or OR Backflow Assembly Tester certification
Fire Sprinkler Technician / Inspector: $45.00 per hour
Able to independently perform inspections, testing, and service calls on commercial sprinkler systems, including diagnosing system issues and completing routine repairs without supervision.
Required qualifications:
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5+ years of commercial fire sprinkler experience (inspection, testing, and service)
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Oregon Backflow Assembly Tester certification (or obtained within 4 months of hire)
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Working knowledge of NFPA 25 and NFPA 13
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Demonstrated ability to complete complex repairs (dry valve replacement, fire pump service, 5-year internal inspections, antifreeze replacement, system flushing)
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Proficiency completing and submitting inspection reports and AHJ documentation
Preferred at this tier:
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NICET I or II in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
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City of Portland fire sprinkler technician license
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Confined space training
Senior Fire Sprinkler Technician / Inspector: $52.00 per hour
Senior Technicians demonstrate advanced technical expertise, can run the most complex jobs without support, and serve as field leaders for the sprinkler division.
Requirements (in addition to Fire Sprinkler Technician qualifications):
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NICET III in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems
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All of the following:
- City of Portland fire sprinkler technician license,
- ASSE,
- OR backflow tester certification,
- Washington Sprinkler Fitter Certificate of Competency,
- Washington Sprinkler ITT Certificate of Competency
- Confined space training and demonstrated ability to perform backflow vault work safely
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Proven ability to lead inspections on complex properties (high-rise, healthcare, large-footprint industrial, or properties with multiple system types)
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Demonstrated ability to mentor and train junior technicians and apprentices
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Track record of clean inspection reports with no customer-impacting issues during testing
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee-only medical heavily subsidized)
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401(k) with company match
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Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
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Company-paid life and disability insurance
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Company vehicle (van or truck) — take-home, with fuel, maintenance, and insurance covered for business use
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iPad, laptop, and tools provided
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Paid training, certifications, and continuing education (NICET, backflow, confined space, etc.)
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Clear career progression tied to skill and licensing development
