The selected candidate will be employed by the School of Government Services (SOG Services), but their work location and reporting responsibilities will be at Continuous Improvement, Staff Development and Engagement (CISDE). SOG Services assists faculty and staff at the UNC School of Government in carrying out its important mission: to improve the lives of North Carolinians by engaging in practical scholarship that helps public officials and citizens understand and improve state and local government. As a nonprofit organization and an official affiliated entity of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, SOG Services also contributes to advancing UNC-Chapel Hill’s broader mission of academic excellence, research, and public service.
This position is part of a structured Life Safety apprenticeship program, providing a career pathway to obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and nationally recognized skill credentials in the fire alarm and electronic specialties trade. Serving as a team member of the Life Safety/Electronics-Specialty Shop, the apprentice assists with the routine maintenance, inspection, and installation of life safety and security systems.
Apprentices will attend community college online throughout the program. Upon successful completion of the program, the apprentice will receive U.S. Department of Labor Journeyman status and become eligible for a journey-level position.
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Assist with routine and preventive maintenance (PM) inspections on Life Safety, Fire Detection, Fire Suppression, Security, CCTV, Equipment Monitoring Systems, and other miscellaneous electronic systems and subsystems.
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Assist in performing PMs and repairs on Life Safety systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications, NFPA 12A, NFPA 25, NFPA 72, and the International Fire Code (IFC).
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Assist with installations, upgrades, and modifications to Life Safety, fire detection and suppression systems, Card Access, Security, CCTV, and Equipment MonitoringSystemsSupport daily functions and responsibilities of the Life Safety/Electronics-Specialty Shop to maintain overall campus safety and mission readiness.
Diagnostics, Programming, & Specialized Labs
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Utilize laptop computers and various operating systems to perform routine maintenance, programming, and diagnostic interrogations on micro-processor-based systems.
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Configure different system peripheral printers to extract system histories and generate necessary sensitivity reports.
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Apply specialized programming to security systems and equipment alarm systems to ensure system integrity and meet specific customer or departmental needs.
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Provide vital technical support for Bio-Safety Level (BSL) 2+ and 3 laboratories, coordinating with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) escorts to enter hot labs safely.
Professional Development & Technical Training
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Actively participate in the required online community college coursework, maintaining progression toward the completion of the apprenticeship program.
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Study and learn NFPA, NEC, NCBC, NCDOI, NC SCO, IFC, and ADA codes, rules, and regulations to ensure all system installations and upgrades are fully compliant.
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Work toward obtaining and maintaining five specific proprietary manufacturer certifications required by the shop to perform independent system repairs and modifications.
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Knowledge of various computer operating systems and programs required to interface with and troubleshoot microprocessor-based systems.
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Ability to satisfy compliance guidelines for entering BSL-2+ and BSL-3 laboratory spaces, which includes undergoing a baseline blood draw and medical physical.
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Ability to wear required respiratory protection, including receiving an annual medical certification, passing fit testing, and completing all safety training.
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Valid NC Driver’s License (or the ability to obtain one prior to the start date).
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Required Within Four (4) Years of Hire (Obtained During Apprenticeship):
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Fire Sprinkler Inspection Technician License (issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, & Fire Sprinkler Contractors).
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Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Technician License (issued by the NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, & Fire Sprinkler Contractors).
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NICET Level II certification in Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.
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NICET Level II certification in Fire Alarm Systems.
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Specific Life Safety system manufacturer certifications as designated by the shop.
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Strong interest in electronic technology and the ability to apply it to troubleshooting and repair applications, extending from the system/subsystem level down to the circuit board component level.
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Experience in Fire Alarm industry.
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Experience in the review of various phases of building design in reference to life safety systems.
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Experience in conducting system operational testing, inspections, and commissioning, in all aspects of Life Safety Systems.
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Experience working with state agencies, such as: NCDOI, NCDOL, and NC SCO.
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Experience using AiM.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
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Experience working in a trades position in a face-paced environment.
Due to the hands-on, industrial nature of this apprenticeship, candidates must be able to meet the following physical demands with or without reasonable accommodation:
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Ability to walk and travel extensively across campus facilities, including outdoor routes and multiple buildings.
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Ability to climb ladders and access elevated, confined, or mechanical equipment spaces.
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Ability to lift and carry tools and equipment up to 50 pounds.
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Ability to stand, kneel, bend, or work in mechanical/lab spaces for extended periods.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
