Fire Extinguisher Technician (Maintenance Mechanic 2)

  • University of Washington
  • Seattle, Washington
  • Full Time
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

UW Facilities manages the Universitys buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a variety of fields. The Asset Management group includes Capital & Space Management, Real Estate, Sustainability and other teams responsible for planning and workload management. The Operations group includes Project Delivery, Maintenance & Construction, Campus Energy, Utilities & Operations, Building Services, Transportation Services and Safety. Supporting these groups are the Business Intelligence & Information Technology group and the Finance & Administration group. Please visit UW Facilities web page for more information: UW Facilities .

Maintenance & Construction (M&C) is responsible for general maintenance, repair, and renovations of all the University of Washington (UW) main campus facilities including building interiors, exteriors, and grounds, as well as logistics, moving, and disposal of surplus equipment and furniture.

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Fire Extinguisher Technician (Maintenance Mechanic 2) to join their team and perform journey-level fire extinguisher technician work in the operation, maintenance, repair, and alterations of buildings, facilities, equipment and related systems; perform skilled work in the operation, inspection, installation, testing, servicing and maintenance of fire extinguishers. This work requires specialized skills and training for fire extinguishers and related systems and good working knowledge of several related skill fields such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and machinist work.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Program Execution

Perform journey-level work maintaining, servicing, troubleshooting, repairing, installing, modifying, testing, inspecting, calibrating, and hydro-testing of fire extinguishers.
Responsible for reliability and properly maintaining a preventive maintenance program on fire extinguishers and related equipment, components, and systems.
Perform annual and quarterly inspections and tests of fire extinguishers and related equipment, components, and systems.
Use a variety of testing equipment related to fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems.
Perform general skilled fire extinguisher confidence and commissioning of new and/or renovated fire extinguisher systems from contracted capital funded projects.
Inspect contractors work to see that work is performed to campus specifications.
Safely and properly use and operate a variety of hand and power tools, drill presses, grinders, band saws, hand-drills, pneumatic tools, small hand tools, and specialized apparatus, and test equipment in a skilled manner.
Fabricate material and equipment in workshops.
Review, initiate, and retrieve work orders, prepare service histories, and fulfill other documentation requirements.
Develop preliminary cost estimates, material availability and cost-effective solutions for installation, repair, and service work.
Determine the scope of work and materials needed. Identify and order parts as required. Order materials to accomplish the work.
Read plans and blueprints, inspect projects to ensure compliance with local codes, and maintain records of work performed.
Perform journey-level trades work or other trades as necessary to meet demands and assure proper service to campus clients.
Repair painted surfaces; install, maintain, and repair electrical connections, equipment, and valves.
Use computer programs to accomplish tasks, including the work management and project scheduling systems, e-mail, calendars and spreadsheets; maintain work records and write reports as needed.
Operate vehicles such as UW vans and trucks to transport tools, equipment and personnel to various job sites.
Perform alteration, repair, and maintenance of buildings, facilities, and equipment.
Perform other related duties as assigned and required

Organizational Leadership and Engagement

Positively support all management directives and actively promote the purpose and foundational values of the department.
Communicate and collaborate with other UW Facilities shops and other business partners such as the Project Development Group and UW Information Technology to facilitate work.
Comply with all UW and UW Facilities policies and procedures, department protocols, i.e., Individual Accountability Protocols (IAP).
Support all management directives and the vision and values of the department.
Continuously promote a safe work environment.

Coordination

Ability to prioritize multiple work tasks efficiently.
Communicate with campus clientele and building occupants regarding status problems/repairs.
Interact with clients, coworkers, management, staff, and students in a courteous and professional manner, with attention to customer service.
May assist, coordinate and/or work with other trades and crafts journey personnel.
May lead or instruct helpers or other maintenance workers as required.
Work as a team partner with other mechanics daily in a professional manner always to resolve issues.
Report any safety issues to supervisors or leads and keep them informed of program status, work progress, required materials or equipment.
Team with others to develop program estimates.
With shop supervisor and lead, develop weekly work schedules and priorities.
Problem solving
Actively participate in meetings and training as scheduled.

Compliance

Follow safe work and housekeeping practices, comply with departmental and university policies, and comply with environmental and other regulations while performing duties.
Comply with occupational health and safety regulations that apply to work actions and conduct on the job, including the use of personal protective equipment whenever required, report safety infractions to the supervisor.
Keep informed of applicable codes and safety regulations.
Ensure compliance with local standards and follow and enforce adherence to all University and Facilities Services policies and procedures.
Know and comply with occupational health and safety regulations specific to performance of the work.
This will include Safety Data Sheet (SDS) instructions, Hazard Review Checklists (HRCs) and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
Maintain professional knowledge of industry standards.

Core Competencies

Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
Manage stressful situations and change priorities effectively.
Anticipate, recognize, and resolve problems.
Be responsible and accountable.
Use organizational skills and pay attention to details.
Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude.
Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
Exhibit a professional work ethic.
Continuously promote a safe work environment.
This position is subject to callbacks outside normal working hours to respond to emergencies, and routine scheduled overtime.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a journey worker, or full-journey status in a union; or four years' applicable work experience. Vocational training may be substituted for work experience on a year-for-year basis.
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license may be required.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated successful experience working with computerized maintenance management systems
Demonstrated proficiency with standard productivity software including Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent products
Experience with fume hoods and hood suppression systems
Demonstrated ability to work with clients during fire extinguisher inspections
Experience should include operation in a multi-trade system, and preventive maintenance
NFPA 10 training and certification
GETZ equipment training
Previous fire protection industry experience
NAFED Certification Program
Skilled and trained to perform fire extinguisher Hydro-Testing

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Must possess, or obtain within 60 days of employment, and maintain a valid Seattle Fire Department FEX-1 Certification and successfully retest every three years as long as employed as a Fire Extinguisher Technician.
Ability to lift and move heavy materials is required.
May be required to accept variable work shifts.
Must be able to communicate effectively, including the use of portable hand-held radios.
Approved footwear must be provided at the employees expense and worn on the job.
Work may require access to confined spaces and heights using appropriate safety precautions.
Must be able to work on ladders, high lifts, and catwalks.
Must be able to work outside under all weather conditions.
Must be able to be fit for and wear a respirator on the job.
Must be willing to work in BL2 and BL3 areas.
Must be willing to work at the University Health Science complex which includes live animal quarters and research.
Must participate in medical screening/monitoring (such as TB screening and proof of measles inoculation) required for work assignments in locations, including but not limited to, nonhuman primate areas, the Animal Research and Care Facility, and the University of Washington Medical Center.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must always maintain a professional appearance.
Must wear personal protective equipment as required.
Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
Must have possession of a valid Washington State Drivers License and must be able to operate Washington State owned vehicles as needed.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select Apply to this position. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your My Jobs page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Job ID: 485774242
Originally Posted on: 7/17/2025

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