CARS/Fire Alarm Network Administrator

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Building Services provide full maintenance and repair services for all UNC facilities and ensure the proper operation of those facilities in support of the UNC mission of teaching, research and public service. Building Services supports more than 400 campus buildings with more than 18 million gross square feet of space. The teams that provide quality maintenance, repair and construction services that support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University include Campus Maintenance, EMCS, Facilities Operations Support, Housing Support, HVAC Systems, and Life Safety Services. The Life Safety Services section is a specialized unit within the Building Services Division of Facilities Services. This section is comprised of the Life Safety/Electronic-Specialty Shop, the Access Control/Key Shop, and the Emergency Generator Shop. This organizational unit delivers a high level of maintenance and support to safeguard human life, property, research, and other critical areas of significant financial and time investments for the entire University campus community including: all residence halls, classrooms facilities, research lab facilities, athletics facilities, medical school facilities, and offices facilities. These areas include but are not limited to: the Central Alarm Receiving System ( CARS), all fire alarm detection and suppression systems, security and CCTV systems, key control, accessibility controllers, Biometric and Card Access, equipment alarm systems, and backup power emergency generators. Additionally, this unit supports all facets of Facilities Services, Energy Services, Environment Health & Safety, Public Safety, Facilities Planning & Construction, and Residential Student Housing in their efforts to support the campus community, all of which contribute to the University's mission of teaching, research and public service.

This position functions as a Network Administrator and supports the mission of the Electronics-Specialty Shop and Access Control Shop in the daily functions and responsibilities of the section.

Maintains the Central Alarm Receiving System ( CARS) and all databases that directly or indirectly support CARS for the University. Maintains database for the CARS, Digital Communication Systems ( DCS) pertaining to account assignment records, Fire Alarm Detection Systems ( FADS), Security Systems ( SEC), and Equipment Alarm Systems ( EAS). Keeps all databases current and ensures databases are backed up as required. Provides technical, programming, and applications support of these systems. Recommends system software and firmware upgrades and/or revisions. Updates CARS user account information.

Networking support, which identifies troubleshoots and resolves hardware-, software and network related problems encountered by end-users of the Life Safety Electronics Shop, departmental PCs, and new computer technology. They will assist in training end-users on the use and features of the various operating systems and applications on the various platforms. Works with IT to see these things are completed.

Performs primary network system administration on Life Safety servers and workstations as needed and includes software and hardware maintenance. Uses established tracking system (Remedy) to log requests; monitors progress, tracks problem resolution, identifies patterns of failure, research bug fixes and implements solutions; communicates with supervisor regarding unresolved problems. Works with vendors to resolve hardware operating system issues; research and tests possible solutions and implements solutions. Analyzes bugs in system and application software; research and tests possible solutions; implements solutions.

Responsible for enrolling users and maintaining system security. Ensures the latest security methods are utilized to protect departmental databases, servers, PC's, and equipment and are in compliance with the University Security Administrative Initiative.

Performs database management that includes Microsoft SOL and Access. Installing and upgrading the database server and application and management tools. Allocating system storage and planning future storage requirements for the database system.

Hardware support and installation including servers, PC's, IP-based alarms, and peripheral network equipment.

Manage the network IP structure required for the alarms sent over network such as security, equipment, and generator alarms.

Management of the campus Fire Panel Online Monitoring ( FPOM) includes database management, network configuration and maintenance and repair of physical network hardware.

Database management, network configuration and maintenance and repair of physical network hardware for the New Radio Mesh Network System.
Management of other miscellaneous electronic systems, and perform Installations and/or modifications to Life Safety Dialers onsite or through remote dial in.

This position also requires some office management assistance such as the purchasing of office supplies as well as assisting management (Direct Supervisor and Manager) with obtaining purchase order numbers for some projects, parts or received invoices and the proper record keeping of these items. The position is tasked with assigning work orders of various types to shop employees.

This position may be asked to assist the Access Control Shop 245303 with the programing of the security cameras prior to their installation as well as assistance with the camera servers.

Associate's degree in Computer Information Technology, computer Technology Integration, Networking Technology, or related area and one year of experience in the information technology field related to the position's role; or
- Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and one year experience in the information technology field related to the position's role; or
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, math or engineering or related technical degree from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Journey level required an additional one year of experience.
- Advanced level required an additional two years of experience.

Ability to decern the issue that is causing an account NSR (Non-Receipt of Signal), Ability to communicate this knowledge to other technicians to ensure that the issue is resolved expediently. Ability to communicate system installation requirements to other possible crafts concerning systems such as CARS, FPOM, and Radio Mesh Network Components. The ability to communicate with customers to ensure accurate database information to be used in urgent or emergency situation, needs to be able to calmly assess problems and quickly and accurately resolve issues with equipment, data or software resolutions.

Should be able to read and comprehend both mechanical, electrical, and building blueprints and/or drawings especially when related to the alarm network for the building or area in question.
Must be competent with Microsoft computing system as well as Microsoft system management.
Must be proficient in using and have the ability to assist with data management of Microsoft Office Software.

The ability to understand the terminology used in the industry to communicate clearly with Contractors, Project Managers, IT Personnel, and Field Technicians ensuring less misunderstandings.

Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential (mandatory) University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions may require the University to close.

Required Licenses/Certifications:
Individuals not holding NICET Level II Certification for Fire Alarm Systems are required to gain certification within four (4) years.

NC Driver's License or ability to obtain one prior to start date.

Recent experience in the Fire Alarm industry. Factory certification by at least two (2) major fire alarms manufacturers in programming and operations of their systems. Experience in the review of various phases of building design in reference to life safety systems. Experience in conducting system operational testing, inspections, and commissioning, in all aspects of Life Safety Systems.

Experience working with state agencies, such as: NCDOI, NCDOL, and NC SCO. Experience in prioritizing, scheduling, assigning, and managing workload, including service orders, preventive maintenance programs, emergency requests and backlog. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Current knowledge of digital communication systems.
Working Knowledge of the University Purchasing procedures.
NICET Level I Certification for Fire Alarm Systems.

Ability to work with hands and arms overhead for extended periods of time, work on hands and knees potentially crawling under floors and buildings. Ability to move heavy objects weighing 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation, climb and work from high ladders and scaffolding, work in confined spaces, stand for extended periods of time, and walk significant distances daily including climbing stairs.

Not Applicable.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.