Fire Investigator Jobs for OPT Students
Fire Investigator jobs on OPT require STEM or criminal justice backgrounds, and most roles sit with local fire departments, insurance carriers, or federal agencies. Your OPT work authorization is employer-specific, so you'll need a role that matches your degree field and supports your 12-month authorization window.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB SUMMARY:
The purpose of the Fire Alarm Technician position is to install, troubleshoot, service and repair fire alarm and security systems, and other fire and life safety products with minimal supervision.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
- Knowledge of different manufactures clean agent and high-pressure suppression systems.
- Appropriate use of required tools and test equipment such as multi-meter, megger, laptop to program, lifts, etc. to repair or replace fire alarm and suppression system components.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of fire alarm codes and standards.
- Programing and software knowledge with a variety of fire alarm systems that is used when removing or replacing components.
- Troubleshoot to determine fault or faults to include ground faults with fire alarm systems.
- Repair or replace damaged fire alarm components such as FACP, power supply, alarm-initiating devices, etc.
- Safely follow and perform procedures to handle, remove and replace explosive actuators such as squibs and gas cartridge actuators.
- Communicate with internal and external customers as well as offsite monitoring companies in a professional manner.
- Required to be punctual to required work locations and complete scheduled projects in timely manner.
- Use Field Service Lightning to track work orders, materials needed, time on job, etc.
- Complete documentation on work orders.
- Understand and follow SFS’s Safety program, SDS book, Hazardous communication program, policies and procedures. Participate in weekly Toolbox talks. Employee must know where all related safety documentation is at all times on each project.
- Ensure company provided vehicle is clean and well maintained as required by company policies.
- Alarm Technicians will be placed in on-call status as required by location to handle emergency service requests.
- Periodically attend seminars or similar education/training sessions to stay abreast of latest technology, codes, and standards changes.
- Train service technician trainees all applicable aspects of fire protection.
- Other duties may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to perform the job successfully, however in some cases, an equivalent combination of Education, Training, Certifications and Experience may meet the job qualifications.
Education, Training, Certifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent, required.
- NICET or state specific certification, preferred.
Experience, Knowledge, Skill Requirements:
- 2 years Fire Life Safety Industry experience, specifically in Fire Alarm, required.
- NICET Level 1 Fire Alarm Certification, required.
- 2 years of professional computer skills, preferred.
Communication Skills:
Must have the ability to effectively read, write and communicate in English with employees and customers.
Systems and Software Skills:
2 years using business intelligence systems, Sage 300 CRE, or similar, preferred.
Other Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required.
- Must be able to comply with SFS’s Drug and Alcohol policy and Background screening requirements, which may also include customer specific requirements based on contractual agreement.
- Must be able to travel 90% of the time, locally.
PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform Essential Job Duties.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, ascend and descend step stools, ladders and stairs, kneel, lift <50lbs, reach above and below shoulders, stand and walk for extended periods of time. Employee is required to see in color, close and far distances, peripheral, depth, and adjust focus. Employee will occasionally be required to balance, crouch, drive, kneel, lift >50lbs, sit, stoop, twist, and work at heights.
Work Environment:
Employees will regularly be required to work outside, and be exposed to hot/cold temperatures, dust, fumes, chemicals, electrical hazards and noise. Employee will occasionally be required to work indoors in an office setting, work alone and with others. Employee must consistently wear all appropriate personal protective equipment, as required by company safety policies while visiting locations.
We are fully committed to equal opportunities for employment to all individuals regardless of race, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, and any other classification protected under the law. We are an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.
LI-BB1
Are you interested in working for the nation’s leading fire protection company and beginning a rewarding and satisfying career that helps save the lives of thousands each year? Do you want to be a part of a growing and expanding team of industry experts? If so, exploring career opportunities with Summit Fire & Security may be right for you!
Summit Fire & Security, a subsidiary of SFP Holding, Inc. (Summit Companies), is a full-service provider for fire detection, suppression, and security with a full suite of capabilities that includes design, installation, testing, inspections, and maintenance. We serve customers across many verticals on a local, regional, and national scale. We’re proud of our well-deserved reputation for quality work that’s completed by our talented and experienced installation workforce. Summit Fire & Security is a dynamic organization with endless growth opportunities spanning over 70 locations in more than 20 states.
Our company is consistently recognized for service excellence in the fire protection industry. Summit Fire & Security supports trade skills and workforce development by hosting Recognized Apprenticeships and on-the-job training (OJT) programs for new career-seekers. Many members of our leadership chair NFPA code compliance committees, serve on regional safety boards, and support technical education in local schools. Summit Fire & Security supports employees in their professional development by offering continued development, training, and education by encouraging NICET and other career-advancing certifications. We offer reimbursement for certain career development programs in addition to potential bonuses for specific certifications. We continually strive to be the Employer of Choice for highly motivated team members who want to succeed in a high-growth environment. We encourage initiative, independence, diversity, and personal career growth. Demonstrating the combination of experience, knowledge, and customer service is the key to our performance and helps us achieve our goal of providing the highest quality fire protection services possible to protect lives and property.
Benefits
Summit Fire & Security offers extensive training opportunities, career advancement, competitive pay, bonus opportunities, along with an industry leading and affordable benefits package for eligible employees. Our benefits package includes:
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Plan with Company Match
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Long-Term Disability – Employer Paid
- Short-Term Disability – Employer Paid
- Additional Voluntary Ancillary Benefits such as Accident and Hospital Indemnity
- Life Insurance for Team Members and Dependents
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Referral Program
Our Core Values
PIPE
- We are PASSIONATE about life safety
- We have INTEGRITY (Do the right thing)
- We work in PARTNERSHIP with our customers and community
- We constantly strive for OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE (Do things right)
Summit Fire & Security participates in E-Verify & in alignment with our commitment to safety, we promote a drug-free workplace. Summit Fire & Security is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.
JOB SUMMARY:
The purpose of the Fire Alarm Technician position is to install, troubleshoot, service and repair fire alarm and security systems, and other fire and life safety products with minimal supervision.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
- Knowledge of different manufactures clean agent and high-pressure suppression systems.
- Appropriate use of required tools and test equipment such as multi-meter, megger, laptop to program, lifts, etc. to repair or replace fire alarm and suppression system components.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of fire alarm codes and standards.
- Programing and software knowledge with a variety of fire alarm systems that is used when removing or replacing components.
- Troubleshoot to determine fault or faults to include ground faults with fire alarm systems.
- Repair or replace damaged fire alarm components such as FACP, power supply, alarm-initiating devices, etc.
- Safely follow and perform procedures to handle, remove and replace explosive actuators such as squibs and gas cartridge actuators.
- Communicate with internal and external customers as well as offsite monitoring companies in a professional manner.
- Required to be punctual to required work locations and complete scheduled projects in timely manner.
- Use Field Service Lightning to track work orders, materials needed, time on job, etc.
- Complete documentation on work orders.
- Understand and follow SFS’s Safety program, SDS book, Hazardous communication program, policies and procedures. Participate in weekly Toolbox talks. Employee must know where all related safety documentation is at all times on each project.
- Ensure company provided vehicle is clean and well maintained as required by company policies.
- Alarm Technicians will be placed in on-call status as required by location to handle emergency service requests.
- Periodically attend seminars or similar education/training sessions to stay abreast of latest technology, codes, and standards changes.
- Train service technician trainees all applicable aspects of fire protection.
- Other duties may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
The qualifications listed below are representative of the elements required to perform the job successfully, however in some cases, an equivalent combination of Education, Training, Certifications and Experience may meet the job qualifications.
Education, Training, Certifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent, required.
- NICET or state specific certification, preferred.
Experience, Knowledge, Skill Requirements:
- 2 years Fire Life Safety Industry experience, specifically in Fire Alarm, required.
- NICET Level 1 Fire Alarm Certification, required.
- 2 years of professional computer skills, preferred.
Communication Skills:
Must have the ability to effectively read, write and communicate in English with employees and customers.
Systems and Software Skills:
2 years using business intelligence systems, Sage 300 CRE, or similar, preferred.
Other Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required.
- Must be able to comply with SFS’s Drug and Alcohol policy and Background screening requirements, which may also include customer specific requirements based on contractual agreement.
- Must be able to travel 90% of the time, locally.
PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform Essential Job Duties.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, ascend and descend step stools, ladders and stairs, kneel, lift <50lbs, reach above and below shoulders, stand and walk for extended periods of time. Employee is required to see in color, close and far distances, peripheral, depth, and adjust focus. Employee will occasionally be required to balance, crouch, drive, kneel, lift >50lbs, sit, stoop, twist, and work at heights.
Work Environment:
Employees will regularly be required to work outside, and be exposed to hot/cold temperatures, dust, fumes, chemicals, electrical hazards and noise. Employee will occasionally be required to work indoors in an office setting, work alone and with others. Employee must consistently wear all appropriate personal protective equipment, as required by company safety policies while visiting locations.
We are fully committed to equal opportunities for employment to all individuals regardless of race, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, and any other classification protected under the law. We are an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.
LI-BB1
Are you interested in working for the nation’s leading fire protection company and beginning a rewarding and satisfying career that helps save the lives of thousands each year? Do you want to be a part of a growing and expanding team of industry experts? If so, exploring career opportunities with Summit Fire & Security may be right for you!
Summit Fire & Security, a subsidiary of SFP Holding, Inc. (Summit Companies), is a full-service provider for fire detection, suppression, and security with a full suite of capabilities that includes design, installation, testing, inspections, and maintenance. We serve customers across many verticals on a local, regional, and national scale. We’re proud of our well-deserved reputation for quality work that’s completed by our talented and experienced installation workforce. Summit Fire & Security is a dynamic organization with endless growth opportunities spanning over 70 locations in more than 20 states.
Our company is consistently recognized for service excellence in the fire protection industry. Summit Fire & Security supports trade skills and workforce development by hosting Recognized Apprenticeships and on-the-job training (OJT) programs for new career-seekers. Many members of our leadership chair NFPA code compliance committees, serve on regional safety boards, and support technical education in local schools. Summit Fire & Security supports employees in their professional development by offering continued development, training, and education by encouraging NICET and other career-advancing certifications. We offer reimbursement for certain career development programs in addition to potential bonuses for specific certifications. We continually strive to be the Employer of Choice for highly motivated team members who want to succeed in a high-growth environment. We encourage initiative, independence, diversity, and personal career growth. Demonstrating the combination of experience, knowledge, and customer service is the key to our performance and helps us achieve our goal of providing the highest quality fire protection services possible to protect lives and property.
Benefits
Summit Fire & Security offers extensive training opportunities, career advancement, competitive pay, bonus opportunities, along with an industry leading and affordable benefits package for eligible employees. Our benefits package includes:
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Plan with Company Match
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Long-Term Disability – Employer Paid
- Short-Term Disability – Employer Paid
- Additional Voluntary Ancillary Benefits such as Accident and Hospital Indemnity
- Life Insurance for Team Members and Dependents
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Referral Program
Our Core Values
PIPE
- We are PASSIONATE about life safety
- We have INTEGRITY (Do the right thing)
- We work in PARTNERSHIP with our customers and community
- We constantly strive for OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE (Do things right)
Summit Fire & Security participates in E-Verify & in alignment with our commitment to safety, we promote a drug-free workplace. Summit Fire & Security is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Fire Investigator
Match your degree to the role explicitly
Fire investigation draws from forensic science, chemistry, and engineering programs. When applying, map your coursework directly to the job description. Employers unfamiliar with OPT respond better when the degree-to-role connection is obvious and requires no explanation from them.
Target agencies with prior OPT hiring history
Federal and state fire marshal offices, ATF, and large municipal fire departments have HR infrastructure familiar with work authorization. Smaller private investigators may lack that familiarity. Prioritizing institutional employers reduces friction during the hiring process significantly.
Address OPT early and directly
Don't wait for an offer to raise your work authorization status. Mention it in your cover letter in one clear sentence. Employers appreciate transparency, and it filters out roles where authorization would be a dealbreaker before you invest interview time.
Highlight certifications alongside your degree
IAAI-CFI or NFPA certifications signal professional credibility and reduce employer hesitation around OPT. If you're still pursuing certification, note your progress. Credentials specific to fire investigation carry weight beyond your academic background in this field.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
Forensic science, chemistry, and engineering degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers are far more willing to invest in training when your authorization window extends meaningfully beyond one year.
Lead with field experience in applications
Internships with fire departments, insurance carriers, or forensic labs demonstrate practical exposure that classroom training alone cannot. Even volunteer or observation hours with a licensed investigator strengthen your application and reassure employers that you understand the operational realities of the role.
Fire Investigator jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Fire Investigator JobsSee all 1,907+ Fire Investigator jobs
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Fire Investigator on OPT?
Yes, if your degree field is directly related to the role. Forensic science, chemistry, fire protection engineering, and criminal justice degrees commonly support fire investigator positions. Your OPT authorization is tied to your major, so the employer will want to see a clear connection between your coursework and the investigative responsibilities of the job.
Do Fire Investigator roles typically require U.S. citizenship or security clearances?
Some do. Positions with federal agencies like the ATF or Department of Homeland Security often require U.S. citizenship or at minimum permanent residency, which disqualifies OPT students. Roles with municipal fire departments, private insurance firms, and forensic consulting companies generally do not carry that restriction and are more accessible on OPT.
Where can I find Fire Investigator jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists fire investigator and related forensic roles filtered for candidates on OPT and other nonimmigrant work authorization. Searching there saves time compared to filtering through generalist boards where work authorization requirements aren't disclosed upfront. Most listings on Migrate Mate include sponsorship and authorization details directly.
Does the STEM OPT extension apply to Fire Investigator roles?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated in forensic science, chemistry, or fire protection engineering, your degree is likely on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, making you eligible for a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12 months. Criminal justice degrees generally do not qualify for STEM OPT, so your total authorization window would remain 12 months.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change employers mid-authorization?
You can change employers on OPT, but you must report the change in your SEVIS record through your designated school official within 10 days. Your new position still needs to be directly related to your degree field. If you're on STEM OPT, you'll also need to update your formal training plan with the new employer before starting work.
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