Fire Protection Engineer

Job Description

This is a professional position responsible for the development, delivery, and administration of Fire Protection engineering issues related to local, state, and national fire and life safety codes and standards in the community. The position requires use of a considerable amount of judgment and includes interpretation and analysis of performance-based fire protection designs and systems within buildings. The work involves ensuring concept, site, architectural and engineering plans submitted for buildings and other development projects are reviewed for compliance with appropriate fire and life safety code requirements. The incumbent works under the direction of the Battalion Chief of Prevention and Public Education.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

* Develops standards and practices for technical fire protection/detection system plan reviews, conducts the reviews and oversees the associated inspection follow-up.
* Conducts routine and special fire inspections of public, commercial, residential, assembly, and target hazard occupancies, i.e., schools, day cares, hospitals, high-rises, nursing homes, care facilities, hazardous processing, storage, etc. ensuring compliance with local and state codes, and nationally recognized good practices and standards.
* Recommends prevention plans and strategies to address general and specific fire and life safety problems in the community based on national standards and state/local fire and building codes.
* Recommends code and ordinance changes to enhance fire and life safety in the community.
* Provides technical assistance to property owners, architects, contractors, and others in interpreting and complying with fire and life safety codes and standards.
* Enforces code requirements and, where necessary, issues corrective notices and/or citations.
* Inspects multifamily residential properties and other public buildings both during construction and after occupancy is granted.
* Prepares position statements regarding variance requests to fire prevention codes and standards for review and approval by the Battalion Chief of Fire Prevention and Public Education.
* Works with other City Department managers on new developments, plats, licenses, ordinances, etc.
* Develops training for department employees to develop and enhance prevention and inspection skills.
* Maintains regular punctual and predictable attendance, works overtime and extra hours as required.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

* Provides advice, guidance, and direction to fire personnel in maintenance tasks relating to fire and life safety.
* Maintains records and answers correspondence regarding false alarms and fire prevention codes.
* Maintains effective records and documentation of actions and assessments related to fire prevention in new and existing buildings and developments.
* Recommends changes to policies and SOP's as may be necessary to ensure safe and effective operation of the Department.
* Performs various clerical functions including typing, computer entry and communication with the public.
* Performs support functions at emergency and non-emergency incidents as required.
* Other job tasks as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related field, one to three years fire prevention and building plan review experience, certified fire inspector, or any combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

* Considerable knowledge of fire science, fire behavior and fire protection engineering/technology.
* Considerable knowledge of codes, laws and ordinances, Wisconsin Revised Statutes and specific fire conditions of the City.
* Ability to obtain and maintain commercial building inspector certification.
* Thorough knowledge and understanding of departmental and City safety policies, practices and procedures.
* Ability to prioritize and oversee multiple projects and staff.
* Thorough knowledge of departmental and City policies, SOP's and labor agreements.
* Ability to analyze City's fire prevention needs and identify target hazards.
* Ability to read and interpret complex written materials.
* Ability to prepare concise and accurate oral and written presentations and reports.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, the public, elected officials, the business community, and other city departments.
* Ability to operate and utilize all personal protection equipment, tools and other equipment associated with the job expectations.
* Ability to conduct thorough site inspections while projects are under construction, climb ladders and stairs, negotiate uneven terrain, and work in a variety of atmospheric conditions that may be encountered.
* Ability to recognize situations that need action and then take appropriate action as necessary.
* Ability to resolve conflict at lowest levels.
* Ability to work with limited supervision.
* Wisconsin P.E. Registration or the ability to obtain it is preferred.
* Valid driver's license and good driving record.

Supplemental Information

COMPETENCIES

Communication

Self-directed/Autonomous/Accountable

Problem Solving

Technical/Professional/Strategic Skills

Creative/Innovative

To learn more about these competencies click here