FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER

WORCESTER CITY OFC-WATER; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Worcester seeks a Fire Protection Engineer to provide enterprise level leadership for fire prevention within the Worcester Fire Department. The role reviews plans and permits for residential and commercial projects and ensures compliance with state codes and NFPA standards.

It also oversees engineering staff, develops technical guidance, and collaborates with city agencies to interpret regulations while supporting enforcement actions and incident responses.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in fire protection engineering, chemical engineering, fire science, or related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of Bluebeam software products or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Establish fire protection engineering standards aligned with state codes and national standards.
• Complete plan reviews for residential and commercial projects.
• Direct and oversee engineering staff to ensure quality deliverables and professional growth.
• Collaborate with other departments and agencies to interpret codes and regulations.
• Perform site inspections to ensure compliance with applicable codes.

Skills

Fire prevention knowledge

NFPA Codes & Standards

Fire plan review process

Sprinkler & fire alarm design

Hazardous materials storage

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Confidentiality

Licensure pursuit (EIT/PE)

Education

ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering or related field

Master’s degree in fire protection engineering

Engineering in Training (EIT) certificate

Registered Fire Protection Engineer (PE)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Bluebeam

Job description

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Fire Protection Engineer within the Worcester Fire Department. Under the direction of the District Chief of Fire Prevention, the Fire Protection Engineer will set long-term direction and provide enterprise level fire protection engineering leadership for the Worcester Fire Department by working cooperatively with other permitting agencies within the City to meet the needs of developers and other stakeholders. The position will be responsible for the review of plans and permits submitted to the Fire Prevention Office for residential and commercial projects. The position will be responsible for performing professional plan review of Tier One and Tier Two EPA submittals and working closely with the Worcester Fire Department SARA Officer to ensure compliance with hazardous facilities throughout the City of Worcester.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Establish the City’s fire protection engineering philosophy and technical standards in alignment with state codes and national consensus standards
• Serve as the senior technical authority for fire protection engineering and life safety systems within the Authority Having Jurisdiction
• Complete the review of plans submitted to the Fire Prevention Office for residential and commercial projects
• Direct and oversee the work of assigned engineering and technical staff to ensure continuity, quality, and accountability for deliverables Provide ongoing supervision of assigned staff to foster professional growth
• Provide continuity and technical independence across administrations, projects, and development cycles
• Complete the professional review of tier one and tier two documentation for conformance with applicable building, fire, and life safety codes
• Resolve technical questions between the engineering and design professionals and the enforcement authority, which involves the interpretation of regulations, codes, standards, and laws
• Collaborate with other department engineers and assist architects, engineers, and contractors in the interpretation of state codes and related laws and regulations
• Adhere to the hazardous material process and storage guidelines including but not limited to 527 CMR Sections 60 – 69, NFPA 30, 45, and 400 for plan approval and inspections
• Perform inspections of facilities throughout the City to ensure compliance with all applicable codes
• Assist City Agencies and developers in plan review and permitting process for commercial and residential projects
• Establish technical guidance, standard conditions, and review protocols to ensure consistency and defensibility
• Provide expert technical input in appeals, enforcement actions, litigation support, and administrative proceedings
• Conduct site visits and participates in design meetings, pre-permit conferences, and inspections as required
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of MGL, Chapter 148, Fire Prevention
• Knowledge of MA Fire Code 527 CMR and Building Code 780 CMR
• Knowledge of NFPA Codes, Standards and Guides: 13, 30, 45, 72, 241, 400
• Knowledge of the fire plan review process
• Knowledge of fire suppression and detection systems
• Knowledge of the design and analysis of sprinkler and fire alarm systems and sprinkler hydraulic design
• Knowledge of Hazardous Material Storage
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong communication skills, including written and interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders and departments to present findings
• Ability to supervise staff of various professional levels and skillsets
• Ability to provide employee related customer service in a professional manner
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, accuracy, and detail orientation
• Ability to work independently, consistently, and reliably meet establish deadlines
• Ability to work with others as a team
• Ability to perform under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to analyze complex situations and develop effective fire protection strategies
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and agencies.
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to maintain accurate files and records and strong data management skills
• Ability to obtain licensure as an Engineer in Training (EIT) or Registered Fire Protection Engineer (PE)
• Regular onsite attendance is required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in fire protection engineering, chemical engineering, fire science, or related degree from an ABET accredited institution
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of Bluebeam software products or equivalent

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in fire protection engineering from an ABET Accredited Institution or pursuing a Master’s degree in fire protection engineering
• Engineering in Training (EIT) Certificate
• Registered Fire Protection Engineer (PE)
• Five (2) years of experience performing fire plan reviews
• Five (2) years of experience performing fire inspections or site inspections

HIRING RANGE:

$108,573.17-$117,631.37 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package

FULL SALARY RANGE:

$108,573.17-$126,668.70

Preference is given to Worcester residents.

The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030,[e-mail].