FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER 41050
(Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for applying the principles and practices of engineering to a wide range of technical matters concerning the preservation of life and property by preventing or minimizing loss resulting from fires, explosions and hazards related to fires. Under the general supervision of a Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief, an employee in this class advises on proper design arrangement, the use and selection of building materials, the handling of equipment and materials, and the analysis of fire and explosion hazards. An employee in this class must be capable of understanding and designing fire extinguishing and detection systems and must understand the application of fire protection principles to fire department, water supply and building code aspects of community planning. An employee in this class assigns fire inspection work as required to fire personnel and reviews inspection reports. Does related work as required.
Reviews and evaluates building plans, site plans, and fire protection system plans in terms of fire code and building code life safety criteria.
Recommends methods and alternative ways that building construction features may be incorporated or arranged to provide reasonable safety to life and property from the effects of fire.
Explains applicable State and Municipal Building Construction and Fire Prevention Code requirements to architects, engineers, developers and property owners.
Inspects buildings for codes compliance and carries out enforcement as required.
Participates in fire investigation and analysis and other accident / incident investigations.
Performs administrative duties and research work and composes reports.
Trains and advises fire personnel about fire prevention inspection practices, hazards of occupancy and codes compliance; assigns inspection work as required and reviews inspection reports.
Applies recognized standards for the safe storage, handling and processing of materials or products of explosive, flammable or hazardous properties, and in the absence of such standards, devises requirements and safeguards to accomplish that purpose.
Serves as subject matter expert in the areas of fire protection, life safety, and fire department emergency related services.
Receives and responds to citizens’ inquiries regarding codes compliance and fire hazards.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thorough knowledge of modern and currently accepted fire protection engineering practices and safety standards.
Thorough knowledge of engineering requirements for fire protection, extinguishing and detection systems, inclusive of water supply system design and hazard control.
Good knowledge of the theories of fire protection.
Good knowledge of computer modeling and fire simulations to test theories and materials for use in design.
Good knowledge of building construction and fire prevention codes.
Good knowledge of basic principles of civil engineering and components of building construction, inclusive of heating, ventilation, and air condition systems.
Good knowledge of basic principles of electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering practices.
Working knowledge of risk management of fire and explosion, and related hazard loss.
Working knowledge of urban planning and fire department protection.
Skilled at determining human behavior in regard to fire safety.
Ability to read and interpret plans, blueprints and specifications to determine code compliance and adequacy of fire protection provisions.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to function independently under general supervision.
Graduation with a baccalaureate degree or higher in Fire Protection Engineering from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees; or,
Graduation with a baccalaureate degree or higher in either Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, and a Graduate Certificate in Fire Protection Engineering to indicate completion of four or more thematically related fire protection engineering courses from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees.
Special Necessary Requirement
When required to operate a motor vehicle, possession of a valid New York State Non-CDL or CDL, including any special endorsements, as required for the type of vehicle being operated. Where possession of a license is required, eligibility for and continued possession of the license is required for employment.
Revised date:
3/2019