Overview

The City of Corpus Christi is seeking a highly qualified professional to fill the position of Fire Protection Engineer (FPE). The Fire Protection Engineer will be a civilian Fire Department employee located in the Fire Prevention Division under the supervision of the Fire Marshal. This position is responsible for the review of fire suppression and alarm systems and support specifications for buildings and building modifications to ensure compliance with Federal, State, County and local fire safety ordinances, laws and codes. Duties will also include field inspections of construction sites, review of site and building development plans for local fire protection and system requirements, Fire Department equipment access, and other related responsibilities.

The Fire Protection Engineers provide technical advice to City staff, contractors, architects, developers and the general public and to assist in writing and updating fire protection codes.  Work involves considerable coordination with the Fire Department, Planning and Development Services Department, and other departments regarding the development and enforcement of fire protection codes.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Reviews, evaluates and approves building plans and specifications, fire protection system designs, and chemical, gas and flammable liquids installations.
• Reviews designs of fire protection systems for buildings and industrial complexes including automatic suppression or fire alarm systems.
• Inspects the installation of fire protection systems including automatic suppression or fire alarm systems.
• Ensures compliance with applicable fire codes.
• Responds to citizen and stakeholder inquiries and concerns.
• Identifies, researches and provides potential solutions to complex construction issues.
• Gathers and analyzes data in order to respond to complaints from citizens; makes recommendations for solutions based on research findings.
• Provides training to fire prevention inspectors on the installation, inspection, and testing of fire protection systems, application of the Fire Code, new fire protection technology and new fire protection requirements.
• Evaluates new building materials, industrial processes and special hazards; and establishes safeguards to ensure reasonable levels of safety and property protection.
• Participates in amending, interpreting, and implementing City ordinances and policies to improve and provide a reasonable degree of safety in response to the changing market demands in development.
• Participates in/on a variety of meetings, committees, and/or task forces to provide expert level technical engineering advice and information based on assigned area of responsibility. Provides expertise by analyzing, reviewing, and critiquing development projects and plans.
• Provides site reviews for fire protection requirements for architects, engineers, project developers, owners/managers, contractors and city staff to expedite permit approval for construction projects.
• Creates, updates, and maintains numerous reference materials, manuals, and brochures, which may also include forms, checklists, plats, board packets, reports, and/or other related information.
• Provides administrative technical assistance to applicable Boards.
• Prepares analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.
• May perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of operational characteristics, services and activities of fire protection systems, various fire protection apparatus and equipment, fire alarms, access control and special hazard systems.
• Knowledge of theories, principles and practices of fire engineering.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of modern fire prevention and inspection.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of construction plan evaluation.
• Knowledge of properties of various flammable, combustible and hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations governing buildings and fire inspections.
• Knowledge of Firefighting operations and tactics.
• Skill in technical writing.
• Skill in organization and time management.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to review, evaluate and approve fire protection system designs.
• Ability to analyze and assess fire safety and evacuation procedures for buildings.
• Ability to perform field inspections and testing of buildings and fire protection systems Ability to provide technical assistance to Incident Commanders following major fires, building collapses and other emergency incidents.
• Ability to apply codes, standards and sound engineering to projects of varying complexity; resolve construction issues per the fire and building codes as applicable.
• Ability to ensure fire protection system and building construction compliance with applicable fire and building codes.
• Ability to read and interpret building plans and conduct code research.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, providing technical direction support, and information to other specialists, engineers, designers, and drafters.

Certifications, Licenses of Other Requirements

• Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Texas or the ability to become registered in Texas within 6 months of hire date is required.
• Must have experience and knowledge in building construction, design, and materials as related to fire prevention and fire control; Fire codes and regulations; Life safety systems including; fire detection, fire alarm, and fire suppression systems; evaluation of integrated fire life safety reports and engineering analysis.

Qualifications 

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering or other Engineering related field
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant experience in the fire protection field
• A valid driver's license is required. Successful out of state candidates must be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 90 days of hire