Under the direction of the Fire Marshal/Deputy Chief of the Fire Prevention Division or his/her designee, the Senior Fire Protection Engineer (Engineer) will be responsible for overseeing the Fire Prevention Division’s Engineering/Plans Review Unit (“Engineering Unit”) to ensure that plans submitted for permitting and review for all new and existing City buildings or structures meet current safety requirements under Massachusetts fire codes; building codes; related federal, state or local laws and regulations; state, local and national fire protection standards; and under the Boston Fire Prevention Code. As an Engineer, you will be responsible for the review and approval of building and design plans proposed for City infrastructure, new and existing buildings and other structures, and suggest various methods based on his/her code interpretation that provide the best fire prevention, fire protection and fire suppression systems in protecting such a structure to achieve code compliance. The successful incumbent will be required to spend time with architects, engineers and building or construction professionals to gather knowledge regarding the infrastructure and construction of buildings.

He/She will act as a representative for the Boston Fire Department and serve as the Fire Commissioner’s designee and/or the Fire Marshal’s designee on various federal, state and city boards/agencies, or on boards/committees of related industry or standards organizations as directed. He/She will advise the Fire Marshal on all aspects of fire prevention and fire protection matters, and attend various board/agency meetings, construction meetings and select inspections with or in lieu of the Fire Marshal or his/her designee as determined by the Fire Marshal. The successful incumbent, according to established policies and procedures, will oversee the specific duties of the Engineering Unit, and will maintain all records for the said Unit. The incumbent will provide general guidance to all members of the Fire Prevention Division on inspections and fire prevention related matters. The incumbent will serve as the Department’s subject matter expert for fire prevention and fire protection issues.

• Directs the day-to-day operations for the Fire Prevention Division Engineering/Plans Review Unit (“Engineering Unit”) including, but not limited to staff training and development and special project management.
• Oversees the fire and building permit process as the Engineer: review and approve building specifications and plans, including but not limited to plans review, permit issuance, places of assembly, fire alarm systems and fire suppression systems, to ensure compliance with current fire and building codes and other applicable laws, ordinances or regulations in the Boston Fire Department. (BFD), and oversee Engineering Unit staff members in this work.
• Manages and oversees the review process for professional and detailed architects’ and engineers’ plans and computations for the proposed new buildings and other structures, and for; alterations to existing buildings and structures in order to determine whether the proposed methods of construction and materials to be used are in accordance with the requirements of the fire codes, building codes and related laws, regulations and fire protection standards.
• Conducts and/or oversees inspections and maintenance testing of various building and fire systems.
• Act in a consultant capacity to advise, direct and guide the general public, customers or other government agencies to ensure they meet required compliance for City of Boston, state and national fire and building codes, regulations and standards.
• Advises Fire Marshal and his staff on interpretation and application of codes, regulations and standards.
• Manages, trains and develops engineers and staff members within the unit.
• Assists Fire Marshal in conducting training classes for various BFD Fire Prevention Division personnel.
• Assists Fire Marshal from time to time in the development of processes and procedures for fire prevention inspections and for various Fire Prevention permit applications.
• Provides technical assistance and support for other BFD divisions on fire suppression system impairments
• Provides guidance to the Boston Fire Department with suggested or proposed changes, or comments thereto, relative to building and fire codes, regulations and laws.
• Maintains and prepares related records and reports in compliance with the City of Boston Fire Department.
• Consults with fire officials concerning matters involving restrictions on building methods and materials. Serves as the Department’s subject matter expert and testifies to same before various boards, agencies or the Court as required or directed by the Fire Commissioner or Fire Marshal.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Master’s in Fire Protection Engineering degree required, from an ABET accredited school.
• Must have and maintain a valid Massachusetts Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) license.
• 10+ years of professional fire protection engineering industry experience; designing and inspection of fire protection, fire alarm systems and related systems for existing or new building construction.
• 5 years post graduate experience of which 3 years’ experience must be directly related to fire protection permitting projects.
• Experience with various fire prevention systems such as, but not limited to, fire alarm or sprinkler systems and be able to install or advise on the installation of fire alarms and suppression systems in buildings.
• Knowledge of municipal and state fire and building codes, laws and regulations required. Knowledge of National Fire Protection Association standards required. Working knowledge of FM Global and like- organization datasheets, and refinery/industrial API guidelines strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of general building construction for fire protection systems, as well as complete knowledge regarding interpretation of fire, building and related code compliance requirements and industry standards for fire protection systems
• Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment, and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
• Organizational skills to prepare and maintain detailed records and reports of inspections, maintenance activities, and responses to and resolution of permitting and plans review matters. Must be able to meet scheduled deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with all levels of personnel. Proven customer service perspective with the ability to communicate effectively to assist in a group setting.
• Strong communication and computer skills are required; must have working knowledge with Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Candidate must have the ability to create and modify technical drawings and specifications.
• Proven leadership experience required. Experience with leading a team on multiple projects.
• Knowledge of engineering design and installation.
• The successful incumbent will be required to keep up to date with fire and building codes, applicable laws and regulations and industry standards. The incumbent will be expected to have a foundation in fire science and engineering in a mechanical or structural course.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Must have and maintain a valid Massachusetts Drivers License.
• Must be able to walk, take stairs and navigate construction sites.

Boston Residency Required

Terms:
Union/Salary Plan/Grade: SENA/MM1-13
Hours per week: 35