City of Boston

Welcome page

1st Assistant Fire Protection Engineer

Req ID
2024-26620
Dept
Boston Fire Department
Position
Regular Full-Time
Location
BFD-Headquarters
Salary Min
101,393.88
Salary Max
140,859.88
Union
SE1
Openings
1
Posting End Date
9/12/2024
Contact Email
dierdre.cummings@boston.gov

Overview:

Under the direct supervision of the Sr. Fire Protection Engineer and the overall general direction of the Fire Marshal/Deputy Chief of the Fire Prevention Division or his/her designee, the 1st Assistant Fire Protection Engineer (1st Asst FPE) will be assigned to the Fire Prevention Division’s Engineering/Plans Review Unit (“Engineering Unit”). Key responsibilities include review of plans submitted for the fire and building permit process to ensure that 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.

Responsibilities:

  • Incumbent will be responsible for his/her own workload, as assigned, 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. He/She will be required to spend time with architects, engineers and building or construction professionals to gather knowledge regarding the infrastructure and construction of buildings.
  • The incumbent will assist the Sr. Fire Protection Engineer in managing the work of the Engineering Unit according to established policies and procedures, and maintain records of same. He/She will also assist in overseeing the work of the lower level engineers and staff assigned to the Engineering Unit, to train and manage Engineering Unit staff. The incumbent will advise the Fire Marshal and provide general guidance to all members of the Fire Prevention Division fire prevention related matters. The incumbent may serve as the Department’s subject matter expert for fire prevention and fire protection issues. The incumbent may 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, in the absence of the Sr. Fire Protection Engineer. The incumbent will be expected to participate in meetings and inspections as directed.
  • Assist the Senior Fire Protection Engineer (“Sr. FPE”) in managing the day-to-day operations for the Fire Prevention Division Engineering/Plans Review Unit (“Engineering Unit”) including, but not limited to staff training, development and special project management.
  • Responsible for a workload as assigned by the Sr. FPE to review and approve building specifications and plans for fire and building permit process, 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).
  • Provide training and guidance to Engineering Unit staff in plans review work.
  • Responsible for ensuring that 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, all comply with current codes 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.
  • Conduct inspections and maintenance testing of various building and fire systems.
  • Work with vendors, the general public, customers, or other government agencies to ensure plans submitted by them meet required compliance for City of Boston, state, and national fire and building codes and regulations.
  • Advise Fire Marshal and his staff on interpretation and application of codes, regulations and standards.
  • Assist Sr. FPE and/or Fire Marshal in conducting training classes for various BFD Fire Prevention Division personnel in fire prevention and fire protection related matters.
  • Assist Sr. FPE and/or Fire Marshal from time to time in the development of processes and procedures for fire prevention inspections and for various Fire Prevention permit applications.
  • Provide technical assistance and support for other BFD divisions on fire suppression system impairments.
  • May provide guidance to the Boston Fire Department with suggested or proposed changes, or comments thereto, relative to building and fire codes, regulations and laws.
  • May consult with fire officials concerning matters involving restrictions on building methods and materials in conjunction with, or in the absence of, the Sr. FPE. May serve as the Department’s subject matter expert and testify to same before various boards, agencies or the Court as required or directed by the Fire Commissioner or Fire Marshal.
  • Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Engineering degree from an ABET accredited school is required. A Master’s in Fire Protection Engineering degree is preferred. (Applicants with an engineering degree, other than in fire protection engineering, with a valid Massachusetts Fire Protection (FPE) license may be considered).
  • Must have and maintain a valid Massachusetts Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) license. 
  • Five (5) or more 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. A Master’s in Fire Protection Engineering may substitute for three (3) years of experience. 
  • 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 Driver’s License.
  • Must be able to walk, take stairs and navigate construction sites.

Boston Residency Required

 

Terms:
Union/Salary Plan/Grade: SENA/MM1-11
Hours per week: 35

 

 

Options:

Sorry the Share function is not working properly at this moment. Please refresh the page and try again later.
Share on your newsfeed



The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Therefore, qualified applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category.

The City of Boston has played a role in causing and perpetuating the inequities in our society. To break down these barriers, we are embedding equity and inclusion into everything we do.

We define equity as ensuring every community has the resources it needs to thrive in Boston. This requires the active process of meeting individuals where they are. Inclusion is engaging every resident to build a more welcoming and supportive city. We are building a city for everyone, where diversity makes us a more empowered collective.