FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER

City of Worcester • Full-time • Worcester, Massachusetts, United States • $106,444 - $124,185 / year • 3m ago

The City of Worcester is an EEO/AA Employer. Preference is given to Worcester residents.

If you wish to apply for this position, the deadline is Open Until Filled. Please note the following application options for this position:

By Mailing to the Department of Human Resources, ATTN: FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER , 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608
(If applying via US Mail, please include a completed Application Questionnaire & VSID)

Title:

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER

Department/Division:

Fire Department

Apply Start Date:

02/13/2026

Apply End Date:

Open Until Filled

Type:

Full Time

Hours:

40 Per Week

Wage:

$106,444 - $124,185 Annually

Description:

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER
WORCESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT
CITY OF WORCESTER

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.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

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
Excellent communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Two (2) years of experience performing fire plan reviews
Two (2) years of experience performing fire inspections or site inspections
Proficiency in 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 (5) years of experience performing fire plan reviews
Five (5) years of experience performing fire inspections or site inspections

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $106,444 - $115,314 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package
FULL SALARY RANGE: $106,444 - $124,185 annually

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026, will receive preference. 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, [email protected].