This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Research causes of fires, determine fire protection methods, and design or recommend materials or equipment such as structural components or fire-detection equipment to assist organizations in safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards.
Also Known As:Consulting Engineer, Engineer, Fire Prevention Research Engineer, Fire Protection Commissioning Engineer, Fire Protection Consultant, Fire Protection Design Engineer, Fire Protection Designer, Fire Protection Engineer (FP Engineer) +2 more
Advise architects, builders, and other construction personnel on fire prevention equipment and techniques and on fire code and standard interpretation and compliance.
Inspect buildings or building designs to determine fire protection system requirements and potential problems in areas such as water supplies, exit locations, and construction materials.
Design fire detection equipment, alarm systems, and fire extinguishing devices and systems.
Prepare and write reports detailing specific fire prevention and protection issues, such as work performed, revised codes or standards, and proposed review schedules.
Consult with authorities to discuss safety regulations and to recommend changes as necessary.
Direct the purchase, modification, installation, testing, maintenance, and operation of fire prevention and protection systems.
Determine causes of fires and ways in which they could have been prevented.
Develop plans for the prevention of destruction by fire, wind, and water.
Develop training materials and conduct training sessions on fire protection.
Attend workshops, seminars, or conferences to present or obtain information regarding fire prevention and protection.
Evaluate fire department performance and the laws and regulations affecting fire prevention or fire safety.
Study the relationships between ignition sources and materials to determine how fires start.
Conduct research on fire retardants and the fire safety of materials and devices.
Emerging Tasks
New and evolving responsibilities for this role:
Review building plans to verify compliance with fire code.
Education & Training
Job Zone 4Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Bachelor's Degree
85%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
5%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.