Fire Protection Engineer 1

City of Sunnyvale | Sunnyvale, CA

Posted Date 6/16/2025
Description

FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER 1
Full-Time Regular Employment Opportunity


Come join Sunnyvale's cutting-edge Fire Prevention Division! We are looking to fully staff our Fire Engineering Team that oversees new construction, plan reviews, and inspections. This exciting position includes access to latest plan review technology and databases, and the unique opportunity to provide the highest level of fire protection services to the international and local communities of Silicon Valley.


Definition

Under close or general direction, reviews plans and specifications of buildings, fire protection equipment, and industrial and hazardous materials processes to ensure compliance with federal, state, and municipal fire protection codes and ordinances, performs field inspections; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Fire Protection Engineer I/II is a flexibly staffed civilian classification in the Department of Public Safety. Positions in the Fire Protection Engineer II class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level once the incumbent meets the qualification standards of the II level, demonstrates an ability to perform the full scope of work, and meets performance expectations. Incumbents are not automatically promoted to the higher level; the needs of the department determine the level of assignment.

Fire Protection Engineer I
This is the entry level classification within the Fire Protection Engineer series. Incumbents work under direct supervision while learning job tasks. This classification is distinguished from the Fire Protection Engineer II classification by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to this classification. Immediate supervision is provided by the Fire Protection Engineer II or Assistant Fire Marshal. Positions at the I level may receive functional or technical supervision from other division staff.

(May include, but are not limited to, the following)

  • Reviews site development plans and conducts compliance inspections to ensure adequate water supplies, water distribution systems, fire protection systems, fire hydrant availability and Fire Department equipment access.
  • Checks plans to determine fire and life safety requirements in accordance with California Code of Regulations Titles 19 and 24, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and the City of Sunnyvale Municipal Code.
  • Conducts independent reviews and analyzes data to determine the adequacy and safety of designs.
  • Provides technical advice to City staff, architects, engineers, developers, building owners, and the general public on the interpretation or application of fire safety codes and regulations.
  • Gives technical assistance to Building and Fire Protection Inspectors regarding fire and life safety code issues occurring in the field.
  • Assists Building and Fire Inspectors in the review of less complex plans and trains office personnel in plan checking activities.
  • Prepares clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence and other required documents; maintains forms, records and field reports relative to fire protection engineering activities; and performs office duties.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. The position also requires near and far vision when performing tasks such as field inspections, in reading and writing reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and in-person service. The ability to lift, carry and push equipment, tools and supplies up to 25 pounds is also required. Additionally, when performing field inspections, the incumbent may be exposed to biohazards and work in a variety of working conditions, including mechanical and electrical hazards, loud noise, and inclement weather conditions, such as wet, heat and cold. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders and steep slopes, and walk around construction worksites. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in fire protection engineering, civil or mechanical engineering or a related field.

Knowledge of:

  • Codes, laws, and regulations as related to California Code of Regulations Titles 19 and 24, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and Title 16 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code.
  • Principles and practices of fire protection engineering.
  • Fire hazards control, extinguishing and detection systems.
Skill in:
  • Reading and interpreting site, building, fire protection system and equipment plans, specifications and codes.
  • Examining and noting deficiencies of plans, calculations and specifications.
  • Reviewing hydraulic calculations necessary to determine the adherence of fire extinguishing system plans to code requirements.
  • Using sound judgment to provide impartial advice in formulating recommendations.
  • Expressing ideas and answering questions clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
  • Training and reviewing the work of new and subordinate personnel.
Ability to:
  • Travel to various and remote sites within the City to conduct residential and commercial building site inspections.
  • Track and manage multiple projects and project deadlines.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City staff, public officials, construction professionals, engineers, architects, developers, outside agencies and the public.
  • Work independently and as a member of a team.
  • Follow complex written and verbal instructions and procedures.
  • Communicate effectively over the telephone or by two-way radio.
  • Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Licenses/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid Class C California driver's license and a safe driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
  • California Fire Protection Professional Engineer License (P.E.)
  • Plan Review certification from the Office of the California State Fire Marshal
APPLICATION PROCESS
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by 5:00 pm on Monday, July 14, 2025 (postmarks or faxes are not accepted).

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted on-line through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on Jobs. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of an oral examination scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources).

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department. Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate’s expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.
Salary64.99 - 82.95 Hour
Field
Fire and Rescue
Job Type
Entry Level

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