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Posted: March 16, 2026 (1 day ago)

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ENGINEER (Fire Protection)

City of Houston

Houston Public Works

Fresh

Location

Salary

$3,749.37 - $3,865.33

per week

Closes

Open until filled

Job Description

Summary

This role involves leading a team that reviews building plans to ensure they meet fire safety standards, interpreting codes for architects and contractors, and handling inquiries and complaints about fire protection in construction projects.

It's a supervisory position in the city's permitting center, focusing on efficient plan reviews and training staff.

A good fit would be an experienced engineer who enjoys mentoring others, solving safety issues, and working in a collaborative government environment.

Key Requirements

  • Graduation from an approved engineering curriculum by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, or related science degree plus passing the fundamentals of engineering exam
  • Four years of active engineering practice experience after graduation (Master’s in Engineering substitutes for up to two years)
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Texas; out-of-state engineers must obtain it within six months
  • Experience in fire protection plan review, code interpretation, and application of NFPA standards
  • Leadership and supervisory skills for managing personnel, training, and coordinating reviews
  • Ability to investigate complaints, respond to inquiries, and recommend corrective actions
  • Comfort with physical tasks like walking, lifting plans up to 40 pounds, and occasional exposure to suboptimal conditions

Full Job Description

Wastewater OperationsApplications accepted from: All Persons Interested

Service Line/Section: Houston Permitting Center - Building Code Enforcement/Plan Review
Reporting Location: 1002 Washington Avenue, Floor 3
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday/8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.*
*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Leads and supports a culture of responsiveness, collaboration, integrity, ownership, innovation, and resiliency.

  • Manages and coordinates the fire protection plan review personnel to ensure an efficient review of fire protection plans and
    consistent application of the fire codes and all related ordinances, policies, code word publications and procedures.

  • Interprets NFPA and related standards, life safety requirements, material compliance, ordinances, policies, and procedures for plan
    review personnel, architects, engineers, contractors, and other design groups.

  • Investigates and responds to inquiries from other City of Houston departments, consultants, agencies, contractors and the public.

  • Responds to complaints and recommends corrective action.

  • Coordinates training activities, including developing and teaching fire code related programs.

  • Develops work plans and prepares HEAR Assessments, interviews job applicants and makes recommendations for personnel
    actions.

  • Meets with design groups for project presentations and preliminary reviews of construction projects.

  • Provides leadership, guidance, and advice to subordinates. Fosters cooperation, communication, and knowledge sharing
    throughout the group.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.


WORKING CONDITIONS
The position routinely requires walking, periods of sitting, stooping or bending and/or routine lifting of moderately heavy items, such
as plans (up to 40 pounds). There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less than optimal temperature and air
conditions.

This is a Department of Houston Public Works Emergency Management Position at the Tier III Level.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires graduation from an approved curriculum in engineering by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers with satisfactory standing.

OR

Requires graduation from an engineering or related science curriculum at a recognized institution of higher education, other than a curriculum approved by the Board, and passage of the eight-hour fundamentals of engineering examination prescribed by the Board.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Requires four (4) years of active practice in engineering work after graduation from an approved curriculum in engineering.

Substitution: A Master’s degree in Engineering may be substituted for up to two years of the above experience requirement.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Requires registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. A specific branch of engineering (such as civil, mechanical, structural, etc.) may be required.


Engineers from out-of-state must

be hired in a position directly under the supervision of a Professional Engineer licensed by the State of Texas;

AND

obtain their license as a Professional Engineer in the State of Texas within six months from date of hire for continued employment with the City of Houston.

May require a valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving.

Qualifications

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:
  • Preference may be given to applicants with experience in Fire Protection design. Preference may be given to applicants with a
    sprinkler related State, ICC or NFPA certification.

  • Preference may be given to applicants with excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interpret and explain
    City procedures to the public and other departmental entities.


**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

Additional Information

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None
However, the Department may administer a skill assessment evaluation.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade: 26

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or please call 832.393-6015.

"If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6015. (TTY 7-1-1)

"If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, with specific instructions, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 3/16/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/17/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-houston-5269466