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Occupation AtlasFire-Prevention and Protection Engineers

O*NET · 17-2111.02

Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers

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 called Consulting Engineer · Engineer · Fire Alarm Systems Tech · Fire Alarm Systems Technician (Fire Alarm Systems Tech) · Fire Prevention Research Engineer · Fire Protection Commissioning Engineer · Fire Protection Consultant · Fire Protection Design Engineer
9 more

Fire Protection Designer · Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) · Fire Safety Engineer · Forensic Fire Protection Engineer · FPE · Licensed Fire Protection Engineer · Plumbing Designer · Plumbing Engineer · Professional Fire Protection Engineer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code RIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Chemical Engineers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.33
  • I Investigative5.19
  • C Conventional4.47
  • S Social2.84
  • E Enterprising2.80
  • A Artistic1.47

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
  • Bachelor's Degree85%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate4%
  • Master's Degree4%
  • Doctoral Degree4%
Related work experience
None (31%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (35%)
On-the-job training
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (31%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.34.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Judgment and Decision Making4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Complex Problem Solving4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Speakingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Learningbasic3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Systems Evaluation3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Active Listeningbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Systems Analysis3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Writingbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Operations Analysis3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
  • Sciencebasic3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
Show the other 23
  • Time Management3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Quality Control Analysis3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Persuasion3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Instructing3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Mathematicsbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Social Perceptiveness3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Negotiation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Service Orientation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Technology Design3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Operations Monitoring2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Material Resources2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Troubleshooting2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Financial Resources2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Equipment Selection2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Operation and Control1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Programming1.60.9
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

14 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Advise architects, builders, and other construction personnel on fire prevention equipment and techniques and on fire code and standard interpretation and compliance.4.5
  2. Design fire detection equipment, alarm systems, and fire extinguishing devices and systems.4.2
  3. 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.4.2
  4. Prepare and write reports detailing specific fire prevention and protection issues, such as work performed, revised codes or standards, and proposed review schedules.4.2
  5. Review building plans to verify compliance with fire code.4.2
  6. Consult with authorities to discuss safety regulations and to recommend changes as necessary.3.8
  7. Evaluate fire department performance and the laws and regulations affecting fire prevention or fire safety.3.7
  8. Determine causes of fires and ways in which they could have been prevented.3.6
  9. Attend workshops, seminars, or conferences to present or obtain information regarding fire prevention and protection.3.6
  10. Direct the purchase, modification, installation, testing, maintenance, and operation of fire prevention and protection systems.3.6
  11. Develop training materials and conduct training sessions on fire protection.3.5
  12. Develop plans for the prevention of destruction by fire, wind, and water.3.4
Show the other 2
  1. Study the relationships between ignition sources and materials to determine how fires start.3.4
  2. Conduct research on fire retardants and the fire safety of materials and devices.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Engineering and Technology4.96.4Level 7 looks like: Plan for the impact of weather in designing a bridge
  • Building and Construction4.55.7
  • Design4.56.1Level 7 looks like: Develop detailed plans for a high-rise office building
  • Mathematics4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Public Safety and Security4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • English Language4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Physics3.95.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Chemistry3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
Show all 33
  • Customer and Personal Service3.75.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Mechanical3.54.7Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Computers and Electronics3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and Training3.44.6Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Law and Government3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Administration and Management3.24.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Sales and Marketing2.73.9Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Administrative2.63.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.53.2Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Communications and Media2.42.7
  • Telecommunications2.42.7
  • Economics and Accounting2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Psychology2.32.9
  • Production and Processing2.22.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Geography2.02.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Transportation2.02.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Biology1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.81.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Foreign Language1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • History and Archeology1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Food Production1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Fine Arts1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Problem Sensitivity4.44.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Deductive Reasoning4.14.6Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Near Vision4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Category Flexibility3.94.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Information Ordering3.94.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech Clarity3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Flexibility of Closure3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Speech Recognition3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Far Vision3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Fluency of Ideas3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Visualization3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Originality3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Number Facility3.13.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of Closure3.03.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Selective Attention2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Memorization2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Time Sharing2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Auditory Attention2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Finger Dexterity1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Trunk Strength1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.90.9
  • Spatial Orientation1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Control Precision1.50.6
  • Multilimb Coordination1.40.4
  • Extent Flexibility1.3—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.1—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.1—
  • Stamina1.1—
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.0—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Dynamic Strength1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Manual Dexterity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.65.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.55.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Getting Information4.45.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.45.6
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Working with Computers4.24.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Processing Information4.05.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.95.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.95.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.84.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.74.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Thinking Creatively3.74.9Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Training and Teaching Others3.64.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Developing and Building Teams3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.44.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.44.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.93.8Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.83.8Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.52.9
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.32.8
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.82.0Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Telephone Conversations4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.2
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.1
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.0
  • Written Letters and Memos4.0
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate3.9

Technology

47 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (5)

  • Autodesk AutoCADhot
  • Autodesk Revithot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Mechanical electrical plumbing MEP design software

Hot (6; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Bentley MicroStation
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (36)
  • A Large Outdoor Fire plume Trajectory model Flat Terrain ALOFT-FT
  • Analysis of Smoke Control Systems ASCOS
  • ANSYS simulation software
  • Atria smoke management engineering tools ASMET
  • Available Safe Egress Time ASET
  • Berkeley Algorithm for Breaking Window Glass in a Compartment Fire BREAK1
  • Building Research Establishment BRE Jasmine
  • CESARE Risk
  • Computational Dynamics STAR-CD
  • Computational fluid dynamics CFD software
  • Consolidated compartment fire model CCFM
  • Consolidated fire and smoke transport model CFAST
  • Crows Dynamics Simulex
  • Data acquisition software
  • Detector Actuation Quasi Steady DETACT-QS
  • Egress Allsafe
  • Egress EVACS
  • Elevator evacuation ELVAC software
  • Evacuation modeling software
  • Finite element method FEM software
  • Fire dynamics simulators
  • Fire Protection Engineering Tools FPETool software
  • Fire Response of Structures Thermal FIRES-T software
  • Fire Simulation Technique FIRST software
  • FIRECALC fire zone modeling software
  • Fluent FloWizard
  • Human modeling software
  • Interconsult Brann G-JET
  • JET
  • Large eddy simulation LES software
  • Link actuated vents LAVENT software
  • Load-bearing analysis software
  • Mean time to failure MTTF software
  • Network flow modeling software
  • Simulation of fires in enclosures SOFIE software
  • Zone modeling software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Fire Inspectors and Investigators
  2. Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
  3. Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
  4. First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
  5. Firefighters
  6. Construction and Building Inspectors
  7. Environmental Engineers
  8. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
  9. Nuclear Engineers
  10. Security Management Specialists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.