Chief Fire Prevention Engineer

Applications for this position will be accepted from 12:00am CDT on 06/27/2025 until 11:59PM CDT on 07/12/2025

Under the direction, functions as a technical advisor and subject matter expert in fire protection engineering to assure compliance with fire prevention/protection codes and life safety ordinances and regulations, and performs related duties as required

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

· Reviews and approves construction/structural plans (new and existing structures) and engineering specifications to ensure plans and proposed fire protection systems are in compliance with the fire prevention, fire protection, and fire/life safety requirements of the Municipal Fire Codes

• Provides technical engineering expertise and code consulting/analysis to departmental staff, developers, architects, and contractors on the interpretation and application of the Municipal Fire Codes
• Evaluates alternatives and solutions to unusually difficult fire code interpretations and provides recommendations to developers, architects, and contractors to obtain code compliance
• Audits plans approved by internal and external plan examiners to ensure compliance with Municipal Fire Codes
• Reviews and recommends amendments to the Municipal Fire Codes
• Represents the department in meetings, conferences, technical seminars, and public meetings to provide input on the City’s regulation of building construction through the provisions and requirements of the Municipal Fire Codes
• Stays abreast of emerging fire protection trends and best practices to ensure Municipal Fire Codes and Life Safety Ordinances are current and recommends changes to department policies and procedures
• Conducts site reviews of new projects/developments to ensure adequate water supply, water distribution systems, fire hydrant availability, and emergency access
• Conducts on-site reviews of completed construction projects to test fire alarm equipment for proper operation prior to building occupancy
• Reviews and approves fire suppression system plans for all Mobile Food Vehicles (Food Trucks)
• Coordinates with the Department of Water Management to determine the placement and removal of city fire hydrants
• Responds to all correspondence related to plan reviews Municipal Fire Codes
• Assists with specialized and complex inspections/reviews, as needed
• Prepares various management, technical, and ad hoc reports

Additional duties may be required for this position

Location: Chicago Fire Department – Fire Prevention Headquarters

444 N. Dearborn Avenue

Days: Monday - Friday

Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

THIS POSITION IS NOT IN THE CAREER SERVICE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection, Mechanical Engineering or a directly related area of Engineering, plus five (5) years of fire protection engineering work experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience provided the minimum degree requirement is met

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

· A valid State of Illinois driver’s license is required

· Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Illinois is required. At the time of employment, must have obtained Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois.

Comprehensive knowledge of:

· International Fire and Building Codes (IFC & IBC)

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards
• City of Chicago Life Safety Ordinance
• Codes, standards, and ordinances related to fire prevention and fire suppression systems,
• including the Chicago Building Code and Chicago Fire Code
• Fire protection engineering principles, practices, and procedures
• Mechanical engineering principles, practices, and procedures
• Reading and interpreting construction plans, engineering specifications, and architectural

drawings

Moderate knowledge of:

· Building materials used in design and construction

• Management and supervisory methods, practices, and principles
• Permit and licensing applications and fees
• Methods, practices, and procedures related to survey of plats and deed restrictions
• Project management methods, practices, and procedures
• Report preparation methods, practices, and procedures
• Applicable computer software and applications (i.e., MS Office, AutoCAD)
• Knowledge of applicable City and department policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and

ordinances

NOTE: The Chicago Fire Department may request that successful candidates pass a drug screen and background investigation. People who are offered employment must pass all pre-employment exams prior to appointment.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral part of the interview will be selected.

APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. The Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is committed to providing fair chance hiring and welcomes applicants with past convictions, recognizing the value of a diverse workforce and the potential for growth and positive change.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor