Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s Security and Emergency Service Division has an opening for a Senior Fire Protection Engineer to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will be reporting to and working under the direction and technical leadership of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Fire Marshal / Managing Fire Protection Engineer, the Senior Fire Protection Engineer applies demonstrated expertise in the practice of fire inspection and applicable building inspection, develops and implements fire prevention and/or fire protection programs and procedures to minimize personal injury and/or property damage at the main site and at off-site leased LBNL locations.The goal of the Lab’s Fire Protection Program (FPP) is to minimize the potential for occurrence of a fire or related event.  

All members of the Fire Protection and Engineering team have either primary or secondary emergency services duties during any incident or event affecting the safety and security of Lab personnel, property, and/or the environment.  This position is subject to 24/7 recall and assignment on extended duty hours or during nights, weekends, and holidays when such events occur.  

What You Will Do:

Program Implementation – Under leadership of the Fire Marshal, and having wide-ranging fire prevention, fire protection engineering, and inspection experience, uses professional concepts and Lab objectives to analyze, plan, schedule, and coordinate the implementation of all aspects of the Fire Protection and Engineering Program.  Ensures compliance with internal and external regulatory requirements, performance measures, and assurance objectives related to Fire Protection and Engineering programs as well as ensures the tracking and closure of corrective actions.  Resolves complex issues in a creative and effective way. Communicates collaboratively within the Laboratory community and externally with local, state, and federal agencies. May supervise and lead other fire prevention staff and consulting inspectors.

• Fire Protection Engineering and Code Enforcement - Responsible for and ensures success of the following programs and activities:
  • Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems:  Leads and adapts a comprehensive ITM program of all fire protection and life safety systems in conjunction with the Facilities Division.  Provides documentation of all activities and ensures the overall Code Compliance of the program
  • Wildland Fire Management Program: Leads the implementation and successful execution of the LBNL Wildland Fire Management Program in conjunction with the Vegetation Management Plan to reduce the risk of wildland fire to LBNL and the surrounding communities.
  • Hot Work Program: Oversight of the hot work program by writing and documenting hot work permitting policy and procedure; Responds to requests for issuance of permits and field inspects as necessary to prevent fire, personal injury, or property loss; Conducts regular reviews on routine hot work activities; And provides training to Lab staff on hot work program.
  • Fire Extinguisher Program: Oversight of the fire extinguisher program by writing and documenting fire extinguisher inspection procedures and schedules; Ensures the inspection, maintenance, testing, and placement of all fire extinguishers at the Lab; Maintains records of all inspection, testing, and maintenance activities.  Notes deficiencies and follows-up to meet requirements.
  • Pre-Plan Updating: Oversight of the updates to all pre-plans for each LBNL building to ensure the most expedient response to each incident.  Reviews driving directions to each building, building egress plans, and locations of all essential fire protection equipment.  Records and documents each revision.
  • Assessments in Fire Program:  Plans, coordinates, and implements the recommendations to reports such as the Baseline Needs Assessment, Facility Assessments (FA), Facility Assessments (FA), and Fire Protection Self-Assessments. This also includes implementing and recording completions of corrective actions.
  • Training/Orientation of Fire Marshal’s Staff:  May provide the necessary training and orientation to the Fire Marshal’s Staff to keep them abreast of the latest fire prevention technologies, refinements to Fire Protection Program, and any changes to ensure compliance with applicable DOE orders and relevant fire and building codes and standards.
  • Collaboration with Facilities and EHS Divisions, and other Lab Staff:  Works collaboratively in cross functional and/or multi-disciplinary teams to accomplish operational goals and objectives.  Provides leadership and may act as technical expert on small to large complex projects and programs.  
• Building Construction Fire Protection Systems
  • Plans Review:  Reviews and analyzes complex building construction and renovation documents required for new construction or modifications of existing facilities to determine appropriate fire prevention measures and implements solutions as appropriate to ensure safety and compliance.  
  • Construction Inspections:  Responsible for ensuring that all construction activities are performed to the approved plans.  
  • Development Review Meetings: Actively participates in a constructive manner in design development meetings to review new construction projects or modifications of existing buildings.  Represents the Security & Emergency Services Division in communicating fire and life safety codes, standards, and DOE orders and directives.
  • Commissions New Construction: Conducts building commissioning to review inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures and validation events for fire detection and suppression systems to ensure compliance with applicable DOE orders and relevant fire and building codes and standards.  Provides review of fire and life safety systems to determine readiness for building occupancy and note deficiencies and restrictions.  Documents results of tests and provides written evidence of acceptance or rejections. 
  • Emergency Egress and Impairment Oversight Process:  Partners with the LBNL Facilities Division in supervision of the emergency egress and impairment oversight process.
• Program Administration 
  • Prepares written reports, creates presentation materials, conducts and facilitates meetings. Communicates effectively with all levels of the LBNL organization, DOE, UCOP, UCNL, and other external institutions and agencies.
• Requirements Management
  • Develops and implements policies, programs, and procedures in compliance with Contract 31, DOE Directives and Orders, federal regulations, building and/or fire codes and standards.  
  • Informs Fire Marshal of possible or probable impact of Contract modifications or changes to DOE guidance to Fire Protection Program.  
  • Stays abreast of activities, trends, and developments in fire protection programs.
• Emergency Management
  • Emergency Response Organization:  Provides fire and life safety subject matter expertise for planning, policy, training, exercise, and program design in conjunction with the Emergency Management Program.
  • Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Participates as a formal member of the EOC during planning, training, exercises, and activation. 

Environment, Health and Safety:  Describe duties and responsibilities associated with both classification level and specific position.

You must perform work in a manner that protects the health and safety of yourself, your fellow employees, and the public, and preserves the quality of the environment by following your Division Integrated Safety Management (ISM) Plan and following the five core ISM functions: 1) plan work, 2) assess workplace and environmental hazards, 3) implement controls, 4) conduct work within controls, and 5) provide feedback and improvement.  Additionally, you are expected to:

• Have a current Job Hazards Questionnaire (or equivalent) on file.
• Complete required training.
• Work safely to prevent accidents at all times.
• Adhere to the Lab’s “Stop Work” Authority at http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/pub3000/CH01.html#_Toc407015329

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant Engineering program (e.g., Fire Protection, Mechanical, Electrical) or related experience with a minimum of eight years of related fire protection engineering experience, and either (1) licensure as a Fire Protection Engineer in the State of California; or (2) if licensed as a Fire Protection Engineer in a state other than California, licensure in the State of California can be obtained through comity within six months of hire date.
• Broad knowledge of inspection procedures, resolution of findings, and common practices in implementing an Inspection and Code Enforcement Program. 
• Broad knowledge and experience in performing plan reviews of Building and Fire Protection Systems, including a deep knowledge of applicable California Title 19 and 24 Codes and Regulations, NFPA 1, NFPA 13, NFPA 25, NFPA 72, NFPA 101, and NFPA 1142.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize sound judgment in implementing technical and programmatic responsibilities. 
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound professional judgment, initiative and problem-solving skills to analyze existing processes and procedures, develop recommendations, craft innovative solutions, and implement programmatic responses.  
• Broad knowledge of operations required to analyze and solve complex issues in creative and effective ways. Ability to isolate and define issues or conditions where a number of project efforts must be coordinated and integrated, resolve critical problems, and develop new approaches and techniques.
• Ability to successfully interact with both internal and external employees and mid- to senior-level management. 
• Experience in conceptualizing and developing presentations on programmatic areas of responsibility to brief (internal) mid- to senior-level management, executive staff, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to interact diplomatically with a wide range of scientific, management, administrative and HR staff, and international researchers.
• Proven organizational skills to independently establish priorities and ensure completion of a wide range of projects in a timely manner.
• Broad knowledge of fire protection, prevention, response, and control principles and practices along with the proven ability to serve as technical advisor for LBNL on fire policy, programs, and systems.
• Ability to achieve and maintain specialized working knowledge of UC, LBNL, BASO, DOE, and State Fire Marshal policies, procedures, and requirements as related to fire prevention and protection program planning and management.  
• Specialized working knowledge in the areas of fire prevention and inspection program planning and management, fire alarm and detection systems, building design review for fire and life safety systems, inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures for fire alarm and water-based suppression systems, hot work permits, fire prevention training, and fire response protocols and procedures.
• Familiarity with After Action Reports, Corrective Action Plans, and Corrective Action Tracking System.
• Demonstrated skill in writing policy and procedure documents, communications to various audiences, and administrative documents and reports that are concise, logical, and grammatically correct; excellent technical and curriculum writing skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and common business and electronic mail applications. 
• Incumbents are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment, as needed, which may include a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, reflective safety clothing, and protective footwear to access construction sites and incident scenes.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with multiple milestones and a variety of distractions.
• Incumbent is expected to pursue and achieve training and qualification/certification in appropriate DOE and LBNL required coursework through the LBNL required training program, the State Fire Training program through the Office of the State Fire Marshal, International Code Council, and other sources as required.
• Continuing education to retain active licensure as a Fire Protection Engineer is required.
• Must be able to sit and perform computer-related functions for up to 6.5 hours per day.
• May work extended hours outdoors during events.
• The work is not primarily sedentary. Walking/standing will occur in the course of a normal workday in connection with overseeing security operations and travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences on site or away from the work site.  
• In the performance of field inspections and evaluations the incumbent may be required to use protective clothing or gear.
• May work in hazardous conditions associated with an emergency event (e.g., inclement weather).
• May be required to work extended days, nights, weekends, and holidays to conduct investigations, monitor performance, respond to any incident or event affecting the safety and security of Lab personnel, property, and/or the environment, and ensure program compliance and success. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Highly desirable Certifications include: California State Fire Marshal Fire Inspector I or II, ICC Fire Plans Examiner, ICC Building Plans Examiner, or California State Fire Marshal Plans Examiner.
• Highly desirable education includes a Master’s Degree or PhD in Fire Protection Engineering.
• Experience in a Fire Protection Engineering consultancy, or an engineering consulting environment.
• Knowledge of the processes and policies of the federal, state, and private agencies that impact the Lab’s Fire Protection and Engineering Program.
• Participation in development committees of recognized Codes and Standards (e.g., NFPA, ICC, UL, etc.).

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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