Fire Protection Specialist Jobs
Fire Protection Specialist jobs are open across construction, manufacturing, government agencies, and facilities management, from entry-level inspector to senior engineer and project manager, with specializations in suppression systems, code compliance, and risk assessment. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Summary
This position is in Office of Finance and Administration, Office of the Chief Facilities and Security Officer, Safety and Occupational Health Division, Safety, Sustainability and Environmental Programs Branch. About this organization: OFA
This is an office-centered position-you must physically report to one of the duty stations stated in this announcement on a regular basis (location TBD after candidate selected).
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Duties
At the advertised grade, you will:
- Provide agency-wide technical leadership in fire and life safety.
- Lead fire and life safety oversight for EPA-owned and leased facilities via the Safety, Health, and Environmental Management (SHEM) Auditing Program.
- Oversee and integrate fire protection design practices across project lifecycles.
- Build and maintain enterprise data on fire protection systems.
You will spend less than 25% of your work time on contracts, grants/cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements.
One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
#LI-Onsite
You must be a U.S. citizen.
If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
This position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.
REAL ID requirements became effective on 05/07/25. If you are selected for this position and plan to use your driver's license or identification card during the onboarding process (i.e., for employment eligibility verification or to obtain your EPA identification card), the document must be a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or identification card that includes the REAL ID-compliant star marking, or must be an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). You will receive information about alternative acceptable documents (e.g., passport) prior to onboarding. For more information about REAL ID, see Dept. of Homeland Security and REAL ID FAQs.
If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.
You will be required to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Qualifications
NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement.
In addition to the basic entry education requirements, you must have specialized experience and/or directly related education as described below:
To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level defined as designing and auditing fire and life safety systems, including calculating flow rates, identifying components of a fire suppression system, and/or witnessing acceptance testing; and interpreting or applying fire protection guidelines, standards, policies, and engineering criteria.
You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully:
- Technical Competence*
- Written Communication
- Auditing*
- Problem Solving
- Program/Project Management/Evaluation
- Risk Management*
- You will be evaluated on these critical competencies.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
- If you have part-time work experience, read this: Part-Time Experience.
Education
You must have one of the following:
- Successful completion of a professional engineering degree at an accredited university or college
- Combination of college level education or training AND technical experience that has furnished you with (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
- Professional registration as an engineer.
- Evidence of passing the Engineer-in-Training written test.
- Successful documented completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as described by OPM.
- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field and at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.
For information about accreditation requirements, visit Accreditation.
Additional information
Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section.
Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information on the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): CTAP/ICTAP
NOTE: To be entitled to selection priority, you must be rated well-qualified (i.e., you must fall into the Well Qualified category or higher-see the How You Will Be Evaluated section).
EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: E-Verify.
If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.
This position is not in the bargaining unit.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
EPA welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.
The EPA National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, refer to EPA's Reasonable Accommodation website. Below is more detailed information about how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, selection, and hiring process:
- If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process (submitting the application or completing the application process), contact the Human Resources Office listed below no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and the Human Resources Office will work directly with you.
- If you are referred to the hiring official for consideration and need an accommodation during the selection process, including the interview, notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official's office. If you do not hear back within three days about your reasonable accommodation request for the selection process, please notify EPA's National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators via email at disabilityaccommodations@epa.gov.
- If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process up to orientation, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
If you are selected for this position, situational telework may be approved by your supervisor if you meet eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement. EPA policy only allows telework to be approved situationally. Situational telework is for work or assignments of specific limited duration on an occasional, emergency, or ad hoc basis.
NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position, subject to Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualification requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses (if applicable) to all assessments required for this position.
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13054938
If you are eligible for consideration, you will be invited, via the email address listed in your USAJOBS profile, to complete a structured interview where you will audio record your response to several structured technical questions; it will take approximately one hour to complete this assessment. One or more subject matter experts will systematically review your responses to assess the degree to which your answers match the competencies required for successful performance in this position (see the Qualifications section for a list of the critical competencies being evaluated).
Based on the assessment ratings, a score will be calculated; you will be ranked using the category rating method, and you will be placed in one of the following quality categories: Best Qualified (highest), Well Qualified, or Qualified (lowest).
NOTE: Cheating (including the use of a consultant or an AI tool to assist you) on any assessment may result in your removal from consideration for this job.
Veterans' preference is applied after applicants are assessed. Qualified preference eligibles who have a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are placed at the top of the highest category (except for scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). All other preference eligibles are placed above non-preference eligibles within their assigned category.
NOTE: Applicants who are referred to the selecting official for consideration and are entitled to veterans' preference in the hiring process must be selected, or decline further consideration, before applicants who are ineligible for veterans' preference can be selected (to learn more, visit Veterans' Preference).
If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments by the selecting official (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).
Required Documents
ALL APPLICANTS
Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section- -include specific dates (MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY) so we can determine that you have the required amount of experience (if applicable). In describing your experience, you need to be clear and specific (we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). If your resume includes federal experience, indicate the grade or pay band (e.g., GS-13) for each federal job. Resume must not exceed 2 pages. If you do not submit a resume that is 2 pages or less, you will be ineligible for further consideration. See How to Apply section for more information.
- College transcripts - unofficial or official transcripts or a list of courses that includes school(s) attended, school address, course title, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter or semester hours earned. NOTE: Official educational transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if you are selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work with EPA. IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION: You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here: Accreditation.
To be eligible for veterans' preference, you must claim preference in your USAJOBS account; you must also submit proof of eligibility as indicated below.
Separated veterans claiming 0-point preference:
- DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) and that the release or discharge was due to sole survivorship
- DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge)
- DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service); document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge); and
- VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage); and SF-15 (use current version: SF-15 Form)
- -see page 2 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214 and VA letter
- SF-15 (use current version: SF-15 Form); and
- Other required documentation indicated on the SF-15
- Certification from the Armed Forces (Statement of Service) documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the Armed Forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) within 120 days after you submit the certification)
DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE
- Most recent performance appraisal
- Proof of eligibility
- Most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, tenure, and duty station
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin your application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires and assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in this section (How to Apply) and the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the day the announcement closes to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply button at the top of the announcement.
- Follow the prompts to sign in.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and upload all required supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button by 11:59 PM (ET) on the day the announcement closes.
Resume Requirements:
- Only resumes up to a total of 2 pages will be accepted. If you correctly submit a 2-page (or less) resume and also submit a longer resume, we will only review the 2-page resume. If the only resume you submit exceeds 2 pages, you will be removed from consideration for this position. See OPM 2-Page Resume Guidance for information on maximizing the content of your resume.
- Resume must be legible so we can review for eligibility, minimum qualifications, and any other position requirements listed in this announcement.
- See USAJOBS Resume Info for additional guidance and information about the recommended formatting (e.g., file type, font size/type, margins).
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit How to View Status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status (if applicable), and your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Agency contact information
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460
US
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: We may verify all information you provide in your application package through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.
Overview
Salary will be based on the duty location for which you are selected.
- 0804 Fire Protection Engineering
- Suitability/Fitness
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Find JobsFire Protection Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Jacobs19

- JENSEN HUGHES18

- Telgian Corporation16

- EMCOR15

- Coffman Engineers14

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services48
- Construction & Real Estate22
- Insurance8
- Staffing & Recruiting7
- Consumer Goods3
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in fire protection specialist jobs.
- NICET certification in fire protection engineering technology at Level II or higher
- Working knowledge of NFPA codes including NFPA 13, 25, 72, and 101
- Experience reading and interpreting construction drawings and hydraulic calculations
- State fire protection contractor license or ability to obtain one
- Proficiency with fire protection design software such as AutoCAD or HydraCAD
- Associate or bachelor's degree in fire protection technology, engineering, or a related field
Tips for Your Fire Protection Specialist Job Search
List every relevant certification you hold
Fire protection employers scan for NICET certification levels, CFPS credentials, and state-issued licenses before they read anything else on your resume. List each certification with its level, issuing body, and expiration date so hiring managers can qualify you instantly.
Tailor your resume to the system type
Sprinkler design roles, fire alarm inspection roles, and suppression engineering roles each have distinct skill sets. Customize your resume for the system type in each posting, a generic fire protection resume loses to one that mirrors the job's exact language.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists fire protection specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings that name the authority having jurisdiction
Job postings that reference a specific AHJ, local fire code, or NFPA standard signal a serious employer who wants field-ready candidates. Prioritize those listings and address the named code in your cover letter to stand out immediately.
Prepare a portfolio of completed plan submissions
Bring redlined drawings, hydraulic calculation sheets, or approved submittal packages to interviews as evidence of your design and compliance work. Candidates who show concrete examples of accepted plan reviews move forward faster than those who describe experience in the abstract.
Negotiate scope before you negotiate compensation
Clarify whether the role involves field inspections, design work, project management, or all three before discussing offers. Fire protection specialist titles vary widely in scope, and accepting a role without that clarity often leads to mismatched expectations on both sides.
Fire Protection Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most fire protection specialists?
Jacobs, JENSEN HUGHES, and Telgian Corporation are hiring the most fire protection specialists right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, California, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Construction firms, federal contractors, and facilities management companies account for the largest share of active postings.
How many fire protection specialist jobs are remote?
About 52% of fire protection specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most inspection and installation work. Plan review, code consulting, and design engineering sub-roles are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements since they rely on digital drawings rather than physical site access.
How do you become a fire protection specialist?
Start by earning an associate or bachelor's degree in fire protection technology or a closely related engineering field, then pursue entry-level inspection or installation work to build hands-on system knowledge. Obtain NICET certification starting at Level I and work toward higher levels as your experience grows. Many states also require a licensed contractor or inspector credential, so check the specific requirements for the state where you plan to work.
Can you get hired as a fire protection specialist with little experience?
Yes, entry-level fire protection specialist roles exist for candidates who hold relevant coursework, a NICET Level I credential, or prior trade experience in plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems. Some employers hire apprentice inspectors or junior designers and provide on-the-job training toward certification. Applying to firms that explicitly list NICET sponsorship or trainee pathways in their postings gives you the best opening when your direct experience is limited.
What does the fire protection specialist interview process look like?
Most fire protection specialist interviews include an initial screening call focused on your certification level and system experience, followed by a technical interview where you may be asked to walk through a hydraulic calculation, interpret an NFPA code section, or describe how you handled a failed inspection. Some employers add a practical component, such as reviewing a set of drawings for code compliance issues. Final rounds typically involve a hiring manager or project lead who assesses how you'd fit into their specific project workflow.
Where can I find and apply to fire protection specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to fire protection specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your certification level, system specialization, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one that fits your background.
See All 528+ Fire Protection Specialist Jobs
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