CareerGPS

Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers
Summary Occupational Forecast Data for Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
Employment Employment Change Average Annual Job Openings Wage & Training Levels
2020 2025 Numerical Percent New Jobs Replacement Jobs Total Median Hourly Median Annual Training Levels
202 217 16 7.78% 3 14 17 $60.05 $124,897 Bachelor's degree
Description: 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.
Forecast Data Source: EMSI (4th Quarter 2023)

Occupation Details

The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Design fire detection equipment, alarm systems, and fire extinguishing devices and systems.
  • 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.
  • Advise architects, builders, and other construction personnel on fire prevention equipment and techniques, and on fire code and standard interpretation and compliance.
  • Prepare and write reports detailing specific fire prevention and protection issues such as work performed and proposed review schedules.
  • Determine causes of fires and ways in which they could have been prevented.
  • Direct the purchase, modification, installation, maintenance, and operation of fire protection systems.
  • Consult with authorities to discuss safety regulations and to recommend changes as necessary.
  • Develop plans for the prevention of destruction by fire, wind, and water.
  • Study the relationships between ignition sources and materials to determine how fires start.
  • Attend workshops, seminars, or conferences to present or obtain information regarding fire prevention and protection.
  • Develop training materials and conduct training sessions on fire protection.
  • Evaluate fire department performance and the laws and regulations affecting fire prevention or fire safety.
  • Conduct research on fire retardants and the fire safety of materials and devices.

Knowledge

89%
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
82%
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
78%
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
76%
Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
73%
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
70%
Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
68%
Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
60%
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
60%
Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
58%
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
56%
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
53%
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
53%
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
50%
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Skills

78%
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
78%
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
75%
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
72%
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
72%
Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
65%
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
65%
Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
65%
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
65%
Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
65%
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
62%
Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
62%
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
60%
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
60%
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
56%
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
53%
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
53%
Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
53%
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
53%
Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
50%
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
50%
Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
50%
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Abilities

75%
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
75%
Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
75%
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
75%
Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
72%
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
72%
Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
69%
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
69%
Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
69%
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
66%
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
66%
Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
66%
Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
62%
Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
62%
Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
62%
Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
60%
Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
56%
Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
56%
Perceptual Speed - The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes compa
56%
Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
53%
Speed of Closure - The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
50%
Visual Color Discrimination - The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
50%
Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Work Activities

88%
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
88%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
82%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
80%
Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
79%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
79%
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
77%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
75%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
74%
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
73%
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
72%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
69%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
69%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
69%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
68%
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
66%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
66%
Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
64%
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
61%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
58%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
58%
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
57%
Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
55%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
55%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
55%
Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
55%
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
51%
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
51%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
51%
Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
50%
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Title Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Overall Experience A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Job Zone Examples Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, database administrators, teachers, chemists, environmental engineers, criminal investigators, and special agents.
Education Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Interests

Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outsi
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Work Values

Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.