Capitalizing on over 140 years of history and tradition in downtown Los Angeles, the University of Southern California (USC) has embarked on an unprecedented period of expansion. USC is now poised to take its place as the preeminent research institution of the 21st century and we are looking for skilled, motivated professionals to help forge the future of higher education.

The USC department of Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) Engineering Services is seeking a Fire Protection Engineer.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO

The Fire Protection Engineer serves as technical support for all department programs. This position provides leadership and direction on project operations and activities such as the assessment, design, plan, schedule, budget and scope of services. Identifies appropriate strategies to ensure delivery of quality of services with available resources. Provides technical expertise, support, and management to FPM as it relates to fire protection building infrastructure. Interprets federal, state, and local regulations to ensure compliance with existing regulations.

The Engineering Services department consists of technical experts in the areas of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and commissioning. The team is responsible for technical scope development, assessment reports, and design reviews, along with providing construction administration technical support. The engineering team works in tandem with Project Managers and Shop Managers to ensure that all technical aspects of systems, whether new, repairs or replacements, meet the needs of the University. The engineering team also drives the standards within the USC Facility Design Guidelines. The Engineering Services department is focused on quality control & quality assurance for construction projects on USC campuses including new buildings, tenant improvements, and renovations.

The Fire Protection Engineer

• Performs engineering assessment, analysis and scoping for assigned projects. Provides technical support for the development of documentation for bid and construction. Ensures project drawings and specifications comply with university standards and specifications along with federal, state, and local requirements. Provides construction phase support such as review of submittals, documents interpretation and field observation.

• Develops, monitors, and implements policies, processes, standards and guidelines for various facility fire protection systems to maintain quality control of project types and sizes. Recommends best industry practices in support of improving unit processes for meeting user and facility needs.

• Manages and negotiates consultant services on assigned projects. Monitors and evaluates the appropriateness and progress performed and completed by licensed or certified consultants.

• Oversees, initiates, and reviews feasibility studies to determine whether design concepts are compatible within existing infrastructures. Develops and recommends changes to design concepts, as necessary. Reviews inspections of current building fire protection systems. Determines whether systems need to be repaired, replaced, or retrofitted. Recommends equipment or systems to install.

• Conducts quality assurance reviews to ensure that required work is satisfactorily performed and completed by certified consultants.

• Monitors operation, maintenance, and development of fire protection systems. Assists with resolution of performance issues.

• Identifies problems and determines resolution within operating parameters and constraints. Assists with troubleshooting issues with various facility systems.

• Gathers facts and figures to support budget development. Monitors and reconciles budget activity. Provides forecasts and projections to develop a budget.

• Prepares reports as needed.

• Provides leadership and guidance to staff, student workers or contractors, as assigned. Leads and facilitates inter-department committees to improve on efficiency and effectiveness of delivering services to end users, as directed.

• Displays strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Displays strong technical background in fire protection systems, including but not limited to fire alarm, fire sprinkler, gaseous suppression systems, and pre-action systems.

• Displays strong organizational skills including workload management and time management

The work hours for the team are between Monday-Friday within the hours of 6:00AM-5:00PM. This position has a flexible work schedule within these hours. A hybrid schedule (including in-office and work from home) is also available for this position. Work schedules may change at any time to accommodate business needs.

Salary Range: The annual base salary range for this position is $99,442.58$120,000. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidates experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for the position of Fire Protection Engineer meets the following criteria:

• Education/degree in a related field

• Minimum 10 years experience in fire protection consulting.

• Registered Professional Engineer or other professional designation in Fire protection is a plus.

• Experience with facilities support teams a plus.

• Experience in facilities management and/or installation/construction experience a plus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates for the position of Fire Protection Engineer must meet the following qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering (preferably Mechanical, Chemical or Fire Protection)

• Experience in developing building code concepts and equivalencies, conducting building plan reviews, and conducting field reviews/inspections.

• Ability to present clear and technically sound fire protection engineering strategies.

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USCs Unifying Values.

About USC Facilities Planning and Management:
The Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) department is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining USCs facilities while ensuring a safe environment for the university community. Safety is woven into every service and remains a top priority. The FPM team of innovative and skilled professionals delivers high-quality construction, operations, and maintenance services, serving as dedicated stewards of USCs Unifying Values. Come and join the FPM team a team that works as trusted partners shaping an environment of innovation and excellence. Apply today!

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About University of Southern California (USC)

USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.

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