Fire Protection Specialist

GFT is seeking an Fire Protection Specialist to support a variety of projects in the West Region. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Fife, WA office.

At GFT, the electrical team is dedicated to creating efficient, innovative solutions for electrical systems, ensuring comfort and sustainability in every project. From energy-efficient power systems to advanced HVAC and plumbing designs, our team contributes to a resilient and sustainable built environment, pushing the boundaries of building system design and optimizing performance while addressing the unique needs of each facility. Explore some of our signature projects.

What you'll be challenged to do:

This role is for an executive assistant to support the fire protection department in the development and execution of fire sprinkler, life safety, and fire alarm system designs for both private and federal projects in the architecture and engineering (A&E) industry. This role functions as a strategic assistant to the department's technical leadership, ensuring seamless coordination, documentation, and communication across all phases of design and construction. The Fire Protection Specialist also serves as a liaison with local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), helping to navigate code requirements and secure timely approvals.

Strategic Support to Technical Leadership:

The Fire Protection Specialist serves as a critical extension of the department's engineering leadership, functioning as a strategic assistant who ensures the technical team remains focused on high-level design, code interpretation, and client engagement. This role is embedded in the technical workflow, providing hands-on support that enhances efficiency, consistency, and quality across all fire protection deliverables.

Key aspects of this strategic support include:

• Workflow Management: Oversees team workflows, project milestones, and deliverables to ensure technical leads can stay focused on high-quality design, while minimizing operational distractions and delays.
• Documentation Stewardship: Assists in drafting, organizing, and maintaining criteria documents, specifications, and regulatory correspondence, ensuring all materials are accurate, timely, and aligned with project goals.
• Regulatory Liaison: Interfaces with local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to streamline communication, clarify code requirements, and facilitate approvals-allowing technical leadership to stay focused on design rather than procedural navigation.
• Meeting Preparation and Follow-Through: Prepares materials for internal and external meetings, captures action items, and ensures follow-up tasks are completed, keeping the department's initiatives on track.
• Quality Assurance Support: Reviews submittals, calculations, and field reports for completeness and compliance, acting as a second set of eyes to uphold the department's technical standards.
• Team Integration: Serves as a bridge between fire protection engineers, project managers, and external stakeholders, ensuring that communication is clear, priorities are aligned, and no detail is overlooked.

This is an excellent career opportunity for an experienced, motivated Fire Protection Specialist who thrives in a collaborative team environment. The role highlights a customer-focused mindset and a passion for delivering exceptional quality and results on every project.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Assist fire protection engineers in drafting and organizing criteria documents and technical specifications for fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and life safety systems
• Support construction administration (CA) activities, including submittal reviews, RFI responses, and field coordination
• Track project milestones and deliverables to ensure timely progress and team alignment
• Coordinate with AHJs to facilitate permit approvals, inspections, and compliance reviews
• Maintain organized records of design documentation, correspondence, and regulatory submissions
• Attend internal and external project meetings to represent the fire protection team and relay critical updates
• Assist in preparing documentation packages for agency review and client presentations
• Monitor project workflows and proactively identify areas needing attention or follow-up
• Ensure consistency and quality across multiple concurrent projects

What you bring to our firm:

• Associates degree in Electrical Design or Electrical Engineering and/or 3-5 Years of relevant experience with Fire Protection Systems
• Understanding of, and experience in, the A/E/C industry preferred
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience in the field with installation, testing, & maintenance of fire protection systems
• NICET Level 2 in Fire Alarm Systems or Fire Sprinkler Systems Design required
• Understanding of mechanical systems and how they interface with clean agent systems.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Microsoft Word and Excel is preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team
• Excellent attention to detail
• Authorization to work in the United States (required)
• Strong aptitude for problem solving

What we prefer you bring:

• Experience with fabrication.

Compensation:

The Salary range for this position is $80,000-$97,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits:

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of Gannett Fleming TranSystems.

Location: Fife, WA

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time

Salary Range: $80,000-$97,000

Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

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