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Fire Protection Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Fire Protection Project Designer | Urbandale, IA 100% Employee-Owned | Big-firm resources, local-team relationships, ONE IMEG culture IMEG is hiring a Fire Protection Project Designer in Urbandale ...

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Fire Protection information

See Iowa salary details

$24.9K

$58.9K

$93.9K

How much do fire protection jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire protection in Iowa is $58,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $67,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is fire protection?

Fire protection jobs involve roles dedicated to preventing, controlling, and extinguishing fires to protect people, property, and the environment. These positions can include firefighters, fire inspectors, fire prevention specialists, and engineers who design fire safety systems. Responsibilities may range from emergency response to public education, safety inspections, and the maintenance of fire protection equipment. Professionals in this field work for fire departments, government agencies, private companies, or consulting firms. Fire protection jobs require specialized training and, in many cases, certifications or licenses.

What are some common challenges faced by fire protection professionals in maintaining compliance with evolving safety codes?

Fire protection professionals often encounter challenges in staying current with frequently updated fire safety codes and regulations. This requires continuous learning and close collaboration with local authorities, engineers, and building managers to ensure systems remain compliant. Managing retrofits in older buildings and coordinating inspections can also present logistical difficulties. However, these challenges offer opportunities to develop expertise and become a valuable resource within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in fire protection, and why are they important?

To excel in Fire Protection, you need a solid understanding of fire safety codes, risk assessment, and system design, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as NICET. Familiarity with fire alarm systems, suppression technologies, CAD software, and inspection tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the accurate design, installation, and maintenance of fire protection systems, which are critical for safeguarding lives and property.

What is the difference between Fire Protection vs Fire Alarm Technician?

AspectFire ProtectionFire Alarm Technician
CertificationsNFPA certifications, state licensesNICET certification, state licenses
Work EnvironmentDesign, install, inspect fire suppression systemsInstall, maintain, troubleshoot fire alarm systems
Industry UsageFire safety systems, suppression systemsAlarm systems, detection devices
Common Search/ComparisonFire ProtectionFire Alarm Technician

Fire Protection professionals focus on designing, installing, and maintaining fire suppression systems like sprinklers and extinguishers. Fire Alarm Technicians specialize in installing and servicing fire alarm and detection systems. While both roles ensure fire safety, Fire Protection covers a broader range of systems, whereas Fire Alarm Technicians concentrate on alarm systems specifically.

Is a fire protection job a stressful job?

A fire protection job can be stressful due to the high-risk environment, emergency response responsibilities, and the need for quick decision-making. It often requires physical fitness, technical skills, and adherence to safety protocols, which can contribute to job-related stress levels.

Is fire protection a good career?

Fire protection is a viable career that involves preventing and responding to fires, often requiring certifications such as NICET or state licenses. It offers opportunities in safety management, inspection, and emergency response, with a focus on protecting lives and property. The job typically involves working in various environments, including industrial, commercial, and residential settings.

What skills are needed for fire protection jobs?

Fire protection jobs require strong knowledge of fire safety protocols, building codes, and fire suppression systems. Skills in inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fire alarm and sprinkler systems are essential, along with attention to detail and safety awareness. Certifications such as NICET or state-specific licenses are often required or preferred.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Protection jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Fire Protection jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Protection jobs in Iowa?

For Fire Protection jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Protection jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Protection jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Fire Protection jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Fire Protection job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Protection job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,859 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Fire Protection Designer

Des Moines, IA • On-site


IMEG
Specialized Design Services • 1 - 5K employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 450 rated engineering

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

Fire Protection Project Designer | Urbandale, IA

100% Employee-Owned | Big-firm resources, local-team relationships, ONE IMEG culture

IMEG is hiring a Fire Protection Project Designer in Urbandale, Iowa. In this role, you will lead design efforts as a project manager or lead engineer for low to moderate complexity projects and collaborate with senior staff on larger, high complexity work. You will support engineering analysis, design, and implementation oversight of fire protection systems for buildings. This role includes working within project budgets, mentoring less experienced staff, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet project goals and client expectations. You will also support work through bidding and construction administration while joining a fire protection-led specialty team with strength in public-safety, industrial, and federal facility applications.

At a Glance
Location: Urbandale, IA; Boston, MA; Buffalo, NY
Discipline: Fire Protection
Markets: Executive Leadership; Strategic Growth Services
Ownership: 100% employee-owned (ESOP)
Travel: Up to 10%
Sponsorship: Not available

What You'll Do

  • Lead design efforts for the analysis of fire alarm, fire suppression, and smoke control systems for buildings.

  • Create detailed designs, specifications, and calculations using engineering software and tools according to code requirements and IMEG standards.

  • Work closely with engineers and consultants to provide engineering solutions and advice that support positive client outcomes.

  • Interact with clients to gather project requirements, communicate technical information, and build professional relationships.

  • Support project execution and lead planning, budgeting, and scheduling tasks to meet deadlines and objectives.

  • Document design decisions and client instructions while monitoring project progress, percent complete, and fee expended.

  • Analyze engineering problems and collaborate with senior engineers and consultants to develop practical, efficient solutions.

  • Provide in-process design reviews of fire alarm, fire suppression, and smoke control system designs, calculations, and specifications.

  • Implement quality control processes to ensure designs and solutions meet IMEG quality standards, industry standards, and client requirements.

  • Train, mentor, and collaborate with cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams to meet project goals.

  • Prioritize safety in all aspects of engineering work and identify and mitigate potential risks associated with fire protection systems.

  • Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, contribute to research and innovation efforts, and oversee projects through bidding and construction administration.

What You'll Bring

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent

  • Engineer In Training (EIT) Certification preferred

  • National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II or III certification in Fire Alarm Systems or Water-Based Systems Layout preferred

  • 3 years of experience minimum required, 4 preferred, in the building design consulting industry

OR

  • Associates degree, or certificate, in Building Information Modeling (BIM) or Engineering

  • NICET Level II or III certification in Fire Alarm Systems or Water-Based Systems Layout required

  • 7 years of experience minimum required, 8 preferred, in the building design consulting or construction industry

Skills and Abilities

  • Proficiency in design techniques, tools, and concepts involved in the production of technical plans and specifications

  • Strong technical and analytical skills including knowledge in principles of thermodynamics, fire dynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics as it relates to fire protection systems design in fire alarm, fire suppression, and smoke control systems for buildings

  • Ability to train and mentor less experienced staff

  • Proficiency of industry standard engineering software and tools including fire dynamics simulation, hydraulic simulation, and intelligibility software

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

  • Attention to detail and problem-solving skills

  • Eagerness to adapt to new challenges

  • Proficiency in the use of BIM software

  • Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, Excel, and Outlook

  • Ability to clearly communicate in both oral and written communication to individuals or groups

  • Ability to travel up to 10% with occasional overnight stays

Why IMEG

We put people at the center of who we are, creating positive outcomes for people, communities, and our planet.

  • Employee ownership (ESOP), fully vested at all times, with a 3% to 6% company contribution, plus year-end profit sharing

  • IDEA Program: a firm-wide innovation accelerator where employees across every discipline develop and scale new tools, from VR and AI to carbon-reduction technology

  • PE, SE, and other license exam prep and support, with a clear path from EIT to PE

  • Dress for Your Day flexibility (wear what fits your day)

  • Generous time off, including 6 paid holidays and 3 additional floating holidays

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one, with preventive care at 100%, a $50/month wellness credit, and a Calm subscription

  • MEG, our in-house AI platform, helps employees find information and build agents that streamline project workflows and calculations

State of Massachusetts Salary Range: $80,000-$105,000 per year
State of New York Salary Range: $71,000-$94,000 per year

The range listed above represents the base pay IMEG reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position in the work location identified above at the time of posting. For positions available in multiple locations, the minimums and maximums may vary based on work location.

Individual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors, including the candidate's experience, education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and licensure and certifications. Other rewards may include annual bonuses and stock ownership options. In addition, IMEG provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO). This information is being provided in compliance with local laws. Additional information regarding employee benefits may be found on our company website at www.imegcorp.com.

Bring Your Career to IMEG

Apply today to join IMEG and help deliver fire protection solutions that support clients, projects, and the communities they serve.

IMEG, an employee-owned corporation, is committed to investing in employees' futures through professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement. Additionally, employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.

Want to learn more about IMEG and our other amazing career opportunities? Please visit https://www.imegcorp.com/careers/.

IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard torace, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information(including family medical history), parental status (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions includinglactation), ethnic origin, hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture), citizenship status, marital status, military service, veteran'sstatus, political affiliation, non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by law. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibitsdiscrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws andregulations.

All applicants have the right to request access, correction, and deletion of their personal information from our system. In order to make a request, please email careers@imegcorp.com.



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