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Fire Sprinkler Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

We have an exciting opportunity for a Fire Sprinkler Design Intern located in Davenport, IA. How you will contribute: This is a great opportunity to play a key role in various fire protection system ...

We have an exciting opportunity for a Fire Sprinkler Design Intern located in Des Moines, IA. How you will contribute: This is a great opportunity to play a key role in various fire protection system ...

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Fire Sprinkler information

See Iowa salary details

$29.6K

$62.6K

$93.9K

How much do fire sprinkler jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire sprinkler in Iowa is $62,649.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire sprinkler?

Fire sprinkler systems are automatic devices installed in buildings to help control or extinguish fires. When a fire is detected, often by heat causing the sprinkler head to activate, water is released directly over the affected area to suppress flames and prevent the fire from spreading. These systems are critical for enhancing safety, reducing property damage, and can save lives by providing first response before firefighters arrive. Proper maintenance and regular inspections are essential to ensure that fire sprinklers function effectively in an emergency.

What are the qualifications to get a fire sprinkler job?

The qualifications and skills that you need to get a career in fire sprinklers depend on the position for which you plan to apply. Sprinkler technicians and fitters can learn installation and repair through an apprenticeship or through a trade program that includes sprinkler maintenance, pipefitting, or a related subject. Certification in water-based systems layout is available through the National Certification of Engineer Technologies, which also offers a sprinkler inspection certificate. If you want to become a sprinkler designer, you typically need a degree in engineering or relevant job experience and the ability to use computer design software, such as SprinkCAD and AUTOSprink.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire sprinkler technician?

To thrive as a Fire Sprinkler Technician, you need a solid understanding of fire protection systems, plumbing basics, blueprint reading, and typically a high school diploma or relevant trade certification. Familiarity with design software (like AutoCAD), sprinkler installation tools, and compliance standards such as NFPA codes is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure that fire sprinkler systems are installed and maintained to protect lives and property while meeting regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by fire sprinkler technicians during installation projects?

Fire sprinkler technicians often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, coordinating with other trades on busy construction sites, and ensuring all installations meet strict safety codes and standards. Adapting to unexpected site conditions, like outdated building layouts or last-minute design changes, is also common. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as technicians frequently collaborate with project managers, inspectors, and other building professionals to deliver compliant and efficient systems.

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

AspectFire SprinklerFire Alarm Technician
CertificationsNICET certification, state licensesNICET certification, state licenses
Work EnvironmentInstallation and maintenance of sprinkler systems in buildingsInstallation and maintenance of fire alarm systems in various settings
Industry UsageConstruction, building safety, fire protectionSecurity, building safety, fire protection

While both roles focus on fire safety systems, Fire Sprinkler technicians specialize in installing and maintaining sprinkler systems that suppress fires, whereas Fire Alarm Technicians focus on fire detection and alarm systems. Both require similar certifications and often work in the same environments, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the type of system they service.

Is it hard to become a fire sprinkler fitter?

Becoming a fire sprinkler fitter typically requires completing an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, often lasting 3-4 years. It involves learning about pipe fitting, fire protection systems, and safety protocols, with certifications sometimes required for specialized tasks.

What do I need to be a fire sprinkler inspector?

To become a fire sprinkler inspector, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant training in fire protection systems, and certification such as NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) Level I or higher. Experience with fire sprinkler systems and knowledge of fire codes and standards are also important for performing inspections effectively.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Fire Sprinkler jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Fire Sprinkler job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Sprinkler job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,649 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Sprinkler Designer - Continental Fire Protection

Kiewit

Davenport, IA • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Kiewit Corporation rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 80 rated construction


Job description

Position Overview

We are adding Sprinkler Designers to our team to support project growth in our Fire Suppression market. We are looking for Designers with 2 or more years of experience in design, who have experience or interest in Fire Suppression systems, and who want to grow their career while working on a variety of projects.

Continental has been in business for over 50 years and has the expertise and resources to handle every aspect of fire sprinkler protection for any size project. We support Fire Suppression Systems design, installation, and services for Energy, Educational, Healthcare, Retail, Sports Facilities/Entertainment, high-rise offices, manufacturing, casinos, and residential customers. Our collaborative team of designers and project managers supports work in various regions throughout the Central United States, handling Fire suppression design, installation, 3D modeling, Design/Build, alarm/detection, service, and inspection. Designers perform design, 3D models, work with fluid mechanics to prepare fire protection installation drawings and hydraulic calculations, visit project sites for walkdowns, and troubleshoot installation conflicts in the field.

District Overview

Continental Fire Sprinkler Company, a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, is a turnkey fire protection contractor that has been operating since 1971. We offer comprehensive fire protection services across the United States, including consultation, design, installation, maintenance, testing, and inspections. With our talented team and extensive resources, we can successfully handle all aspects of fire protection.

Location

This position could be based out of any of our Iowa Offices – Davenport, Cedar Rapids, or Des Moines.

This is a full‑time opportunity in office, with relocation assistance available for qualified applicants.

Responsibilities
  • Design fire suppression systems including wet, dry, pre‑action, and foam fire sprinkler systems.
  • Perform detailed shop drawings (field installation drawings and hydraulic calculations), field engineering functions (on the jobsite support and review), and operation planning (field installation support).
  • Compile and prepare plan submittals (shop drawings) and material submittals for review by architects, engineers, clients, and authorities having jurisdiction.
  • Coordinate fire sprinkler design with the building structure and other MEP subcontractors.
  • Prepare project material stock lists for material procurement.
  • Assist with field engineering troubleshooting and support for the installation operations on the jobsite.
  • Prepare “as‑built” drawings for in‑house archive and client files.
  • Maintain a general understanding of job costs related to engineering, material and fabrication, and labor.
Qualifications
  • Associate’s degree in design, engineering, fire protection engineering, engineering technology, construction management, or related fields.
  • If no associate’s degree, must have 6+ years of experience in mechanical design for construction.
  • Prior experience with Fire Suppression systems is highly desired; if none, other mechanical piping system experience is preferred.
  • Design experience using BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, AutoSprink, HydroCAD, SprinkCAD, or MicroStation.
  • Experience in design for construction preferred, or interest in supporting design for construction.
  • High level of self‑discipline, motivation, and ability to operate in a team environment with strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Team player, able to work independently; highly motivated with a demonstrated passion for excellence and initiative.
  • Passion for safety and quality, interest in learning new technologies and growing design skills.
  • Strong organizational skills, time‑management, and attention to detail.
Other Requirements
  • Work productively and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
  • Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others.
  • Perform work safely and effectively; understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
  • Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines; work overtime and weekends as required.
  • May work at various locations, with conditions that may vary.
Benefits

We offer our full‑time staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that’s among the best in our industry, including top‑tier medical, dental, and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, paid parental and maternity leave, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

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About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884