Description Position at Bridges and Tunnels
Job Title: Director of Fire and Life Safety
Resume Date: October 28,2026
Department: Environmental Health & Safety
Work Location: Randall's Island
Job Family/ Grade: SAS008
Earnings Potential: $126,098-$157,623
Telework:
This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Environmental, Health and Safety, the Director of Fire and Life Safety provides leadership and oversight for fire and life safety code compliance and related programs across MTA Bridges and Tunnels (B&T). The position serves as the primary fire and life safety code compliance authority for the B&T operating unit and is responsible for ensuring that B&T operations, facilities, and activities comply with applicable federal, state, local, Authority, and industry requirements. The Director leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of fire and life safety programs, policies, procedures, inspection activities, training, and emergency preparedness initiatives.
The position exercises significant independent judgment in establishing priorities, allocating resources, addressing compliance issues, and determining appropriate approaches to achieve program objectives, while escalating significant policy and business matters to senior management. The Director works closely with B&T and MTA Construction & Development (C&D) leadership, as well as Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and other internal stakeholders, to integrate fire and life safety requirements into operational activities, facility improvements, and capital projects.
The position provides technical guidance on applicable codes and standards, identifies and evaluates compliance risks, recommends corrective actions and policy or procedural changes, and supports implementation of Authority-wide fire and life safety requirements.
The Director also oversees fire and life safety inspections, code compliance activities, training programs, and emergency response planning, and provides leadership and technical direction during fire, life safety, and other emergency events as required. The position has responsibility for staffing, budget, and resources within the functional area, subject to applicable senior management approvals.
Responsibilities:
Fire & Life Safety / Code Compliance Program Leadership:
- Direct and oversee B&T's Fire and Life Safety and Code Compliance programs to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, Authority, and industry requirements.
- Serve as the primary Fire and Life Safety code compliance authority for B&T and provide technical direction on fire prevention, fire protection, life safety, and building code requirements.
- Direct the development and administration of the B&T Code Compliance Inspection Program, including inspection standards, schedules, findings, corrective actions, and follow-up activities.
- Provide governance and oversight of the inspection, testing, maintenance, and servicing of B&T fire and life safety systems and equipment.
- Establish and monitor program performance measures and provide status updates to senior leadership.
Regulatory Compliance & Emergency Planning:
- Direct compliance with applicable New York State Building and Fire Codes and other fire and life safety requirements across B&T facilities and operations.
- Interpret regulatory requirements and establish appropriate compliance practices in coordination with B&T and MTA Construction & Development leadership.
- Develop and oversee emergency response, evacuation, and fire/life safety plans for B&T facilities and operations.
- Prioritize and resolve fire and life safety compliance requirements across multiple business units while balancing operational requirements and business continuity.
Risk Assessment & Hazard Mitigation:
- Direct fire and life safety risk assessments, hazard evaluations, and compliance reviews to identify conditions that may affect employees, customers, facilities, operations, and business continuity.
- Evaluate the potential impact of identified hazards and compliance deficiencies and establish appropriate corrective actions, mitigation strategies, and control measures.
- Direct and oversee fire safety and code compliance inspections of B&T facilities, equipment, and systems, ensuring findings are appropriately documented, prioritized, and resolved.
Regulatory Inspections, Audits & Corrective Actions:
- Lead B&T's response to regulatory inspections, audits, reviews, and compliance activities involving FDNY, PESH, NYSDEC, NYCDEP, and other applicable regulatory authorities.
- Serve as a senior point of contact for regulatory matters within the Fire and Life Safety functional area.
- Evaluate regulatory findings and compliance risks, provide recommendations to senior leadership, and direct the development and timely implementation of corrective action plans.
- Maintain appropriate documentation and monitor resolution of deficiencies to ensure sustained compliance.
Policy Development & Program Improvement:
- Develop, implement, and evaluate Fire and Life Safety and Code Compliance policies, procedures, standards, and program controls.
- Assess regulatory developments, inspection findings, incident trends, and operational risks to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Recommend changes to policies, procedures, fire prevention systems, and life safety practices and support implementation of approved changes across B&T.
Emergency Preparedness, Training & Safety Awareness:
- Direct Fire and Life Safety training, emergency preparedness activities, drills, and employee awareness programs.
- Provide technical guidance to B&T personnel regarding fire and life safety standards, code requirements, emergency procedures, and risk mitigation practices.
- Coordinate with fire departments, emergency responders, regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders to establish and maintain effective emergency response protocols and operational procedures.
- Provide technical leadership during fire and life safety emergencies, as required.
Compliance Reporting & Performance Management:
- Establish and monitor Fire and Life Safety compliance metrics and performance measures. Maintain regulatory documentation, inspection records, compliance findings, corrective action status, and other required records.
- Analyze compliance and safety performance data and prepare dashboards, reports, and recommendations for senior leadership regarding B&T's compliance status, emerging risks, and program performance.
Stakeholder & Contractor Coordination:
- Collaborate with B&T Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, C&D, contractors, vendors, Procurement, and regulatory agencies to integrate Fire and Life Safety requirements into operations, projects, contracts, and facility improvements.
- Establish Fire and Life Safety requirements for applicable contracts and projects and oversee contractor compliance, performance, and corrective actions.
- Provide technical guidance and coordinate resolution of compliance issues across organizational boundaries.
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all policies and standards
May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) from an accredited institution in engineering, architecture, or fire science/safety, or a related field. A combination of education and experience may be considered.
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in fire and life safety, fire prevention, fire protection, code compliance, or a closely related field, including significant leadership or management responsibility
Minimum 5 years of experience interpreting and applying fire and life safety codes, regulations, and regulatory requirements, including fire and life safety regulatory inspections, compliance reviews, incident reporting, and corrective action activities.
Minimum 6 years of experience managing or overseeing fire and life safety programs, operations, inspections, risk assessments, or related fire and life safety functions across complex facilities or multi-site operations.
Knowledge of fire prevention, fire protection, fire and life safety principles, code compliance programs, inspection practices, and applicable industry standards and best practices.
Knowledge of applicable New York State Building and Fire Codes and other applicable federal, state, local, and Authority fire and life safety requirements.
Ability to interpret and apply complex fire and life safety codes, regulations, standards, and technical requirements to B&T facilities, operations, projects, and emergency situations.
Ability to identify hazards, evaluate fire and life safety risks, determine appropriate corrective actions, and develop effective mitigation strategies and controls.
Demonstrated knowledge of directing and overseeing fire and life safety inspections, compliance audits, regulatory reviews, code compliance activities, and corrective action programs.
Knowledge of emergency response planning, evacuation procedures, fire protection systems, incident investigation, emergency management practices, and coordination with emergency response agencies.
Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and improve fire and life safety policies, procedures, standards, inspection programs, and operational controls.
Ability to develop and deliver fire and life safety and code compliance training and provide authoritative technical guidance to employees, supervisors, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Experience overseeing contractor and vendor compliance with fire and life safety requirements and integrating applicable requirements into contracts, projects, maintenance activities, and facility operations.
Ability to provide technical leadership and exercise sound judgment in addressing complex compliance and safety issues while working effectively with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Construction & Development, contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
Ability to analyze inspection findings, incidents, compliance data, and operational conditions; identify trends and risks; and recommend appropriate corrective actions, program improvements, and resource priorities.
Ability to manage complex fire and life safety programs, coordinate cross-functional activities, establish priorities, and achieve program objectives across multiple facilities and operating units.
Ability to respond to emergencies and be available on call 24/7 and respond to MTA Bridges and Tunnels facilities as operational needs require.
NYS Code Enforcement Official within 1 Year
Unrestricted driver's license in New York State.
Preferred:
Master's degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) in engineering, architecture, or fire science/safety, or a related field.
Certification for Fire Protection Specialist Upon Hire
Certification specialized in fire protection systems Upon Hire
Additional Information:
This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.
Other Information:
Final salary is determined on experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.
To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.
How to Apply:
For Internal Applicants: Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.
For External Applicants: Visit www.mta.info, click the "Careers" link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on "See All Open MTA Positions". Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.
Comprehensive Benefits & Total Rewards Package:
Transportation & Financial Benefits
- Commuting Made Easy - Enjoy a complimentary MTA transportation pass, plus access to tax-advantaged commuter benefits to maximize your savings.
- Premium Health Coverage at Low Cost - Access high-quality individual, family and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision and life insurance plans.
- Secure Your Future - Build long-term financial security through pension plans and retirement savings accounts designed for elig
