Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.

This FCC Operator position is subject to current collective bargaining between Metro-North Railroad and the International Association of Firefighters, Local 5325.  Accordingly, please be advised that the terms and conditions of employment for this position may change once a final collective bargaining agreement is reached.

Opening:

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal.  We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut.  A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation.  MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Position Objective:

The Grand Central Terminal (GCT) Fire Command Center (FCC) is the 24/7 fire, life safety, and emergency response coordination center for the combined GCT campus which includes Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road facilities, assets, and infrastructure. The FCC is responsible for maintaining constant situational awareness of fire/life-safety status and monitors all critical building, communication, and life safety systems. The FCC also provides the Office of System Safety (OSS) 24/7 support for system-wide resources, which includes receiving alarms and alerts, making notifications, and supporting operations. This position will normally be assigned as the lead/primary operator and responsible for controlling the daily operations of the FCC. This is accomplished by diligently monitoring multiple technical systems, receiving emergency information through a variety of methods, dispatching, coordinating both internal and external emergency responders, and completing related documentation and administrative tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and control all fire/life safety systems for the GCT Campus and all systems available in the FCC and GCT Incident Command Post (ICP).  This includes, but is not limited to fire alarm control panels, fire suppression systems, vertical transportation systems, video surveillance, building infrastructure and utility, communication, and computer systems.  Receive and consult information from various sources (electronic, human, procedures, training, experience, etc.) to initiate actions and make decisions about manipulating and controlling systems to optimize functionality.
• Dispatch and coordinate operations and emergency response for the GCT Fire Brigade and system-wide emergency responders and resources.  Communicate with other emergency agencies and operations centers to send, receive, and coordinate emergency response requests; primarily with MTAPD and FDNY, as well as MTA rail traffic control centers, situation rooms, and local/regional Emergency Operations Centers.  Effectively and efficiently manage multiple critical data and information streams, analyze, and process the same, and make decisions and take actions based on this information, procedures/guidelines, training, and experience.  Perform all associated documentation, and administrative tasks associated with these functions.
• Initiate and control protective action messaging to building occupants and employees as required based on incident type and scope. Coordinate with partners (internal and external) and agencies for incident response, stabilization, and preparedness.  Support the operation of the GCT ICP and associated functions.
• Attend regular training and ongoing continuing education to achieve/maintain certification/licensure and proficiency in required tasks and knowledge as outlined by NYS OFPC/DOH, NFPA, OSHA, FDNY, MNR, and all other applicable standards and guidelines.
• Assist in the management and administration of various projects and programs in support of the Fire Brigade, emergency management, fire life safety, and other Office of System Safety goals as required.  Support Department and Division operations by performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge in Dispatching, Fire Alarm Monitoring, Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Care, Fire Prevention, Emergency Management, and areas related to these functions.
• Problem-solving skills to effectively solve a wide range of problems utilizing solutions formed from standing policies and guidelines, training, and experience.
• Accountable for actions that have a critical impact on company operations. This position operates within policies and guidelines and will be steered by managerial direction.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use a computer and the Microsoft Office suite of programs to receive/transmit, analyze, manipulate, format, and process data. Ability to effectively use a computer to research information regarding codes, training, equipment, and other relevant information.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities effectively and efficiently, often under stressful or emergency conditions. Ability to make critical decisions promptly and multi-task under stressful or emergency conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in written, electronic, and verbal formats effectively and efficiently. Must be able to effectively utilize computers, two-way radios, smartphones, and other electronic devices.
• Ability to work various length shifts on a 24/7 rotating basis, with the possibility for mandated staffing and coverage, emergency call-in and response, and deployment to anywhere within the MTA operating area. This includes nights, weekends, holidays, and in all weather conditions.

Required Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in Public Safety, Fire Science, Emergency Management, or a related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials to include two (2) additional years of related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher, Rail/Air Traffic Controller, Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Firefighter, or a role that involved directly related transferable skills, such as working in a Security Operations Center, etc.
• *Volunteer Fire/EMS experience will be counted on a 50% basis (e.g., 2 years of active volunteer fire or EMS experience counts as one (1) year of paid experience).
• Must hold NIMS / ICS Certificates ICS-100, ICS-200, and ICS-700.

The following is/are preferred, but other satisfactory combinations of relevant experience, education, and/or technical credentials will be considered:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety, Fire Science, Emergency Management, or a related field.
• Prior experience in a high-volume paid or volunteer Fire/EMS agency.
• Prior training/experience in technical rescue disciplines; confined space, high-angle, trench, structural collapse.
• Prior experience reading blueprints, plans, and construction/building specifications.
• FDNY COF Z-50 Fire Safety Director High-Rise.
• FDNY COF F-3 & F-7 Fire Guard Public Assembly and Fire Drill Conductor.
• NYS Division of Code Enforcement-certified Building Safety Inspector.
• Possession of NYS Firefighter 1 or NYS OFPC/NFPA-approved equivalent.
• NYS Hazardous Materials Operations.
• Certification as a New York State Emergency Medical Technician Basic Level or Higher.

Other Information

This position is safety-sensitive and subject to toxicological testing.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.