Assistant Chief Fire Marshal
Description
Title: Assistant Chief Fire Marshal
Department: Corporate Safety
Posting Date: 12/23/2024
Close Date: 01/07/2024
Hay Point Evaluation: 702
Salary Range: $99,782 - $149,673
Position Classification: Safety Sensitive
Location: Jamaica
Reports to: Chief Fire Marshal
This is a Non-Represented Position.
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.
Please note that this position has been designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.
SUMMARY:
This position will ensure the safety of LIRR employees, customers, contractors, equipment, property, and the general public through a comprehensive Fire Prevention Program ensuring compliance with fire/life safety laws, codes, standards, policies, and best practices.
The incumbent is responsible for the fire/life safety management oversight of all LIRR Fire Prevention Programs and all contract/project work on the property including but not limited to force account, capital, and third party (including ESA, Penn Station redevelopment, West Side Yard overbuild, VD Yard overbuild, Hillside upgrades, Penn access, real estate development, etc.)
- Ensures the safety of employees, contractors, customers, and the general public through project compliance with the LIRR Fire Prevention Program.
- Provide project fire/life safety assurance through review oversight, direction of corporate fire/life safety department resources, and inter-departmental coordination to identify and resolve all fire/life safety concerns through managed coordination of the project stakeholders through the entire lifecycle of the project.
- Review and approval of project plans, operating systems, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Standard Maintenance Procedures (SMP), Fire/Life Safety and Emergency Action Programs/Safe Work Plans for compliance with federal and local rules and regulations, consensus standards, and for conformance with MTA and LIRR rules during all phases of projects, including design reviews and inspection activities to ensure an appropriate level of fire/life safety is incorporated into existing and proposed projects via coordination with MTA C&D, LIRR DPM, third party vendors/contractors, LIRR senior management, directors, construction managers, project managers, safety managers, and department heads.
- Identifying and scheduling the necessary resources to provide project safety assurance through the review, oversight, inspection, witnessing testing /modifications, upgrades and commissioning of project related assets with primary focus on FLS systems.
- Coordinate, manage and provide critical project fire/life safety information to all involve parties and attend or chair regular, breakout, ad-hoc meetings, and readiness review to identify and resolve fire/life safety issues.
- Ensure that all potential Fire/Life Safety and Building Code issues of all contract/project work on the property including but not limited to force account, capital, and third party are accounted for during the entire lifecycle of projects/programs/contracts so that they are promptly detected and remedied at inception and through to completion.
- Ensure that the project is executed in the safest, and most efficient, expedient manner possible through scheduling, identifying and resolving fire/life safety issues as early in the process as possible.
- Manage the fire/life safety resolution process by ensuring coordinated stakeholder input allowing for the feasible operations of the railroad and project completion. Manage change control as it relates to fire/life safety impacts.
- Responsible for performing and evaluating active and passive (leading and lagging indicators) project fire/life safety oversight with the authority to stop work, and under extreme circumstances, ban individuals from LIRR property until unmitigated and unacceptable fire/life safety hazards are resolved.
- Perform and coordinate thorough reviews and evaluations of all project documentation for potential fire/life safety and building code issues, including but not limited to manufacturer’s submissions, technical specifications, design submittals, drawings, site plans, design changes of interior finish, occupancy type, height and area limitations, construction type, general fire safety, and identification of the requirements for fire protection systems and permits to ensure that the plans meet the intent of applicable policies, codes, and standards for fire and life safety. Participate in the approval process, providing applicable references to codes and standards.
- Implements and enforces the applicable sections of the corporate safety certification program to include NYS Building Code requirements and NFPA standards for all assigned projects.
The incumbent assists the Chief Fire Marshal with managing divisional resources to ensure compliance with LIRR’s Fire/Life Prevention Program to fulfill Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Public Transportation Safety Board (PTSB), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), New York State Uniform Fire and Building Code (NYS Code) regulatory requirements as well as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
- Scheduling Office of the Fire Marshal staff utilizing multiple shifts and on-call assignments to ensure that all aspects of LIRR’s fire/life safety programs are met on a 24/7 basis.
- Coordinate the fire safety and prevention activities throughout LIRR territory including development and implementation of Emergency Action Plans, coordination of fire drills and fire prevention training.
- Respond, investigate, and report all accidents/incidents that may occur on LIRR property and construction projects.
- Supervise Fire Marshals responding to emergencies throughout LIRR territory including accidents, fire investigations, injuries, hazardous materials, etc. Ensuring adherence to response policies, procedures, and standards. Ensuring accurate documentation and reporting of all incidents through regular quality assurance reviews and audits.
- Work with multiple adjacent or overlapping jurisdictions preparing Incident Action Plans and filling Incident Command System roles as required at incident command posts, joint operations centers, and regional emergency operations centers during large events, incidents or emergencies.
- In support of the LIRR technology implementation plan, monitor for new, available, or novel railroad fire/life safety and building code technology that may mitigate risks to railroad safety as identified in the risk analysis for each project and program. Participates in new technology evaluation committee meetings to consider implementing new technologies in each project/program ensuring that all potential fire/life safety and building code issues at the interfaces of all railroad system elements are accounted for during the entire lifecycle of projects/programs.
- Ensures that new technologies deployed by LIRR operating departments (Lasers, Lithium battery power, etc.) meet safety standards and maintain fire/life safety requirements of all applicable laws, codes or standards.
The incumbent provides oversight and quality assurance of necessary documentation and administrative tasks performed by the Office of the Fire Marshal to meet reporting requirements and ensure compliance with best practices, standards and corporate policies.
- Ensure incident reports, property inspection findings and document review comments, etc. produced by the Office of the Fire Marshal are accurately captured and logged in the Corporate Safety Department Enterprise Safety System.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for project plan review process ensuring compliance with the policies, procedures, and due process of the law is followed.
- Participate in legal proceedings in consultation with legal counsel so that testimony is accurate, and the plan reviewer’s demeanor is appropriate to the proceeding.
- Prepare internal and external reports of project status, open items, responds to requests for information including that relating to legal proceedings.
- Develop and implement procedures and workflows for integrating fire marshal records into the Corporate Safety Department Enterprise Safety System and the LIRR enterprise asset management system.
- Coordinate scheduling and perform regular progress audits to ensure OFM Staff maintains necessary certifications by meeting annual training and field experience minimums related to Fire Investigation, Code Enforcement, LIRR RWP, OSHA and other applicable requirements.
- Maintain personal knowledge, skills and certifications as required for performance of all duties through attendance at training classes, seminars, researching current industry materials, and pursuing relevant ongoing educational opportunities to effectively manage staff.
This position is delegated to act in the capacity of the Chief Fire Marshal as necessary and perform other assignments as requested by Sr. Management.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Eliminate or reduce hazards that would affect the fire/life safety of LIRR employees, customers, the general public, contractors, equipment, or property through the review of corporate fire/life safety processes, including hazard identifications, mitigation, and the use of mathematical modeling techniques, risk assessment and hazard analyses including but not limited to failure mode effects and critical analysis, failure mode and effect analysis, critical items lists, and fault tree analysis.
- Ensure that all potential fire/life safety issues at the interfaces of all railroad system elements are accounted for during the entire lifecycle of assigned projects / programs so that they are promptly detected by managing appropriate review/comment and applying the appropriate elements from the CSCP. Ensure appropriate interpretation/delegation of respective issues/documents for review/comment to appropriate LIRR personnel and from external departments as necessary. Manage the implementation of coordinated efforts to meet the requirements of the CSCP. This includes participation in oversight on behalf of LIRR to ensure that systems are built in compliance with the technical specification. Provides fire/life safety certification verification report. Participates in new technology evaluation committee meetings to consider implementing new technologies in each project / program ensuring that all potential fire/life safety issues at the interfaces of all rail road system elements are accounted for during the entire lifecycle of projects / programs.
- Review and assist in developing and organizing all relevant documents, including reports, drawings, design reviews, training records, contractor resumes, fire/life safety data sheets, site fire/life safety plans, project plans, construction documentation, project schedules, emergency action plans, etc.
- Perform/coordinate site visits to ensure general fire/life safety of employees, contractors, customers, general public, equipment, property, and safe work practices are complied with and all applicable laws, regulations, fire/life safety plans, policies and procedures are conformed with. Report and track project / program progress, deficiencies noted, and recommendations made to mitigate deficiencies, as necessary, with appropriate coordination with CST personnel. Resolve any fire/life safety issues reported by the contractor or force account workforce. Ensure investigations and reporting on all incidents/accidents that occur on the projects with appropriate coordination with CST personnel. Ensure all contractors have been properly trained to work on LIRR property per applicable policy/regulations. Ensure there is coordination/orientation with emergency responders and agencies as appropriate facilitating incorporation of considerations for the most expedient and safe response to emergencies that may occur during the entire lifecycle of a project including beneficial use.
- Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company fire/life safety policies and procedures. Lead by example. Work and execute in a cross-functional team environment.
- Perform other assignments as requested by Executive Management.
QUALIFICATIONS:
(A)
- Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science, Emergency Management, Project Management, Engineering or related field with 10 years’ experience in fire service and fire prevention, including 5 years’ experience as Fire Marshal, NYS Code Enforcement Official, or Fire Prevention Officer to include successfully overseeing large scale fire life safety projects and programs while working across functional lines. In lieu of degree, 14 years of directly related equivalent experience and education in fire service and fire prevention, including 5 years’ experience as Fire Marshal, NYS Code Enforcement Official, or Fire Prevention Officer to include successfully overseeing large scale fire life safety projects and programs while working across functional lines, may be considered.
- Certified NYS Firefighter 1.
- Certified NYS Code Enforcement Official.
- Certified NYS Fire Investigator
- Certified NYS Fire Instructor 1 or demonstrated equivalent experience in delivering training to first responders
- NIMS ICS – 700, 800, 100, 200, 300.
- Working knowledge of NFPA standards.
- Must be available to respond 24-7.
- Ability to work in a unionized labor environment.
- Must possess prior supervisory experience, ability to effectively coordinate and manage delegations, and the ability to keep accurate documentation.
- Must have working knowledge of tracking and monitoring projects.
- Demonstrated, strong analytical and evaluative, decision making and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of integrity and strong work ethic.
- Must possess experience with review and comment on drawings and prints including contractor specifications, as built, floor plans, utility layouts to apply codes and standards, and apply decisions as deficiencies are identified, documented, and reported.
- Thorough knowledge of fire detection and suppression systems.
- Effective oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, educate, research, make decisions, recognize problems, and resolve conflicts.
- Ability to perform trend analysis, root cause analysis and risk reduction analysis using a variety of techniques.
- Ability to review/comment and conduct code-related research on Emergency Action and fire/life safety plans and design reviews with a strong understanding of the interrelationship of codes, standards, and procedures to verify the occupancy classification, calculate occupant loads, identify occupancy factors related to various occupancy types, and use measuring tools for an occupancy and for building use, operational features, and fire hazards presented by various occupancies, types of construction, fire-rated construction components, typical building construction methods and materials, verify that required egress is provided ensuring all required egress elements are provided, ensure required fire flow, hydrant location and spacing, interpret fire flow test results, read fire flow graphs, emergency vehicle access, plans for the installation of fire protection and life safety systems ensuring that the fire protection systems including pre-engineered systems and equipment all are in accordance with the applicable codes, standards and the policies.
- Experience working with researching and applying Federal and Local codes/regulations especially DOT, FRA, FTA, FCC, PTSB, and OSHA, NFPA, NYS, and PESH regulations.
- Must possess excellent computer skills including executing software packages to include MS Project, other project management software, and entire MS Office Suite.
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to travel throughout the entire LIRR territory.
(B)
- Advanced Degree in Business, Fire/life safety, Emergency Management, Program Management or related discipline.
- Associate in Risk Management, Certified Fire Protection Specialist, Certified Industrial Hygienist, Construction Health and Fire/life safety Technician, Certified Fire/life safety Professional, Professional Engineer, Project Management Institute, Fire Inspector, Plan Examiner credentials.
- 40 Hour HAZWOPER OSHA class or Hazardous Materials Technician.
- NIMS ICS-400.
- 30 Hour OSHA construction and general Industry certified.
- Possesses an understanding of labor agreements or a working knowledge of applicable collective bargaining agreements and work rules.
- Familiarity with Program Management processes, policies and procedures, and railroad operations.
- Familiarity with System Safety Program Plans.
- Familiarity with Corporate Safety Certification Programs.
- Familiarity with Corporate Safety Rules and Policies.
- Familiarity with LIRR Corporate Safety Enterprise Safety System
- Familiarity with Mass Transportation Operating Rules
- Familiarity with operating department work practices.
- Familiarity with training systems, training development and strategies, and educational methods, and methods for developing training programs.
- Familiarity with operating department work practices
- Knowledge of railroad equipment and fleet types (Electric Multiple Unit & Diesel).
- NYS Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) certified.
OTHER INFORMATION:
In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include, but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than 10 sick days in two of last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.