Fire Life Safety Director

Fire and Life Safety Director (Local 32BJ) – New York, NY

• Company: Newmark
  Location: Downtown Manhattan
  Employment Type: Full-Time, Union (Local 32BJ)
  Schedule: 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday 
  Compensation: Hourly Rate $30 per hour; comprehensive union benefits. Position covered under SEIU Local 32BJ collective bargaining agreement; pay, overtime, holidays, and benefits per CBA.

• Newmark is seeking a Fire and Life Safety Director (FLSD) to lead all life-safety preparedness, compliance, and emergency response operations for a commercial office property in New York City. The FLSD will serve as the on-site life-safety authority, coordinating closely with building management, engineering, and security to ensure full compliance with NYC Fire Code, applicable rules (3 RCNY), and industry best practices.
• FDNY Fire and Life Safety Director Certificate of Fitness F-89 required; if not currently held, candidate must be willing and eligible to obtain within 60–90 days of start (training, testing, and certification supported by employer).

Licensing

Key Responsibilities

• Life-Safety Systems Readiness: Ensure fire alarm/voice evacuation/PA systems, smoke control/stair pressurization, sprinkler/standpipe, fire pumps, emergency power/lighting, AEDs, and emergency communications are fully functional; coordinate and witness required testing/inspections (e.g., NFPA 25), document results, and track corrective actions.
• Compliance and Documentation: Maintain all required FDNY logbooks and records; prepare for and accompany FDNY inspections; manage response to violations/notices; maintain Certificates of Fitness roster, tenant rosters, and training records.
• Emergency Planning: Work with our vendor to, implement, and maintain the Fire and Emergency Preparedness (FEP) Plan in accordance with NYC Fire Code; update floor plans, stairwell re-entry postings, and emergency signage; coordinate plan amendments with property management and FDNY as needed.
• Drills and Training: Staff and train Fire Wardens, Deputy Fire Wardens, and Building Evacuation Team members on each floor; conduct and evaluate required fire and non-fire emergency drills (including Active Shooter/Medical Emergency Preparedness components), produce written critiques, and drive remediation.
• Incident Command: Lead emergency response from the fire command center; make timely announcements, direct evacuations/shelter-in-place as conditions warrant; interface with FDNY/EMS/OEM; assume incident command until relieved by authorities.
• Security Coordination: Support access control and lobby operations; visually verify badges/IDs to reduce unauthorized access; monitor for and report suspicious activity or packages; coordinate CCTV/visitor management inputs related to life-safety.
• Systems Impairments and Hot Work: Administer impairment procedures (notifications, fire watch, restoration) for affected fire protection systems; review and verify required permits/COFs for hot work; ensure fire watch coverage and documentation.
• Tenant Engagement: Provide clear direction and assistance to tenants, visitors, vendors, and staff; conduct tenant safety orientations; partner with engineering and contractors to schedule testing/repairs with minimal disruption.
• Operational Excellence: Maintain daily activity logs, incident reports and recommend operational improvements and capital needs to enhance life-safety performance.

Required Qualifications

• FDNY F-89. If not current, ability to obtain within 60–90 days of hire.
• High school diploma or equivalent; advanced training in fire protection, emergency management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum [3–5] years of experience in life-safety/security within high-rise commercial, hospitality, or mixed-use properties; supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of NYC Fire Code and applicable rules (e.g., 3 RCNY 401/404), Local Law 26, and relevant standards (e.g., NFPA 72/25 as adopted in NYC).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to brief stakeholders and author clear reports/logs.
• Proficient with common fire alarm platforms (e.g., Honeywell), public address/voice evac systems, incident management software, and MS Office.
• Must be at least 18 years of age; authorized to work in the United States.
• Successfully pass background investigation and post-offer/pre-employment drug/alcohol testing.
• Maintain active status and carry required licenses/COFs while on duty.
• Professional appearance; strong customer service orientation; ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment under pressure.
• English fluency required; additional language skills a plus.

Salary Range Language

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $62,400 to $65,000 annually.  The actual base salary will be determined on an individualized basis taking into account a wide range of factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, and, where applicable, licenses or certifications held.  In addition to base salary and a competitive benefits package (including health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching), this position may be eligible for additional types of compensation including discretionary bonuses and other short- and long-term incentives (e.g., deferred cash, equity, etc.).

Working Conditions: Normal working conditions with the absence of disagreeable elements.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Newmark is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.