Exercise Physiologist

City of New York • New York City, NY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is seeking a full-time Exercise Physiologist in the Bureau of Health Services/Medical Affairs. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive physical training and wellness programs to prepare firefighter candidates for the demands of firefighting. The position applies advanced scientific principles in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and human performance to enhance operational readiness, reduce injury risk, and improve long-term health outcomes. The successful candidate will design and implement structured physical training programs for firefighter and EMS candidates, recruits, and incumbents, aligning fitness programming with job task analyses and essential job functions. They will establish performance benchmarks and progression standards, periodically evaluating and updating training protocols based on current research and operational needs. The role involves developing and administering physical fitness assessments, analyzing performance data, and providing individualized feedback and performance improvement plans. Additionally, the Exercise Physiologist will promote wellness initiatives, monitor physical stress and recovery, integrate physical fitness into the recruiting academy, and provide instruction on proper exercise techniques to minimize injury risks. The position also supports the development of policies and standard operating procedures related to fitness and wellness.

Requirements

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
• For Assignment Level II and above: A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; OR A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; OR Education and/or experience which is equivalent to the above.
• All candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in '2' above.
• Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in '1' and '2' above.

Nice To Haves

• Specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health (for Master's degree).
• Specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science (for Doctorate degree).

Responsibilities

• Designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive physical training and wellness programs that prepare firefighter candidates to meet the physical demands of firefighting.
• Applying advanced scientific principles in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and human performance to enhance operational readiness, reduce injury risk, and improve long-term health outcomes.
• Designing and implementing structured physical training programs for firefighter and EMS candidates, recruits and incumbents.
• Aligning fitness programming with validated job task analyses and essential job functions.
• Establishing performance benchmarks and progression standards for candidates.
• Periodically evaluating and updating training protocols based on current research and operational needs.
• Developing and administering physical fitness assessments (e.g., strength, endurance, cardiovascular capacity, mobility).
• Analyzing performance data to identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement.
• Ensuring assessments are reliable, valid, and compliant with applicable employment and legal standards.
• Providing individualized feedback and performance improvement plans.
• Promoting wellness initiatives including cardiovascular health, nutrition, and fatigue management.
• Monitoring physical stress, overtraining risks, and recovery practices.
• Working with bureau of training staff to integrate physical fitness into recruiting academy.
• Providing instruction on proper, progressive exercise techniques and conditioning methods to minimize risks for musculoskeletal injuries and rhabdomyolysis.
• Assisting in developing policies and standard operating procedures related to fitness and wellness.
• Supporting legal defensibility of physical ability testing and training programs.

Benefits

• Inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.
• Work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level