Fire Life Safety Director

Newmark•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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).

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Advanced training in fire protection, emergency management, or related field
Supervisory experience
Additional language skills

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Maintain daily activity logs, incident reports and recommend operational improvements and capital needs to enhance life-safety performance.