Manager, Fire & Life Safety

Barnard College•New York City, NY

4d•$74,000 - $79,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, Fire & Life Safety, the Manager of Fire & Life Safety supports the College’s fire and life safety operations through direct response, inspection, compliance monitoring, and training activities. This role performs duties consistent with a Fire Life Safety Director (FLSD) as required by Title 3 – RCNY Chapter 4, Emergency Planning and Preparedness. This position does not maintain primary responsibility for a specific building, program, or team. Instead, the Manager operates as a licensed, highly skilled individual contributor providing coverage and support across campus. This position will support cross-functional coordination between Facilities trades, life safety personnel, custodial operations, and external vendors to ensure continuity of building services and timely resolution of operational issues. While there is no standing ownership of a facility, the Manager is expected to assume on-site operational responsibility during emergencies when they are the highest-ranking or most qualified fire and life safety professional present. In such situations, the Manager will carry out Fire Life Safety Director responsibilities in accordance with the building’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) until relieved by the Senior Associate Director, Associate Director, or other designated leader. This role requires flexibility to support a 24x7x365 operation and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

Working knowledge of NYC FDNY and Department of Buildings regulations
Ability to respond to and support emergency operations in a calm, structured, and decisive manner
Strong attention to detail in inspections, compliance tracking, and documentation
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of campus stakeholders
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently while contributing to a coordinated team environment
Comfort operating in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities and responsibilities
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in fire safety, emergency response, or a related environment (higher education, healthcare, laboratory, or commercial setting preferred)
Must possess, or have the ability to obtain within 2 months of hire: FDNY Certificate of Fitness: F-89 (Fire Life Safety Director) or F-58/F-59 (FSD/EAP Director)
Additional Certificates of Fitness as required (F01, F03/04, W07, S12, S13/14)
Knowledge of fire/life safety systems, inspections, and compliance protocols
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Responsibilities

Responds to fire alarms, emergency situations, and safety incidents in accordance with the building Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
Reports to Fire Command Stations as assigned and supports execution of emergency procedures
Coordinates with FDNY and other first responders, providing building-specific information and operational support
When serving as the most senior or qualified fire and life safety professional present, assumes temporary on-site command responsibilities , including directing emergency operations, making announcements, and coordinating response efforts
Transitions command to the Senior Associate Director, Associate Director, or other designated leaders upon their arrival, providing clear and concise situational briefings
Conducts routine inspections of fire and life safety systems, including fire extinguishers, exit signage, emergency lighting, standpipes, and sprinkler systems
Identifies hazards and supports corrective actions in partnership with Facilities, Environmental Health & Safety, and Community Safety teams
Assists in ensuring compliance with NYC Fire Code, FDNY regulations, Department of Buildings requirements, and College policies
Supports enforcement of fire safety requirements related to occupancy, public assembly, and high-risk environments
Assists in the coordination and execution of fire drills and evacuation exercises as required by code
Supports training of Wardens, Deputy Wardens, Searchers, and other emergency roles
Delivers or supports fire and life safety training for faculty, staff, and students
Contributes to campus-wide preparedness efforts and a culture of shared safety responsibility
Assists in testing Fire Command Stations, Warden Phones, PA systems, elevator recall, and related fire alarm components
Responds to odor complaints and other safety concerns, working with Facilities and other teams to identify and mitigate risks
Supports monitoring and troubleshooting of life safety systems in coordination with internal teams and external vendors
Maintains fire logs, inspection records, drill documentation, and compliance tracking materials
Prepares reports on inspections, incidents, violations, and corrective actions
Supports issuance and monitoring of hot work permits and enforcement of fire protection standards
Maintains accurate electronic records of fire and life safety activities and provides summary reporting as needed