Barnard College

Senior Associate Director, Fire Life Safety

Job Description

Posted on: 
September 30, 2024

Reporting to the Barnard College Director of Community Safety & Emergency Response, the Senior Associate Director, Fire Life Safety will perform the duties of a Fire Life Safety Senior Associate Director as required by Title 3 – RCNY Chapter 4, Emergency Planning and Preparedness along with other duties as assigned. The position will be responsible for inspections to ensure compliance with state and local codes including College policies and oversight of the Barnard Fire Safety Team. The Barnard College Fire Safety Brigade (BCFSB) is tasked with seamless coverage of a 24x7x365 fire and life safety protection service. All BCFSB applicants must understand the commitment necessary for such coverage and the requirement to remain flexible and available in order to work any shift within a 24x7 workweek. All work shift assignments will not be permanently assigned as planned/unplanned absences will necessitate the need for adjustments.

Responsibilities

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Reports to the Fire Command Station for all fire alarms and other emergencies as specified in the buildings Emergency Action Plan (EAP).  Directs all emergency operations, liaisons with responding FDNY or other first responding units.  Makes appropriate announcements, directs actions of all personnel assigned as per EAP.
  • Performs all fire and evacuation drills as required by code along with providing all required training of Warden, Deputy Warden, Searchers and Fire Brigade.
  • Provides safety training and presentations to all College Faculty and Staff.
  • Test Fire Command Station, Warden Phones, PA system, elevator recall and other parts of the alarm system as required.
  • Responds to odor complaints and other safety related issues to assist Facilities and Public Safety in identifying sources.
  • Performs building inspections which include monthly fire extinguisher inspection, required inspection of life safety equipment such as exit signs and emergency lighting along with standpipes and sprinklers systems.  Inspects surrounding grounds, building, and other infrastructure to detect fire hazards in order to protect life and property on building sites.
  • Authorizes and issues hot work permits, and monitors areas to enforce fire protections standards.
  • Enforces Fire Safety code requirements as it relates to the building occupancy including public assembly spaces.
  • Prepares reports such as inspections performed, and violations observed along with recommendations for eliminating fire hazards. Maintains daily fire log and warden sign-in sheets.  Maintains electronic data pertaining to all related fire/life safety activities and provide summary reports when requested. Perform other inspections and duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Ability to direct all emergency operations, liaisons with responding FDNY or other first responding units.  
  • Knowledge of NYC FDNY and Department of Buildings regulations.
  • Excellent oral/written communications and organizational skills; and strong working knowledge of computer technology to generate letters, databases, presentations and reports.  
  • Ability to communicate and work with various constituents of the College.
  • Performs all fire and evacuation drills as required by code.   Ability to develop and train Warden, Deputy Warden, Searchers and Fire Brigade.
  • Ability to present safety training and facilitate to all faculty and staff
  • Experience in conducting tests of the Test Fire Command Station, Warden Phones, PA system, elevator recall and other parts of the alarm system as required
  • Demonstrated knowledge of performing building inspections that include monthly fire extinguisher inspection, required inspection of life safety equipment such as exit signs and emergency lighting along with standpipes and sprinklers systems.  
  • Inspects surrounding grounds, building, and other infrastructure to detect fire hazards in order to protect life and property on building sites.
  • Authorizes and issues hot work permits, and monitors areas to enforce fire protections standards
  • Enforces Fire Safety code requirements as it relates to the building occupancy including public assembly spaces.
  • Clear understanding of violations in order to prepare reports such as inspections performed, identify violations observed and make recommendations for eliminating fire hazards.
  • Consistency and attention to detail in order to maintain daily fire log and warden sign-in sheets.
  • Ability to gather and maintain electronic data pertaining to all related fire/life safety activities and provide summary reports.
  • Perform other inspections and duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience required.  
  • A minimum of five years’ experience in fire-fighting or fire safety/prevention experience in an office, university academic, hospital or research environment.  
  • Must possess, or have the ability to obtain, the Certificate of Fitness license (F-58) & (F-59) for the FSD and EAP Directors or F-89 for FLSD within 2 months of date of hire.
  • Knowledge of all state and local laws/regulations pertaining to fire/life safety in public assembly, high rise, high hazard and business occupancies, especially as they relate to university and laboratory settings.  
  • Ability to carry out assigned tasks with minimal supervision as well as ability to work in a team environment.
  • Ability to work all shifts including weekends and holidays to provide required coverage

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience as a FSD/EAP Director preferred.
  • Completed the OSHA 10 hour construction safety training; OSHA 40 hour HAZWOPER training;
  • Experience working in Higher Education.

Physical Requirements:

  • Position requires walking distances and following a time schedule during possible adverse weather conditions.
  • Ability to crouch, bend, stoop, lift up to 25lbs, and go up and down stairs.

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