Description
Position at Metro-North Railroad
Job Title: Fire Command Center Operator Department: Station Operations
MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad Primary Location(s): New York, NY
Salary Range: See wage progression below Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive/Non-DOT Regulated
Union Affiliation: Agreement Closing Date (if applicable): Until Filled
Shift (if applicable): Any Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable
Other: Not Telework eligible
JOB SUMMARY
The Grand Central Terminal (GCT) Fire Command Center (FCC) is the 24/7 fire, life safety, and emergency response coordination center for the combined GCT campus which includes Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road facilities, assets, and infrastructure. The FCC is responsible for maintaining constant situational awareness of fire/life-safety status and monitors all critical building, communication, and life safety systems. The FCC also provides the Office of System Safety (OSS) 24/7 support for system wide resources, which includes receiving alarms and alerts, making notifications, and supporting operations. This position will be responsible for controlling daily operations of the FCC. This is accomplished by assuring the diligent monitoring of multiple technical systems, receiving emergency information through a variety of methods, dispatching, coordinating both internal and external emergency responders, and completing related documentation and administrative tasks.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include but are not limited to:
- Monitor and control all fire/life safety systems for the GCT Campus and all systems available in the FCC and GCT Incident Command Post (ICP). This includes, but is not limited to fire alarm control panels, fire suppression systems, vertical transportation systems, video surveillance, building infrastructure and utility, communication, and computer systems. Receive and consult information from various sources (electronic, human, procedures, training, experience, etc.) to initiate actions and make decisions about manipulating and controlling systems to optimize functionality.
- Dispatch and coordinate operations and emergency response for the GCT Fire Brigade and system-wide emergency responders and resources. Communicate with other emergency agencies and operations centers to send, receive, and coordinate emergency response requests; primarily with MTAPD and FDNY, as well as MTA rail traffic control centers, situation rooms, and local/regional Emergency Operations Centers. Effectively and efficiently manage multiple critical data and information streams, analyze, and process the same, and make decisions and take actions based on this information, procedures/guidelines, training, and experience. Perform all associated documentation, and administrative tasks associated with these functions.
- Initiate and control protective action messaging to building occupants and employees as required based on incident type and scope. Coordinate with partners (internal and external) and agencies for incident response, stabilization, and preparedness. Support the operation of the GCT ICP and associated functions.
- Attend regular training and ongoing continuing education to achieve/maintain certification/licensure and proficiency in required tasks and knowledge as outlined by NYS OFPC/DOH, NFPA, OSHA, FDNY, MNR and all other applicable standards and guidelines.
- Assist in the management and administration of various projects and programs in support of the Fire Brigade, emergency management, fire life safety, and other Office of System Safety goals as required. Support Department and Division operations by performing other duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge in Dispatching, Fire Alarm Monitoring, Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Care, Fire Prevention, Emergency Management and areas related to these functions.
- Problem-solving skills to effectively solve a wide range of problems utilizing solutions formed from standing policies and guidelines, training, and experience.
- Accountable for actions that have a critical impact on company operations. This position operates within policies and guidelines and will be steered by managerial direction.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the use of a computer and the Microsoft Office suite of programs to receive/transmit, analyze, manipulate, format, and process data. Ability to effectively use a computer to research information regarding codes, training, equipment, and other relevant information.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities effectively and efficiently, often under stressful or emergency conditions. Ability to make critical decisions promptly and multi-task under stressful or emergency conditions.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate in written, electronic, and verbal formats effectively and efficiently. Must be able to effectively utilize computers, two-way radios, smart-phones, and other electronic devices.
- Ability to work various length shifts on a 24/7 rotating basis, with the possibility for mandated staffing and coverage, emergency call-in and response, and deployment to anywhere within the MTA operating area. This includes nights, weekends, holidays, and in all weather conditions.
The following is/are preferred:
- Prior Metro-North or other railroad/mass transportation experience.
- Prior working and detailed knowledge of the layout and features of Grand Central Terminal.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Associate’s degree in Public Safety, Fire Science, Emergency Management, or a related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials to include two (2) additional years of related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher, Rail/Air Traffic Controller, Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Firefighter, or a role that involved directly related transferable skills, such as working in a Security Operations Center, etc.
- Volunteer Fire/EMS experience will be counted on a 50% basis (e.g., 2 years of active volunteer fire or EMS experience counts as one (1) year of paid experience).
- Must hold NIMS / ICS Certificates ICS-100, ICS-200, and ICS- 700.
The following is/are preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety, Fire Science, Emergency Management, or a related field.
- Prior experience in a high-volume paid or volunteer Fire/EMS agency.
- Prior training/experience in technical rescue disciplines; confined space, high-angle, trench, structural collapse.
- Prior experience reading blueprints, plans, and construction/building specifications.
- FDNY COF Z-50 Fire Safety Director High-Rise.
- FDNY COF F-3 & F-7 Fire Guard Public Assembly and Fire Drill Conductor.
- NYS Division of Code Enforcement-certified Building Safety Inspector.
- Possession of NYS Firefighter 1 or NYS OFPC/NFPA-approved equivalent.
- NYS Hazardous Materials Operations.
- Certification as a New York State Emergency Medical Technician Basic Level or Higher.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
RATE OF PAY
The starting rate for this position is $34.616/hour (80% of the full rate).
The annual wage progression scale is as follows: Year 1=80%>Year 2=90%>Year 3=100%. The 100% full rate of pay is $43.27/hour.
This salary is non-negotiable, based on the International Association of Firefighters, Local 5325 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Accordingly, please be advised that the terms and conditions of employment for this position are subject to the collective bargaining agreement.
SENIORITY Applicants will establish seniority in the International Association of Firefighters, Local 5325, the union representing FCC Operators, in accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.
Members of the IAFF are subject to an initiation fee and monthly union dues.
DETAILS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
- Primarily a sedentary role that works from a desk.
DETAILS OF WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Must be able to work various days, shifts and locations.
- Must be available to respond to emergency call-in or mandatory staffing coverage.
- Must be able to work with loud fire alarm activation, beeping and other audible sounds.
OTHER INFORMATION
Selection Criteria Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.
This is a safety sensitive position and subject to toxicology testing.
Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).
Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
Additional Criteria for Current Employees:
- Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration.
- Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union.
- Non-agreement employees must have worked in their current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply. If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.
Disclaimer We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.