Director, Fire Life Safety Compliance (DFLS)

Director, Fire Life Safety

The Director, Fire Life Safety will oversee and coordinate all aspects of the Metropolitan Opera's fire safety program to provide a safe working environment for all employees and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Among other things, the DFLS shall:

• Administer and maintain compliance to ensure proper staffing to the Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• Supervise staff given staff assignments; schedules; staffing numbers; daily operational needs; an emergency action plan (EAP) schedule; and staffing positions per daily operations, EAP assignments, and available personnel, so that readiness of the personnel is assured for daily operations and EAP requirements are met.
• Coordinate training and licensing of all Fire Alarm System personnel.
• Define annual fire safety training and developmental requirements for all employees and perform or coordinate delivery of necessary training in collaboration with the Safety Director.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of Fire Safety and Emergency Action Plan including coordination and delivery of required compliance with FDNY.
• Prepare 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.
• Schedule and perform fire and evacuation drills as required by code along with providing all required training of Warden, Deputy Warden, Searchers and Fire Brigade. Test Fire Command Station, Warden Phones, PA system, elevator recall and other parts of the alarm system as required.
• Conduct frequent evacuation drills for ushers, ticket takers, and Guest Experience personnel to ensure preparedness and effective response during emergencies and other incidents.
• Conduct frequent walkthroughs of the entire building, including stage areas, to ensure all evacuation routes and exit points remain accessible and are not blocked or locked.
• Manage testing, preventive maintenance and emergency repair schedules given equipment maintenance requirements, a list of contractors, and facility systems and components so that facility systems and components are functional, operational, and compliant with management policies and adopted governmental laws and regulations.
• Direct occupant training for the occupant's role and responsibilities for an all-hazard incident given the EAP, the facility occupants, the facility, qualified trainer(s), an EAP-supported curricula and lesson plans, and a specific all-hazard incident so that occupants are trained in specific roles and responsibilities based on the EAP.
• Provide input to facility stakeholders on matters related to Fire Life Safety. Collaborate with Security Management and the Safety Director on all matters related to fire safety.
• Coordinate with FDNY and DOB Inspectors during inspections.
• Identify potential fire safety hazards facility-wide; take necessary action or make recommendations to eliminate hazards.
• Provide updates to union and MET leadership on completed safety initiatives and ongoing safety efforts during meetings, as needed.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience required.
• A minimum of five years' experience of fire-fighting, fire safety/prevention, or emergency management experience in an office or performing arts environment.
• Ability to direct all emergency operations, liaisons with responding FDNY or other first responding units.
• 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 performing arts and construction settings.
• Hold necessary certifications as mandated by federal, state, and local laws.
• Must possess, or have the ability to obtain, the Certificate of Fitness license F-89 for FLSD.
• Clear understanding of violations in order to prepare reports such as inspections performed, identify violations observed and make recommendations for eliminating fire hazards.
• Proven experience in conducting effective fire safety training programs.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with proficient verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to carry out assigned tasks with minimal supervision as well as ability to work in a team environment.
• Capable of operating and troubleshooting within a fast-paced, large organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel, is essential.

Physical Demands

• Position requires walking distances and ability to crouch, bend, stoop, lift up to 25lbs, and go up and down stairs.

$120,000 - $135,000 a year

The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.