System Safety Specialist Series

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; New York (NY); On-site; USD 68,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) NYC Transit is seeking a System Safety Specialist I to develop and implement fire/life safety policies, review designs for compliance, and perform on-site inspections of fire suppression/detection systems.

Responsibilities include acceptance testing, interagency emergency preparedness exercises, and collaboration with construction managers to ensure NFPA and local code compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in fire safety inspections and fire investigation cause & origin determination.
• Knowledge of fire safety related codes and standards including NFPA, NYC, NY State and International Building codes.
• Strong computer, written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Development and implementation of fire/life safety policies and procedures, interpretation of applicable codes and standards, review of design drawings and specifications for fire/life safety requirements, conducting field safety surveys and inspections.
• Also responsible for acceptance test witnessing and on-site inspections of new and existing fire suppression/detection systems;
• Responsible for coordinating/conducting interagency emergency preparedness exercises;
• Work with Construction Managers during installation of fire protection systems to ensure compliance with NFPA Standards and applicable local codes.
• Respond to and conduct investigation of fires that occur on the system that cause significant property damage or result in injuries to customers or employees.
• Must be available for emergency response duties (in company vehicle) and have a valid Driver's License.

Skills

Fire safety inspections

Fire investigation

Code compliance

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma + 6 years experience

Baccalaureate degree in engineering or safety

Master's degree substituted for 1 year experience

Job description

Description

JOB INFORMATION:

Title: System Safety Specialist Series

Authority: TA/OA

Department: Subways/Buses

Division/Unit: Safety

Location: 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

Hours: As Required

Telework (if Applicable):

Reporting Manager (if Applicable): Manager, Fire Protection & Safety

Deadline (if Applicable): 11/23/2026

Compensation

• Authority - Union

• TA - Non Rep

• OA - Non Rep

System Safety Specialist I

$67,933* - $80,421

$67,933* - $80,421

System Safety Specialist I I

$78,874* - $87,847

$78,874* - $87,847

System Safety Specialist I II

$89,162* - $101,647

$89,162* - $101,647

System Safety Specialist I V

$99,326* - $115,445

$99,326* - $115,445

* Selected candidates who are new hires to the MTA will be appointed at the minimum salary of the posted range, in accordance with applicable MTA compensation guidelines and policies.

POSITON SUMMARY:

Development and implementation of fire/life safety policies and procedures, interpretation of applicable codes and standards, review of design drawings and specifications for fire/life safety requirements, conducting field safety and inspections. Responsible for acceptance test witnessing and on-site inspections of new and existing fire suppression/detection systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Development and implementation of fire/life safety policies and procedures, interpretation of applicable codes and standards, review of design drawings and specifications for fire/life safety requirements, conducting field safety surveys and inspections.
• Also responsible for acceptance test witnessing and on-site inspections of new and existing fire suppression/detection systems;
• Responsible for coordinating/conducting interagency emergency preparedness exercises;
• Work with Construction Managers during installation of fire protection systems to ensure compliance with NFPA Standards and applicable local codes.
• Respond to and conduct investigation of fires that occur on the system that cause significant property damage or result in injuries to customers or employees.
• Must be available for emergency response duties (in company vehicle) and have a valid Driver's License.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent plus six (6) years of satisfactory, full-time professional system safety-related work; or
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in engineering, fire safety, environmental or occupational safety, ergonomics, statistics, mathematics, chemical, physical or biological sciences, industrial hygiene, safety management, or a related field; plus at least two (2) years of satisfactory full-time experience in professional safety work; or
3. Educational and/or experience equivalent to that listed above. A master's degree in any of the fields indicated above may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. Additional experience needed for higher levels.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Experience in fire safety inspections and fire investigation cause & origin determination.
• Knowledge of fire safety related codes and standards including NFPA, NYC, NY State and International Building codes.
• Strong computer, written and verbal communication skills.

SELECTION METHOD

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, interview, and written assessment.

All selected candidates will be subject to a full background investigation that includes employment and education. Discrepancies may lead to dismissal.

OTHER INFORMATION

Appointment may be at a comparable level to current level of selected candidate. (If necessary)

As an employee of MTA NYC Transit, you may be required to complete an annual financial disclosure statement with the state of New York, if your position earns more than $101,379 (this is subject to change) per year or if the position is designated as a policy maker.

For 55-a eligible titles: Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page

TA APPLICANTS MUST BE IN A PERMANENT CIVIL SERVICE STATUS IN THE TITLE(S). IF YOU ARE ON AN ESTABLISHED LIST, YOUR LIST NUMBER MUST BE REACHABLE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation's largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct. 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”).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

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.