The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts.

The Fire Safety Specialist is responsible for monitoring, coordinating, and managing all fire and life safety–related events at Rikers Island from the Rikers Island Command Post. This position does not respond directly to alarm locations and remains stationed at the Command Post at all times. The Fire Safety Specialist serves as the central coordination point for fire alarms, sprinkler activations, and fire suppression system impairments by dispatching and communicating with Fire Safety Unit (FSU) Correction Officers who respond to incidents. The Specialist ensures effective communication between responding officers, DOC facilities staff, and the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), while maintaining accurate fire protection system documentation and logs:

Fire Alarm & Life Safety Monitoring

• Monitor the Rikers Island Command Post and Ture Site Workstation (TWS) for:

o Fire alarms
o Sprinkler system activations or breaks
o Fire suppression system troubles and impairments
o Any fire or life safety–related alarms

• Acknowledge, assess, and prioritize alarms in real time.

Dispatch & Coordination

• Dispatch Fire Safety Unit (FSU) Correction Officers to active alarms and incidents.
• Maintain constant communication with responding FSU personnel.
• Coordinate with DOC facilities maintenance staff regarding fire protection system issues.
• Serve as the DOC point of contact with FDNY during fire-related incidents on Rikers Island.
• Provide accurate, timely information to FDNY to support emergency response

Fire Protection System Oversight

• Maintain and update fire suppression impairment logs.
• Track system outages, restorations, and corrective actions.
• Ensure documentation complies with DOC and FDNY requirements

Communication & Reporting

• Communicate clearly and professionally with:

o FSU Correction Officers
o DOC facility staff
o FDNY units responding to Rikers Island

• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.
• Prepare and maintain required logs, reports, and shift documentation.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in fire safety, emergency response, or correctional facility operations.
• Familiarity with Rikers Island facilities and DOC procedures.
• Experience working directly with FDNY during emergency incident
• Ability to remain alert for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a command post environment with continuous monitoring responsibilities.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively during emergencies
• FDNY Certificate of Fitness S-95 (Fire Safety Director / Fire Safety Coordinator) must be obtained

and maintained.

• Knowledge of fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and fire suppression equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and make sound decisions during emergency situations.
• Ability to work overnight shifts, weekends, and mandatory overtime.

COMMUNITY COORDINATOR - 56058

Fire Safety Specialist (PT)