Fire - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Officer
Job ID: 16034
Business Unit: Metro-North Railroad
Location: New York, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department:
Date Posted: Jun 5, 2026
Description
Job Title: Fire - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Officer
Department: Office of System Safety
MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad
Primary Location(s): Grand Central Terminal
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
This position will protect Metro-North Railroad's employees, customers, tenants, equipment, and infrastructure from injury, damage, and loss by maintaining a comprehensive & proactive fire/life safety program, responding to and mitigating fire/rescue/hazardous materials incidents, providing pre-hospital emergency medical services, and by working with both internal and external forces to safely and efficiently minimize service disruptions. Provide front-line supervision of volunteer fire brigade personnel.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include but are not limited to:
Respond to Fire, EMS, and other emergencies as indicated by policy & guidelines and supervision.
Perform firefighting, rescue, hazardous materials response, and other tasks as outlined by New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control/ Department of Health (NYS OFPC/DOH), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Metro-North Railroad (MNR) and all other applicable standards and guidelines.
Provide pre-hospital emergency medical care according to state and local medical protocols. Inspect and maintain equipment and facilities in support of these tasks.
Create/maintain accurate and detailed reports regarding all activities. Interface and coordinate with other MNR forces and outside agencies during incidents to facilitate safe and efficient resolution of emergencies involving MNR facilities, personnel, and customers.
Receive emergency information and alarms from fire and building management systems, other dispatch centers, etc. Process information as indicated by policy & guidelines and supervision, dispatch appropriate personnel & resources, coordinate/facilitate response & communications, make appropriate notifications, and document as appropriate.
Support MNR fire prevention and safety programs by assisting with and conducting inspections, drills, assessments, and employee/tenant/public education and training. Assist with construction and event plans & specification review, and other code enforcement duties as directed. Complete associated documentation and administrative tasks.
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.
Complete administrative tasks as needed, as outlined by policy & guidelines and as indicated by supervision.
Assist in the management and administration of various projects and programs in support of emergency management, fire life safety, and other Office of System Safety goals as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge in Firefighting, Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Care, Fire Prevention, Emergency Management, and areas related to these functions.
Ability to effectively communicate and reason with co-workers and others to successfully complete tasks in the above areas.
Problem-solving skills to effectively solve a wide range of problems utilizing solutions formed from standing policies and guidelines, training, and experience.
Ability to perform under pressure in a high-visibility role while adhering to policies and guidelines.
Demonstrated ability to use a computer and 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 effectively and efficiently manage multiple concurrent priorities, often under stressful or emergency conditions. Ability to make life-saving decisions under stressful or emergency conditions.
Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently communicate in written, electronic, and verbal formats. Ability to effectively utilize and manipulate computer systems, two-way radios, smartphones, and other electronic devices.
Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently operate and manipulate fire safety tools and equipment in support of the position's responsibilities including, but not limited to hand tools, power tools, computers, communication devices, various forms of personal protective equipment, high volume hose lines, medical equipment, hydraulic rescue equipment, ladders, and various vehicles.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Associate's degree in Fire/Life Safety, 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 degree.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Public Safety Dispatcher.
Volunteer Fire/EMS experience will be counted at a 50% basis (e.g., 2 years of active volunteer fire or EMS experience counts as one (1) year of paid experience).
Must, at the time of hire, hold valid certification as a New York State Emergency Medical Technician Basic Level or Higher (certification must be valid for a minimum period of 12 months from the date of hire).
Must hold NIMS / ICS Certificates ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800.
Possession of NYS Firefighter 1 or NYS OFPC/NFPA-approved equivalent or Pro-Board or National Certification approved Equivalent.
NYS Hazardous Materials Operations.
The following is/are preferred :
Bachelor's Degree in Fire/Life Safety, Emergency Management, or a related field.
New York State Fire Training Program/Firefighter, AKA "229" (or NYS Firefighter Recruit Class I and or II)
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.
RATE OF PAY
Step
Percentage of Full Salary
Hourly
1 (Year 1)
80%
$34.616
2 (Year 2)
90%
$38.943
3 (Year 3)
100%
$43.27
The Fire EMS Officer title is represented by the International Association of Firefighters, Local 5325. Accordingly, please be advised that the terms and conditions of employment for this position are subject to the collective bargaining agreement.
BENEFITS
Commuter Assistance - based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA's jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
Low Premium - High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
Pension Plans and Retirement Savings Accounts for eligible employees
Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
Employee Assistance Programs
MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
Work Life Services team
Employee Resource Groups
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.
Safety Sensitive/Non DOT-Regulated
Not Telework eligible
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.
