Job Description
The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and universally is recognized as the world's busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. The Department's main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs. FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property and the Department works to continually educate the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department's core values.
The Bureau of Fire Prevention cultivates a safer city for its citizens, visitors and first responders by preventing loss of life and property damage from fire and other emergencies. We accomplish this 24/7 by identifying fire and life safety hazards; creating, revising, and enforcing the New York City Fire Code; reviewing plans for critical systems designed to protect and alert building occupants; licensing qualified companies to install and service fire protection equipment and systems; certifying individuals to monitor fire safety conditions; and educating individuals and businesses about fire safety. In addition, the Bureau of Fire Prevention is critical partner with the Bureau of Fire Operations (Firefighters) and Bureau of Fire Investigations (Fire Marshals), providing assistance and guidance during post-fire incidents and investigations; and coordinating with other City agencies on matters concerning fire and life safety. The Bureau consists of Fire Protection Inspectors, lawyers, engineers, explosives experts, and Fire Officers work together to save lives in New York City.
The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) seeks a full-time Chief Inspector (Director) to provide executive oversight and strategic leadership of citywide fire protection inspections within the District Organization of the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Reporting directly to the Deputy Bureau Head, the Chief Inspector is responsible for ensuring full regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and accountability across ten District Offices, while supervising fire protection inspectors and administrative support personnel.
The Chief Inspector will manage and coordinate daily inspection activities, ensuring all fire protection inspections are conducted thoroughly, on schedule, and in accordance with the NYC Fire Code, FDNY policies, and all applicable regulations. Duties include ensuring compliance with annual permit requirements for premises handling flammable or combustible materials, maintaining accurate and up-to-date inspection and enforcement records in Accela, and overseeing the timely resolution of inspection-related matters throughout the District Organization.
This role administers and directs citywide inspection programs, conducting quarterly and as-needed reviews to improve operational effectiveness, modernize inspection processes, and support the evolving needs of District Offices. The Chief Inspector will establish and maintain procedures for enforcing fire protection regulations at public events, street fairs, and other large gatherings, including annual reviews to ensure procedures remain current and effective.
Additional responsibilities include supporting policy interpretation and implementation, clearly communicating FDNY policies to staff, and preparing directives, notifications, and procedures to ensure consistent compliance. The Chief Inspector will also ensure the ongoing education, training, and professional development of inspectors and administrative staff, while providing continual guidance to promote high performance, consistency, and efficiency across all operations.
ADMINISTRATIVE FIRE PROTECTION - 1002H
1. Seven (7) years of full-time experience including two (2) years in a progressively responsible managerial or administrative capacity, in one or more of the following:
a. the manufacture or storage of explosives or flammables;
b. the development of safety standards for the manufacture or storage of such materials;
c. the inspection of premises where such materials are manufactured, stored or housed to detect potential fire and explosion hazards;
d. the design, installation, operation, repair and testing of sprinkler systems, standpipes, or other fire detection or fire extinguishing systems; or
2. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" above. Education from an accredited college or technical institution with specialization in fire science technology, chemistry, physics or engineering may be substituted for the general experience requirement on the basis of one year of education (30 credits) for one year of experience. However, all candidates must have the two years managerial or administrative experience described above.
License Requirement: On the date of appointment as an Administrative Fire Protection Inspector, possession of a Driver License valid in the State of New York is required. Class 7 is not acceptable.
The candidate should have at least four years of experience as a Deputy Chief Inspector or a minimum of two years as a Chief Inspector, with extensive knowledge of citywide inspection programs that fall under the jurisdiction of the District Organization. They must demonstrate exceptional writing and communication skills and have a strong background in training employees, along with familiarity in timekeeping and absence control policies. Proficiency in computers and working knowledge of Microsoft Office are essential. The candidate should possess strong character and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of City administration. They must be capable of responding to fire-related incidents throughout the five boroughs, as well as attending special functions or speaking engagements as needed. Strong leadership abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to manage teams are required, as is the ability to work collaboratively to support the mission and goals of the Bureau. The candidate should also be prepared to represent the FDNY at various meetings, staying informed on relevant Bureau topics, and must be able to manage specialized clearances given the sensitive nature of many documents they may handle.
This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
Job ID
762662
Posted until
2026-01-11
Title code
1002H
Civil service title
ADMINISTRATIVE FIRE PROTECTION
Title classification
Competitive-1
Business title
Chief Inspector Director of Fire Prevention
- Experienced (non-manager)
Job level
00
Number of positions
1
Work location
9 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn N
- Public Safety, Inspections, & Enforcement