Fire Protection System Specialist

Salary: $105,706.00 Annually
Location : 21 Arlington Avenue, Charlestown
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-20834
Department: MBTA - Office of Stations
Area: 309-Building & Station Maintenance
Opening Date: 03/25/2025
Closing Date: 4/8/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Licenses / Certifications: None Required
Union Affiliation: L453 Professional
Safety Sensitive: Yes; this is a Safety Sensitive position. Employees in this role will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
Essential Classification (Emergency Staff): Yes; this position is classified as essential. Employees in this role are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by supervisory personnel during declared States of Emergency.
On-Call or 24/7: Yes; this position is classified as on-call or 24/7. Employees in this role must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as directed by supervisory personnel.

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA's core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.
Job Summary

The Fire Protection Systems Specialist will develop and implement fire prevention programs to ensure Authority-wide compliance with state and federal fire and safety codes and regulations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and periodic inspections and audits of all existing and proposed fire suppression systems and report on findings and recommendations.
• Review and approve construction plans and specifications to assure compliance with fire and safety codes.
• Remain current with the MBTA's Safety Plan as well as the positions outline responsibilities.
• Advise Operations Managers and their respective staffs on fire safety rules.
• Design and implement fire protection programs and emergency drills as directed.
• Act as liaison between the Engineering & Maintenance Department and all Authority departments, operational divisions, and outside agencies to ensure the highest level of safety compliance.
• Develop and monitor service contracts, responding to and investigating fire and other emergencies and prepare reports as directed.
• Develop and implement effective action plans to assure employee and passenger safety.
• Work collaboratively with MBTA managers and supervisors to identify and mitigate hazards.
• Work closely with field representatives from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to resolve identified safety issues.
• Prepare specialized accident/incident reports and corrective action plans as required by the System Safety Program Plan and in accordance with state safety oversight.
• Provide training to Authority employees, contractors and patrons.
• Perform night/holiday/weekend Duty Response in rotation with other staff as needed.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and to assist at emergencies and/or events as needed.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner.
• Respond either directly or through others, to emergencies twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Adhere to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned

Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed.
• Available to work as per assignment by the MBTA twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as directed by supervisory staff for severe weather conditions, emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience in the inspection, maintenance and/or installation of fire protection systems.
• Knowledge of 527 Code of Massachusetts (CMR) - the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Code, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148 and 780 CMR - the Massachusetts State Building Code, and standards referenced by state and federal regulations.
• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of NFPA, National Fire Protection Association, and its relationship to Stand Pipe, Sprinkler, Hydrant and fire extinguisher testing and inspection protocol.
• Effective multi-tasking, time management, confidentiality and analytical skills.
• The ability to use Word, Excel or Database applications.
• The ability to pass: a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check; background screenings, and the MBTA's medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
• Effectively communicate with regulatory agencies, community organizations and others on technical and sensitive matters.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• The ability to provide our internal and external candidates with a courteous and professional experience.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting, including overall employment, job performance, discipline and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• The ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
• Be available to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Have the ability to work with a diverse workforce.
• Have a valid driver's license in accordance with MBTA policy.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Additional years of experience in the inspection, maintenance and/or installation of fire protection systems; and/or Fire protection systems experience in a transit environment.

Job Conditions

• Adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the MBTA including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, background screening, and the MBTA's medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting, including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

Safety Sensitive: Incumbents will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing

On-call 24/7: Employee must be available to respond to page/text/call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority

Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management

Substitutions Include
A High School Diploma or GED with an additional Nine (9) years of experience in the inspection, maintenance and/or installation of fire protection systems may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree requirement.
Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.

Application Completion: It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.

Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.

Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.

Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.

Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.

Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.

ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to full-time employees. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

Internships:

Internship positions are not eligible for most MBTA Benefits. However, paid sick time may be incurred. Each intern also receives a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) to use throughout the duration of their internship. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email internships@mbta.com for more information.

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract andis not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
01

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• I did not attain a high school diploma or equivalent / GED.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• A Masters Degree or Higher

02

Please select what best describes your experience in the inspection, maintenance and/or installation of fire protection systems.

• 0-4 Years
• 5-7 Years
• 8-10 Years
• 10+ Years

03

Are you familiar with Massachusetts Fire Prevention Code, Massachusetts State Building Code, and with State and Federal Regulations?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you familiar with the National Fire Protection Association and it's protocol regarding Stand Pipe, Sprinkler,Hydrant, and fire extinguisher testing?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you authorize the MBTA to obtain your driving records?

• Yes, I have a Massachusetts driver's license and have chosen to allow the MBTA to access my driving records on my behalf. I understand that the MBTA is asking for my driver's license number in the next question to make sure that it is accessing the correct driving records, and that the MBTA will not use my driver's license number for any other purpose.
• No, I do not authorize the MBTA to obtain the records on my behalf and will provide a copy of my driving record from the RMV. I understand I can obtain an "Unattested Public Driving Record" from the RMV, which I will upload as part of my application.
• I do not have a valid U.S. Driver's License.

07

If you answered "Yes" to question #6, please provide your Driver's License number below. Otherwise enter "n/a"
08

If you answered "Yes" to question #6, please enter your full name as it appears on your Driver's license below. Otherwise enter "n/a".
Required Question