System Safety Specialist - Transit Rail en Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, MA

About the Department

The System Safety Specialist - Transit Rail will be responsible for the performance of safety hazard analyses, incident investigations, training, and oversight of operations with a concentration on Transit Rail.  Additionally, responsibilities will include the implementation, oversight and enforcement of workplace safety programs and regulations. 

Position Duties

Safety Investigations

• Respond to incidents and accidents, assessing safety and oversee investigations and safety actions.
• Write, investigate, manage, review, comment on, and contribute to safety event, safety assessment and hazard analysis reports.
• Contribute on specialized accident/incident reports and corrective action plans as required by the MBTA Safety Plan and in accordance with the State Safety Oversight program and OSHA Standards, as required by regulations, rules, and procedures.

Compliance

• Provide professional safety support including developing, updating, and interpreting MBTA polices, practices, codes and industry standards as needed to advance the application of safety programs across the authority. 
• Oversee the performance of safety activities, conduct assessments of safety programs, including field inspections, and procedure and policy reviews, to identify areas of improvements and corrective actions.
• Conducts scheduled and unscheduled inspections and/or audits of MBTA facilities, work sites, specifications, infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment, ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local codes, regulations, and guidelines. 
• Provide workplace safety oversight to comply with Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) and US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
• Coordinate with transit department heads and MBTA Safety management to review DPU monthly and quarterly meetings and agendas.
• Review and contribute to the accuracy of DPU investigative reports for Operational content (E&M and Transportation) and create Corrective Action Plans and coordinate with the appropriate departments and regulators to track until closure.

Safety Promotion & Training

• Promote safety in the field to the front-line employees which includes receiving safety concerns, distribution of Safety Flashes, promotional safety items and promoting the Employee Safety Reporting Program.
• Create, assist, and implement safety-related training throughout the organization. 
• Create and deliver training documents including Safety Flashes, SOPs on Transit related responsibilities, ROW safety, On-Call field response, Special Event duties, and Safety Rules Compliance Program (SRCP) practical training.
• Deliver technical field training for MBTA Safety staff and management including but not limited emergency response, Right of Way (ROW) hazards, proper safety promotional activities, safety assurance activities, and incident investigation. 

General Safety Management

• Respond, either directly or through others, to emergencies twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and to assist at emergencies and/or events as needed.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
• Four (4) years of relevant experience in transportation and/or data analytics, training, or technical report writing.
• Relevant experience in transportation safety, vehicle maintenance, and/or technical engineering plan development.
• Documented relevant safety training such as those provided by the Transportation Safety Institute, National Transit Institute (TSI), OSHA, or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s License.

• Demonstrated experience applying methods and techniques to mitigate safety issues by assessing safety hazards and ensuring corrective measures are followed.
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, quantitative, multi-tasking, and time management skills. 
• Ability to respond to Operations (E&M and Transportation) related incidents in the field including walking the Right of Way (ROW) on track and ballast and carrying safety equipment to and from incidents/accidents on/off the ROW.
• Ability to complete, apply, and adhere to concepts in safety training including but not limited to SMS Fundamentals, ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 as well as other assigned courses offered by the MBTA within the first month of employment.   
• Ability to complete a Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) within three (3) years of employment.

• Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed, with proper PPE, including overnight shifts when necessary, in the field to perform safety oversight activities, investigations, manage safety activities in severe weather conditions, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Ability to travel to incidents/accidents in various weather conditions in a timely manner.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce. 

Other Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.  
• An Associate Degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.  
• A Master’s degree in a related subject substitute for two (2) years of general experience.  
• A Nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation, Engineering, or a related field.
• Working knowledge/understanding of 49 CFR Part 659/672/673/674 (the State Safety Oversight Program), 49 CFR Parts 200-299 (FRA Regulations), 454 CMR 25, and 220 CMR 151.
• Experience working in transportation, safety, or related field; and candidates demonstrating an understanding of OSHA/DLS Regulations, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and/or DPU regulations, knowledge of American Public Transportation Association (APTA) standards, and/or experience conducting training. 
• Experience in the transportation industry with commuter, heavy rail, light rail, and/or bus systems.
• Completed the Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) in Rail.