Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.

Opening:

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal.  We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut.  A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation.  MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Position Objective:

This position is responsible for overseeing and directing the Metro-North Railroad’s (MNR) Office of System Safety, in support of establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful environment for all MNR employees and customers. Develops and promulgates safety, occupational health, and environmental policy, as well as provides comprehensive safety oversight of operations, including, but not limited to, risk reduction, hazard assessment, and data/trend analysis. Directs the MNR System Safety Program to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local safety and environmental protection laws and regulations, as well as with MNR safety policies and procedures. Advises the President on safety and environmental protection matters. The incumbent has the authority to suspend unsafe operations in order to protect employees and the public.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the System Safety Program in accordance with 49 CFR Part. Development of System Safety Program Plans geared toward ensuring compliance with safety, fire and environmental protection laws and regulations. Directs and oversees safety and compliance activities, and coordinating the direct interface with operating departments, to evaluate the effectiveness of management and supervision in the implementation and enforcement of safety and environmental protection laws and regulations, as well as policies and procedures published by the Office of System Safety. Coordinating the development of MNR safety goals and objectives.
• Directs and oversees critical system safety engineering responsibilities. Responsible for ensuring the integration of state-of-the-art system safety criteria based on national consensus safety standards.
• Directs and oversees programs, policies, and procedures associated with the identification and resolution of environmental and industrial hygiene hazards in the work environment. Ensures the proper interpretation of, and compliance with, applicable government laws and regulations. Ensures establishment and maintenance of systems to support effective identification and tracking of critical data (e.g., trends, analytical findings, and resolutions and/or remedial corrective actions) to support reduction of employee and/or customer exposure to unhealthful conditions.
• Directs hazard assessments, oversight of asbestos and lead contractors and consultants, safety policy development, compliance auditing, safety training, and any other activities that have the main objective of improving the overall safety of MNR operations by means of accident prevention and hazard abatement programs.
• Directs statistical and trend analysis of all safety and environmental protection-related accidents and incidents, in order to develop appropriate special emphasis programs that are geared toward the elimination or mitigation of identified trends. Ensures that appropriate data is developed and provided to operating and support departments to facilitate their responsibilities associated with the implementation and enforcement of safety policies, rules, and procedures. Ensures the development and publication of safety awareness information in support of special emphasis safety programs. Directs the investigation of MNR rail accidents and serious industrial accidents/incidents. Coordinates the results of investigations with senior management for appropriate corrective action. Serves as the principal contact for MNR with the National Transportation Safety Board, New York State Public Transportation Safety Board, and Federal Railroad Administration on accident investigations controlled by those agencies.
• Represents MNR as the principal spokesperson with the New York City Office of Emergency Management, New York City Fire Department, and local committees (e.g., New York City Disaster Recovery Task Force) on emergency preparedness activities; and with the New York State Public Transportation Safety Board, National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Railroad Administration, and American Public Transit Association on matters pertaining to safety and environmental health. Also collaborates and acts as primary liaison with the Connecticut Department of Transportation in Safety and Emergency Management as well as New York State Emergency Management Office.
• Select, develop, and motivate staff and provide career development for team members. Provide effective coaching and counseling. Manage team and individual performance. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables staff to develop and contribute to their full potential.

Required Qualifications:

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local railroad safety-related regulations, including regulations and procedures promulgated by FRA, EPA, OSHA, and PTSB.
• In-depth knowledge and skill in crisis and emergency management practices, including, but not limited to, familiarity with the National Incident Management System and its application in a commuter rail environment.
• In-depth knowledge of applicable safety, environmental, and health regulations, including OSHA, EPA, NYC and NYS. Knowledge of fire/life safety practices and codes and their application in a commuter rail environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of rail operations, occupations, equipment, technical standards, work environments, and practices.
• Demonstrated strategic management skills, including strategic planning, decision-making, organization, project prioritization and management, resource identification and allocation, and project prioritization and management.
• In-depth knowledge of risk assessment and hazard management principals and the application of such principals in a transportation environment.
• Working knowledge of auditing techniques and the ability to develop audit plans.
• Strong analytical, problem identification, and resolution skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to provide direction, coach, develop and motivate staff, and foster teamwork.
• Ability to coordinate work and resources among levels of management, across departments, and among agencies to build positive working relationships and accomplish shared goals.
• Strong ability to exercise a high level of independent judgment and decision-making.
• Strong ability to operate effectively in high-pressure situations; must be flexible and able to adapt to change.
• Demonstrated mastery of business/negotiating skills to effectuate multiple projects in timely and effective manner. Strong verbal and written communications skills and demonstrated presentation skills.
• Must be able to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Fire Science Administration, Industrial Engineering, Occupation Health and Safety or related field
• Twelve (12) years of progressive experience in system safety functions or functions requiring an equivalent application of system safety practices and skills.
• Eight years (8) of management experience and/or supervision of a diverse workforce.

The following is/are preferred, but other satisfactory combinations of relevant experience, education, and/or technical credentials will be considered:

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Certified Safety Professional or other safety certification.

Other Information

This position is safety-sensitive and subject to toxicological testing.

According 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.