Metropolitan Transportation Authority Careers

JOB SUMMARY

This position leads the Metro-North Railroad (MNR) risk reduction programs in the Office of System Safety (OSS) with the goal of promoting a more positive safety culture, proactive risk management, and improved safety performance within the organization. The position is responsible for the reduction of risk to customers, employees, and contractors through Hazard Identification, Hazard Assessment, Hazard Mitigation programs and initiatives; development and implementation of safety policies and procedures; and development of organizational strategies to reduce injuries and incidents. As a member of the MNR OSS senior leadership team, this position also contributes to department-wide strategic direction-setting, goal-setting, and performance management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs and oversees the activities of the Division of Risk Reduction, including Industrial Hygiene and Hazard Analysis groups. This includes, but is not limited to, the creation of division and organizational safety goals and objectives, staff development and performance management, as well as budgeting, staffing, procurement, reporting, and auditing. Ensures safety is being managed in a proactive manner.
• Directs and oversees the development and implementation of the System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) along with the development and audit plan for the Departmental Safety Action Plans. Directs and oversees the development and implementation of various safety policies, procedures and programs.   Provide technical assistance to operating and support departments as needed.
• Develops and manages standardized framework for conducting hazard analysis, in coordination with the System Safety Program Plan. Facilitates hazard analysis in accordance with the MNR System Safety Program Plan (based on Military Standard 882E) for proactive risk management and operational changes are proposed.  Assess employee job tasks where accident trends are identified and perform hazard analysis in accordance with System Safey Program Plan. Provides support and guidance to the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) Program as needed.
• Directs and oversees MNR compliance with Federal Railroad Administration and occupational health and safety regulations. Establishes protocols for asbestos and lead abatement projects and monitors for compliance with all state and federal regulations and oversees all lead and asbestos abatement and disposal of related waste.  Ensures timely and accurate regulatory compliance and reporting.
• Guides division’s technical personnel on exposure assessment strategies and the performance of toxicological reviews of chemical products. Performs industrial hygiene surveys/baseline exposure assessments. Reviews all technical programs relating to IH, occupational health, and OSHA compliance, and ensures the accuracy of information in procedures and training programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Experience with developing and/or implementing System Safety Program Plans relative to 49 CFR Part 270.
• Extensive knowledge of principles of auditing, with the demonstrated ability to establish audit plans.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively investigate and follow up on alleged violations related to hazards, including advising employees, employee representatives, and management of findings of fact; answering inquiries pertaining to health and safety risks should violations have occurred; and ensuring closeout of corrective actions.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective hazard countermeasures, including environmental surveillance systems and operating procedures capable of providing timely detection and alerts to the presence of currently known and anticipated hazards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with managing environmental compliance, hazard analysis/management, and other applicable risk reduction programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations in all areas of responsibility.
• Deployment of safety policies, procedures and programs.
• Experience with trend analysis.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage competing demands and adhere to deadlines even as priorities change.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to lead, manage, and develop staff.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Ability to adjust work schedule to accommodate special projects as necessary, including periodic night shifts and weekend coverage.
• Ability to be on call 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Transportation, Business or other related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials to include four (4) additional years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of related hazard analysis or industrial hygiene experience in a commuter/heavy/freight rail operation or in the safety industry.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of managerial experience, preferably with a public agency.

The following is/are preferred: 

• Master’s degree in Safety, Business or other related field.
• NIMS 100, 200, and/or 700.
• Safety Certification(s) such as CSP, CIH, WSO-CSS, WSO-CSSD, and/or TSI-TSSP.
• Experience working with federal, state, and city agencies on hazard issues.
• Knowledge of environmental surveillance systems.

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
• Managerial Benefits

OTHER INFORMATION

• 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”).
• Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company’s discretion.
• Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to License Monitoring and must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
• Current employee applicants should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.

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.