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 Safety Lead - CR Engineering is responsible for investigating all incidents with a railroad engineering component (e.g., major events, and near misses involving employee injuries, infrastructure damage, derailments, service interruption, etc.). The Safety Lead will respond to incidents, gather documentation and information, report to the appropriate parties, determine root causes, and collaborate with Railroad Operations (RRO) and Keolis to recommend feasible corrective action plans to improve safety programs, policies, and procedures.
The Safety Lead will work closely with and support Keolis to track and implement safety recommendations and/or corrective actions. The Safety Lead will also assist the Deputy Director of Safety Assurance and the Commuter Rail Safety team with safety assurance activities including regular audits. The Safety Lead will be responsible for staying abreast of new laws and regulations regarding safety and recommend appropriate changes to MBTA Safety management.Duties & Responsibilities
- Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and interpretive authority for all railroad-related safety matters and advise up to senior management.
- Respond to incidents that occur involving the MBTA, gather documentation evidence, notify and report necessary information to the appropriate parties in a timely manner.
- Provide operational management oversight of Safety Specialists, Safety Analysts, and Safety Audit Coordinator.
- 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.
- Serve as key MBTA liaison working closely with field representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to resolve identified safety issues.
- Be a strategic member of committees responsible for developing a vision, performance, goals and metrics, policies, and procedures to guide Commuter Rail Safety programs.
- Provide operational oversight of the development of root cause analyses including recommending feasible corrective actions for all engineering activities across the commuter rail when necessary.
- Provide technical direction to support staff to ensure safe work practices and effective mitigations of hazards are performed.
- Work primarily day shifts with the ability to work night and weekend shifts as necessary.
- Conducts scheduled and unscheduled inspections and/or audits of MBTA and Keolis facilities, work sites, specifications, infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment, ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local codes, regulations and guidelines.
- Indirectly overseeing the capital programs across the Commuter Rail to ensure compliance with safety programs including proper procedures and PPE are utilized in the performance of work.
- Develop, review and oversee the delivery of safety trainings in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policy.
- Provide technical direction in the design of safety inspections and hazard assessment reports and present findings to internal stakeholders.
- Work with appropriate departments to gather all necessary information (e.g., inspections, training records, hours of service) to supplement incident investigations.
- Develop and provide safety training in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policy.
- Partner with Keolis Engineering leadership and RRO on the continuous improvement projects for compliance between Engineering and Safety initiatives.
- Perform night and weekend oversight of Keolis mechanical operations.
- Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field.
- Six (6) years of experience in railroad operations, roadway worker protection, railroad track maintenance cycles, railroad signal maintenance cycles, or related experience.
- Demonstrated experience applying methods and techniques to mitigate safety issues by assessing safety hazards and ensuring corrective measures are followed.
- Working knowledge of 49 CFR Part 200-299.
- Experience and understanding of railroad operating rules.
- Specialized knowledge of the requirements of 49 CFR 213 Track Safety Standards, including remedial action required to bring defective track into compliance with the standards.
- Experience applying safety knowledge through the facilitating and processing of safety programs and assessments.
- Experience participating in incident response and/or investigations.
- Effective organizational, analytical, time management and multitasking skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
- The ability to work with a diverse workforce.
- Have excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
- The ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
- Have a valid driver's license.
Substitutions Include
- 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 substitutes 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.
- Working knowledge of CAD and mainframe or database applications.
- Master's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
- Experience working in transportation safety.
- Knowledge of American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Standards.
- NORAC Operating rules qualified.
- Specialized knowledge of the requirements of 49 CFR 234 Grade Crossing Signal System Safety and 49 CFR 236 Signal and Train Control Systems, including remedial action required to bring into compliance with the standards.
- Demonstrated knowledge of SMS including hazard analysis, utilizing data to coordinate safety programs and monitor safety performance, safety assurance, and safety promotion.
- Working knowledge of OSHA standards. Certifications or other training in general industry (29 CFR 1910) or construction industry (29 CFR 1926).
- Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) Certification.
- Completed Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) courses.
Job Conditions:
- Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
- 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 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 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
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 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 Equal Opportunity Employer, 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 hradaaa@mbta.com.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 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 mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.