System Safety Specialist - Bus Safety

Salary: $103,792.00 Annually
Location : 185 Kneeland Street, Boston
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 24-20384
Department: MBTA - Safety
Area: 095-Safety Administration I
Opening Date: 09/06/2024
Closing Date: 3/3/2025 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 System Safety Specialist will be responsible for the performance of safety hazard analyses, incident investigations, training, and oversight of operations with a concentration on bus. Additionally, responsibilities will include the implementation, oversight and enforcement of workplace safety programs and regulations
Duties & Responsibilities

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.
• Help create and develop promotional material and deliver training documents which could include 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.
• Travel to work sites and to assist at emergencies and/or events as needed.
• Uphold the rights and interest of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence 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 related duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Four (4) years of relevant experience in transportation and/or data analytics, training, or technical report writing.
• Ability to complete 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 Safety related incidents/accidents 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.

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.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Transportation, Engineering, Marketing or a safety related field.
• Working knowledge/understanding of 49 CFR Part 659/672/673/674 (the State Safety Oversight Program), 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.

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 / 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

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 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 hrstaffing@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

Which of the following best describes your education and experience?

• High School Diploma/ equivalent with 11 or more years of experience in transportation and/or data analytics, training, or technical report writing.
• A Associates Degree with 7 or more years of experience in transportation and/or data analytics, training, or technical report writing.
• A Bachelor's degree with 4 or more years of experience in transportation and/or data analytics, training, or technical report writing.
• A Masters Degree or higher with 2 or more years of experience in transportation and/or data analytics, training, or technical report writing.
• None of these

02

Do you have a valid U.S. Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

03

Please rate your current proficiency level using Microsoft Word, Excel, Database, and PowerPoint.

• No experience
• Beginner
• Average
• Advanced
• Expert

04

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question