What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Safety and Security Officer position at American Public Transit Association?

Chief Safety and Security Officer

Position Description

Division : Safety and Security

Classified Title : Chief Safety and Security Officer

Reports To : Chief Executive Officer

General Summary :

This executive position has overall responsibility to plan, organize, direct, manage, and oversee comprehensive safety and security programs to foster a proactive organizational safety culture. The aim is to ensure a safe, secure, and healthy environment for all employees, passengers, contractors, and the general public in compliance with applicable federal, state, local and regulatory laws, rules, or guidelines.

This position provides executive direction to CAT’s overall bus and rail safety program, security and law enforcement initiatives, contract compliance, and environmental programs. The position ensures effective management of our Safety and Security departments and maintains strong partnerships with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), and security contractors.

As CAT's Safety Management System (SMS) Executive, this leader guides the Safety Department staff proactively to achieve safety goals for both rail and bus operations, as well as environmental program goals and objectives. The role includes functional oversight and auditing of the safety and security activities of CATS construction / capital and facility improvement projects as well as ensuring a positive working relationship with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) State Safety Oversight (SSO) office.

This incumbent is responsible for investigations and crime prevention, developing and implementing public security strategies, coordinating assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies, and providing consultative support to the CEO. This position is committed to safety through effective leadership, role modeling and implementing practices that demonstrate safety is a fundamental value and a priority in all aspects of work. Due to the critical nature of this position the incumbent must be accessible and / or available to always handle emergencies or related issues on a 24 / 7 basis.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Collaborates with the Executive Team to support and achieve the organization’s goals. Effectively manages staff, including direct or indirect supervisory oversight for all team members to ensure for successful outcomes of the department.
Assumes full management responsibility for all assigned services and activities, including safety and environmental protection programs, transit security, CMPD partnership, investigations, crime prevention, fare inspection and emergency preparedness.
Oversees the coordination of security activities for CATS operations with CMPD and other local police agencies as well as contract security services. Actively works to identify opportunities to improve system as well as correct any deficiencies.
Ensures compliance of the required Safety Plans for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Maintains the relationship with oversight and regulatory authorities. Ensures that all aspects of the FTA's SMS are developed, implemented and continuously monitored; directs the collection and analysis of all safety information.
Ensures safety and security measures are incorporated in the design and construction of the new capital projects through design reviews and implementation of the Safety and Security Certification Program.
Oversees and develops division budget for area of responsibility which involves forecasting staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as required.
Continuously monitors the programs of CATS Safety and Security programs to ensure successful attainment of all goals, metrics, and measurements; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures.
Oversees the reporting and investigation process for all (both internal and external) incidents, collisions, and injuries. Serves as the chief investigator for rail and bus accidents.
Ensures compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA), State Safety Oversight, Transportation Security Administration regulations, and Homeland Security criteria by performing safety audits, conducting emergency and disaster drills, investigating accidents, and providing oversight of record keeping for tracking safety and security incidents.
Develops methods of identifying hazards and evaluates systems operations or processes by performing hazard analyses.
Reviews reports of injuries, property damage, occupational diseases, or public liability accidents and conducts investigation as needed to determine causes and prevent loss recurrences.
Develops policies, codes, safety standards, and procedures that become part of the CAT’s operational policies.
Maintains and coordinates emergency preparedness standards for CATS, industrial operations and monitors regulatory compliance standards.
Performs system safety program oversight and auditing by conducting facility inspections, reviewing operator and maintenance training requirements and certification, and standard operating procedures.
Supervises CATS video security surveillance and researches available technologies to determine proper application and utilization of video surveillance.
Directs the work of contractors to assure compliance with contract specifications, safety, and security projects.
Manages and responds to security and safety emergencies on a 24 hour on-call basis.
Directs and oversees risk management, insurance / litigation, and loss prevention programs.
Analyzes, monitors and updates policies, procedures and plans to promote a safe working environment. Develops and conducts training programs to reduce / eliminate preventable accidents and to expand awareness of safety procedures.

Oversees safety responsibilities for CATS staff and facilities to ensure all employees and contractors are trained on safety procedures, fully compliant with procedures, and held accountable for breaches in safety and security protocol.

Monitors developments and legislation related to assigned areas of responsibility; evaluates impact upon District operations; recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements.

Models the behavior expected for all employees, maintains cooperative and harmonious working relationships with other CATS departments, staff, consultants, vendors, and stakeholders.

Engages proactively to prevent or mitigate issues. Ensures team members works in a collaborative and team-oriented manner within the department and with other CATS departments.

Knowledge of :

Transit operations and / or freight / passenger rail operations, including safety programs, light rail transit security and fare enforcement; hazard analysis and resolution process; accident investigation and reporting; public safety and law enforcement operations.

Federal, State, OSHA, and local laws and regulations.

Advanced principles and practices of safety and security administration / operations and accident investigation programs as well as crime prevention and control and criminal investigations.

Principles and practices of administration, organization, management analysis, supervision, fiscal management, contract administration, policy development, business planning and program development.

Methods, practices, and procedures involved in management of a public transit system; Laws, codes, regulations, and legal requirements related to public transportation; Fiscal management and internal controls.

Techniques associated with training employees on safety and security issues.

Principles and practices of staff supervision, including goal setting, performance assessment, training, developing teams and motivation.

Ability to :

Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop appropriate and effective solutions and / or alternatives.

Ensure compliance with applicable bus / rail operations and EHS regulations.

Interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations.

Monitor developments and legislation related to assigned area of responsibility; evaluate impact on CATS's operations and recommend and implement policy and procedure improvements.

Demonstrate commitment to customer-focused operations, accountability, transparency, integrity, equity, and a strong appreciation for diversity while overseeing CATS's safety and security programs.

Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs.

Facilitate implementation of organizational change, inspiring and engaging employees in the entire process and developing commitment for sustaining change. Analyze and resolve a variety of complex organizational, staffing, space needs and other issues.

Lead or collaborate in the preparation and submittal of regulatory reports and certifications to the CPUC, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and other entities.

Create and maintain good working relationships through excellent communication and teambuilding skills; including the ability to engage successfully with executive leaders, stakeholders, community groups, staff, and others as needed. Use correct English including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Gather, assemble, analyze and evaluate facts evidence, data and other information in order to draw reasonable and fair conclusions and make sound decisions.

Use discretion and judgment with confidential and safety / security sensitive materials and information. Delegate authority and responsibility as applicable.

Interpret other management information, maintain records and reports, and develop short- and long-range budget plans.

Oversee staff and consultants in the rail construction safety programs.

Manage the Internal Safety and Security Audit (ISSA) program.

Effectively represent CATS in dealings with government agencies and other entities.

Manage and maintain simultaneous, transitional, and emerging priorities.

Skilled in :

Using computer and related software applications.

Organizational transformation resulting in improved efficiency, effectiveness and in enhancing the value of the organization.

Composing correspondence, reports, articles, memoranda, and other written materials or documentation.

Developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide services in the most effective and efficient manner.

Public speaking and effective presentation delivery to small and large groups.

Planning, organizing, coordinating, and providing overall executive direction and leadership for planning development activities.

Developing effective work plans, goals, and objectives.

Communicating effectively in interactions with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public at a level sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Qualifications :

A combination of education and / or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. CATS reserves the right to determine the equivalences of education and experience.

Bachelor’s Degree in related field required, a degree in industrial safety, engineering, physical sciences, public administration, or related field preferred.

Minimum of 15 years prior directly relevant experience, ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public transportation (rail or bus) operations and / or safety, including minimum 7 years of supervisory experience.

Certificates / Licenses :

Ability to obtain PTSCTP certification (Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program) and will pursue the World Safety Organization Certification and / or certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) is preferred.

Ability to maintain a North Carolina driver's license, Class C and must have a satisfactory driving record for the last seven (7) years.

Transit Security and Safety Professional (TSSP) Certification preferred.

To Apply :

CATS has engaged K&A, a retained executive search firm, to assist with the recruitment of the Chief Safety and Security Officer. For more information or to apply with an attached resume, please contact Gregg A. Moser, Partner at K&A, at gmoser@kapartners.com .

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