Specialist, System Safety - (OHS)

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 - OHS will be responsible for supporting, advancing, and overseeing worker safety programs and initiatives at the MBTA, including the workplace inspection program and assisting with investigating workplace injuries and near misses. Integral to this role is working collaboratively with OHS team members, Safety Division members, managers and employees across the Authority and their contractors.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support development, implementation and oversight of OSHA-based worker safety programs
• Track, analyze, and report on workplace facility inspections.
• Conduct site visits, worker, and transportation safety investigations, collect, and prepare related documentation, work collaboratively on larger investigations, and prepare concise and factual technical investigations reports.
• Perform Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and Area Hazard Assessments (AHA’s)
• Assist with industrial hygiene field monitoring activities as directed.
• Work with various departments to create and assist with toolbox talk or safety flash content and delivery regarding OSHA and related safety programs and regulations.
• Respond to and participate in employee injuries and safety concerns.
• Work collaboratively with managers, supervisors, and appropriate parties to identify and mitigate hazards.
• Represent MBTA Safety on task forces and committees established to address safety and related training, OSHA implementation, employee needs, and other relevant topics.
• Participate in evaluation, review, and content update of OSHA worker safety programs, trainings, policies, and procedures.
• Review, interpret, provide comment on, and disseminate to relevant parties OSHA regulations and interpretation letters relevant to the MBTA.
• Work closely with Safety Lead’s to support requests from the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) and Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to investigate and resolve safety issues.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit / inspect work sites and to assist at emergencies and / or events.
• Perform night and weekend Safety Duty Response in rotation with other Safety staff Respond, either directly or through others, to emergencies twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Four (4) years of relevant experience in occupational, health and safety, including worker injury investigations, data analytics, OHS-related training, and technical report writing.
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA workplace safety concepts and programs including Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs), hierarchy of controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), tool and machine guarding, fall protection, confined space, hot works, electrical safety.
• Experience in a related worker safety field.
• Valid Class D driver's license.
• Documented relevant safety training courses, such as those provided by the Transportation Safety Institute, National Transit Institute, OSHA, or equivalent, including OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certifications.
• Strong organizational, analytical, multitasking, time management, and interpersonal skills Strong analytical, communication, and report writing skills (finalists selected to interview will be required to submit a writing sample at time of interview).
• Ability to effectively communicate with regulatory agencies, community organizations, and employees at all organizational levels on technical and sensitive matters.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and presentation applications.
• Ability to perform all tasks safely with proper PPE.
• Ability to walk the Right of Way (ROW) with PPE and required equipment on track, ballast, and uneven surfaces, based on the logistics of the safety task and / or emergency response.
• Ability to access areas using stairs, ladders, and ramps across MBTA system and facilities to observe and evaluate conditions and conduct monitoring.
• Ability to complete, apply, and adhere to concepts in safety training including but not limited to Incident Command Systems (ICS) 100, 200, 700, and 800 and SMS Fundamentals within one (1) month of employment.
• Ability to complete a Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) within three (3) years of employment.
• Successful applicant must have English language skills required for the effective performance of the position. Ability to comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to supervise or work effectively with diverse workforce.
  
  
  

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

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent certification.
• Occupational Health and Safety certification (e.g., SHS) and / or related OHS course certificates.
• Completed Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) in Bus and / or Rail.
• Experience working in transportation or trades safety.
• Knowledge of system safety and / or Safety Management Systems (SMS) principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of American Public Transportation Association (APTA) standards Knowledge of ANSI / NFPA / IEEE / IEC codes, etc.
• Experience working in transportation, safety, security, or related field.
• Understanding of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and / or DPU regulations and / or experience conducting training.
  
  
  

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 .