System Safety Specialist – Hazard and Risk Management

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 - Hazard and Risk Management will be responsible for Safety Risk Management program activities and assist the Deputy Director of Safety Risk Management in facilitating formal risk management workshops and assessments, performing safety hazard analyses, overseeing projects, and implementing and enforcing Safety Management Systems (SMS) principles at the MBTA.

The System Safety Specialist will also assist in developing and tracking proposed mitigations that address major hazards and areas of risk, scheduling and tracking FTA-mandated workshops for the SRM program, assessing and mitigating hazard consequences, and supporting outreach programs to promote SRM engagement activities in line with the MBTA Transit Safety Plan.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Safety Division management to guide MBTA departments in the SRM process or in performing risk mitigation activities.
• Collaborate with other Safety Division teams to collect data, perform research, and document underlying factors behind major areas of safety risk across the MBTA system.
• Facilitate Safety Risk Management workshops involving senior management and representatives of major MBTA departments and functions.
• Prepare comprehensive data reports to distribute to the MBTA Board of Directors, General Manager, and all departments as needed.
• Create reports and presentations for senior leadership regarding SRM activities and safety initiative progress updates.
• Utilize the MBTA risk assessment matrix to communicate Hazard information in a shared and consistent manner.
• Conduct background research and collect additional information regarding the situation(s) triggering the SRM process.
• Prepare specialized Safety Risk Analyses in response to critical emerging safety issues, recommend appropriate corrective action plans as required by the MBTA Safety Plan, and follow the State Safety Oversight program as required by regulations, rules, and procedures.
• Collaboratively complete the SRM worksheet with appropriate stakeholders affected by the Hazard, including collecting risk acceptance certifications and documenting management acceptance of risk.
• Work collaboratively with MBTA managers, supervisors, and appropriate parties to identify and mitigate hazards in a timely manner.
• Represent MBTA Safety on task forces and committees established to address safety, passenger needs, and other topics relevant to Authority goals.
• Participate in the evaluation, review, and content update of the MBTA Safety Plan, mandated by 49 CFR 673 and 220 CMR 151.
• Participate in implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS) per the MBTA SMS Implementation Plan.
• Work closely with representatives from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to resolve identified safety issues.
• Perform field observations and verification of SRM-proposed mitigation activities as required by the Safety Division.
• Participate in and provide training, coaching, and education of MBTA employees, MBTA Safety staff, industry, contractors, and patrons, as appropriate.
• Participate in the review and implementation of Safety programs and plans related to SMS implementation.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit/inspect work sites and to assist at emergencies and/or events, as needed.
• Respond to each inquiry from a customer, vendor, or co-worker courteously and professionally consistent with the Authority's customer service quality standard. 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.
  
  
  

Supervision

• No direct reports.
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Four (4) years of experience in the transit industry, regulatory compliance, Safety Assurance, data analysis, and/or program auditing.
• Working knowledge/understanding of 49 CFR Parts 672, (Public Transportation Safety and 673 (Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Ability to complete, apply, and adhere to concepts in safety training including but not limited to SMS Fundamentals, ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 as well as courses offered on websites hosted by MassDOT, FEMA, and TSI within the first month of employment.
• Ability to complete a Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) within three (3) years of employment.
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, quantitative, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
• Advanced skill-level in the use of Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, PeopleSoft and/or other database applications.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
• Have excellent customer service, conflict resolution, negotiation, communication, speaking and writing skills.
• Have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to work all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed; be available to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Ability to work effectively with a 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’s Degree from an accredited institution with an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A Master’s Degree in a related subject substitute 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 Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Safety, Urban Planning, Business or Public Administration.
• Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) Certification.
• Public Transportation Safety Certification (PTSCTP) Certification.
• Additional years of experience in the transportation industry.
• Possession of a World Safety Organization (WSO) Certificate or equivalent.
• Knowledge of transit, commuter rail, aviation, or other transportation safety programs.
• Knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of American Public Transportation Association (APTA) standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and/or DPU regulations.
  
  
  

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• 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 current student or 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.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op.
  
  
  

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 Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• 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 .