Chief Safety Officer

Maryland Department of Transportation; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland Transit Administration seeks an experienced Chief Safety Officer to lead safety across six transit modes and to shape the agency's safety vision with a commitment to a culture of trust and continuous improvement.

This executive role oversees safety management systems, regulatory compliance, budget stewardship of $45 million, and the development of safety policies such as PTASP and SSPP, with on‑call evening/weekend availability as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• 8–9 years of executive-level safety and compliance experience in regulated industries.
• supervisory experience of employees for at least 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety functions across six transit modes with SMS oversight.
• Advise CEO and senior leaders on safety issues and high-priority hazards.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Drive continuous safety improvements through inspections, audits, and corrective actions.
• Manage annual safety department budget of $45 million.
• Develop and monitor safety policies including PTASP and SSPP.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health, System Safety, Business Administration, or a related field

Tools

Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program - Rail

Motor Vehicle Operator's License (MD)

Job description

Maryland Transit Administration

Chief Safety Officer (DOT Executive VIII (8086))

Executive Service

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Looking for a rewarding career with excellent benefits and the opportunity to make a daily impact? The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) invites you to apply and join a team dedicated to serving the residents of Maryland through reliable, customer-focused transit services every day.

The MTA is seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Safety Officer to lead and oversee safety functions across six transit modes. The CSO is a strategic executive leader responsible for shaping and advancing the safety vision of a complex, 24/7 transit system, navigating real-time operational challenges, and fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Safety for MARC, Light Rail, Metro Subway, Core Bus, Mobility, and Commuter Bus Services
  • Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Safety and Security Certification Program
  • DOT Compliance (Drug & Alcohol and Medical)
  • Emergency Management
  • OSHA Compliance for Construction and General Industry
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Technical and Safety Training
  • Transit Claims
  • Workers' Compensation
• Advise the Administrator (CEO/Accountable Executive) and senior leaders on ongoing safety‑related issues and high‑priority hazards.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and coordinate with regulatory officials.
• Drive continuous improvement through inspections, audit planning, stakeholder interviews, and corrective actions.
• Manage and strategically allocate the department's annual budget of $45 million.
• Implement and monitor core SMS components and processes throughout the agency.
• Develop and refine safety management policies, including the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and MARC System Safety Program Plan (SSPP).
• Develop, monitor, and continuously improve safety data tracking systems to analyze trends and facilitate communication.
• Represent MTA at industry meetings and maintain relationships with governmental agencies.
• Must be available for evening/weekend work and on‑call for emergencies and accident investigations.

Additional Focus Areas

• Project Oversight: Review and analyze construction drawings/specifications for safety and security compliance across bus, rail, and capital projects; conduct safety‑engineering surveys and assist in preparation of design packages.
• Technical and Safety Training: Oversee training programs for operation staff positions and agency‑wide safety initiatives.
• Incident Management: Lead accident/incident investigations; ensure compliance with FTA/FRA/NTSB/MOSH; communicate findings and recommendations to executive leadership.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health, System Safety, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

Experience

8‑9 years of executive‑level experience in safety and compliance within regulated industries (e.g., transportation, rail). Proven track record in implementing safety management systems and ensuring regulatory compliance. Three (3) years of the required experience must have involved supervision of employees.

Notes

1. Additional experience in administrative or professional work may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for the required education.
2. Additional graduate‑level education at an accredited college or university may be substituted at the rate of thirty credit hours on a year‑to‑year basis of the required general experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, or management of unit operations on a year‑for‑year basis for the required education and experience.

Licenses & Certifications

• Requires a valid motor vehicle operator's license in the State of Maryland.
• Currently holds Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program - Rail (or will receive credential within 3 years of hire).

Additional Information

The Chief Safety Officer (CSO) is designated as the SMS Executive. The CSO is responsible for the overall safety performance of personnel and equipment, implementing and maintaining effective control and mitigation measures, reporting compliance to the State Safety Office of Administration (SSOA), fostering a positive safety culture, and ensuring all safety rules, policies, and regulations are enforced.

The CSO is responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of the SMS, safety hazard identification, inspections, risk assessments, and corrective action plans (CAPs). The CSO co‑chairs the Risk Review Committee safety meeting.

Employees must refrain from willful violations of safety rules and procedures, reckless or negligent behavior, criminal activity, and misuse of drugs or alcohol. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action up to termination.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

MTA does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be provided as requested.