Safety Risk Management Supervisor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks a motivated Safety Risk Management Supervisor for the Department of Public Utilities. The role focuses on enhancing rail transit safety through risk management processes and supervises compliance with state and federal regulations, positioning you to make a significant impact in a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Potential for a hybrid work schedule

Qualifications

• Minimum six years in planning or related areas, with at least four in a professional capacity.
• Two years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of transportation safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and enhancement of Safety Risk Management program.
• Conduct risk analyses and develop mitigation strategies.
• Supervise interdisciplinary staff and conduct training.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Safety Risk Management Supervisor (250004PF)

Job Description

Safety Risk Management Supervisor - ( 250004PF )

Description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

DPU:

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, transportation network companies, and oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines and the MBTA.

Job Description:

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is the designated state safety oversight agency for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) specific to rail transit safety.The Department’s Rail Transit Safety Division oversees MBTA’s adherence to its own safety related processes and systems and monitors the authority’s compliance with federal and state safety laws and regulations.

The Rail Transit Safety Division is seeking to fill the position of Safety Risk Management Supervisor to strengthen the Commonwealth’s safety oversight of rail fixed guideway public transportation systems (RFGPTS) in accordance with 49 CFR Part 674. We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented leader to manage and enhance the Division’s safety risk management processes to include, hazard identification processes, and corrective action oversight, while integrating risk-based methodologies into these functions. As a key member of the Rail Safety Division, the incumbent will play a central role in the development and execution of a formal Safety Risk Management (SRM) Program, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and the DPU’s Program Standard (220 CMR 151.00), and guiding the prioritization of safety actions based on evidence-based risk assessment.

The successful candidate will in part facilitate root cause analysis and oversee implementation and verification of corrective actions. They will support implementation of continuous safety monitoring, safety assurance activities, and risk-informed inspection planning. The position also includes performing routine field inspections of MBTA rail facilities and operations to assess compliance with both state and federal safety requirements (including 49 CFR Part 674).

This supervisory role requires excellent communication and leadership skills, a strong analytical mindset, and the ability to foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders to ensure a proactive and data-informed safety decision making process.

Position Overview:

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented Safety Risk Management Supervisor to join its Rail Transit Safety Division. This leadership role will guide the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a Safety Risk Management (SRM) Program, as required under 49 U.S.C. §5329(k) and oversight of the Divisions approach to Risk Based Inspections, to enhance oversight of the Commonwealth’s Rail Fixed Guideway Public Transportation Systems (RFGPTS).

This position is responsible for integrating risk-based methodologies into the Commonwealth’s rail safety oversight activities. The selected candidate will lead qualitative and quantitative risk analyses, facilitate the identification and prioritization of safety hazards, support development of hazard mitigation strategies, and ensure regulatory compliance with federal safety oversight requirements.

This role requires excellent analytical, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills, and plays a central part in promoting a safety-focused culture across Massachusetts rail and transit systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Development and Implementation:

• Lead the design and enhancement of the Safety Risk Management program in alignment with federal regulations and FTA guidance.
• Develop and document SRM policies and procedures, incorporating Safety Management System (SMS) principles.
• Develop and support a risk-based inspection strategy to support the Division’s oversight of grade crossings across the Commonwealth, ensuring safety compliance, risk mitigation, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders to improve safety at public highway-rail crossings.

Risk Analysis and Mitigation:

• Apply advanced risk analysis techniques (qualitative and quantitative) to evaluate hazards across rail and transit systems.
• Collaborate with internal teams and MBTA to develop safety risk mitigation strategies.
• Support the development of a safety risk monitoring program.

Inspection Planning and Prioritization:

• Inform risk-based inspections through data analysis and risk prioritization methodologies.
• Ensure inspection planning targets high-risk assets and operations, consistent with SRM outcomes.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Ensure program activities comply with 49 U.S.C. §5329(k), 49 CFR Part 674, and FTA Special Directives.
• Maintain and oversee documentation of risk assessments, mitigation tracking, and decision-making processes.

Leadership and Oversight:

• Supervise interdisciplinary staff contributing to SRM and risk-based inspection planning.
• Conduct training on SRM practices and regulatory expectations while coaching and mentoring staff on the SRM processes.
• Facilitate internal and external communication regarding safety risks, mitigations, and development of performance goals.
• Support policy development with strategic direction on risk management to leadership team.
• Can represent (if needed) the divisions role in SRM activities to federal regulators.
• Monitor national trends, technology advances, and industry best practices to refine SRM strategies.
• Lead strategic improvements in SRM program scope, effectiveness, and reporting.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of transportation safety regulations and Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Experience with safety risk assessment methodologies and safety assurance practices
• Familiarity with FTA oversight, including Special Directive 22-13 and Part 674 compliance
• Strong project management, communication, and analytical skills
• Experience leading teams in a planning, compliance, or risk management function

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) six years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which at least four years must have been in a professional capacity, and (C) of which at least two years must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in urban or regional planning;, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually competed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of three years of the required experience. Substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience. No substitution will be permitted for the required (C) experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Primary Location

Job

Job

: Planning

Agency

Agency

: Department of Public Utilities

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

Shift

: Multiple

Job Posting

Number of Openings

Number of Openings

: 1

Salary

: 89,649.04 - 132,059.20 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Melixza Esenyie - 6178723270

Bargaining Unit : 09-MOSES - Engineers/Scientists

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes