Senior Director, System Safety (7371)

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA); Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 142,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Tuition assistance

Free SEPTA transportation pass

Job summary

SEPTA seeks a Senior Director, System Safety to oversee Accident Prevention & Investigation and Operational Safety, ensuring FRA compliance and strategic safety programs for the Authority’s operations across its service region.

The role requires extensive experience in system safety, strong regulatory knowledge, and proven leadership in a public transportation environment. Competitive benefits and growth opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Safety Management, Operations Management, Emergency Management, Transportation, Business Management, Quality Management, Systems Management, or related field.
• Fifteen (15) years of experience in System Safety, Transportation Operations, Occupational Safety, Environmental Compliance, or Emergency Management or equivalent EHS fields.
• Post-Baccalaureate Degree (Masters, Ph.D., etc.) will provide up to four (4) years of related experience to the applicant.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Strong knowledge of FRA, FTA, SSO, and NTSB regulations.
• Experience in Public Transportation Industry.
• Strong interpersonal and writing skills.
• Experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Accident Prevention & Investigation and Operational Safety departments.
• Ensure FRA compliance and reporting activities.
• Budget planning and management for operating and capital expenses.
• Develop and implement safety programs to reduce hazards and losses.
• Coordinate with unions, management, and safety committees to advance safety goals.
• Monitor safety data to identify trends and drive campaigns to reduce incidents.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Verbal communication

Technical writing

Interpersonal skills

Union relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Safety Management, Operations Management, Emergency Management, Transportation, Business Management, Quality Management, Systems Management

Masters/PhD preferred

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation! The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region. We Are Proud To Be Recognized As 2023 FORBES Best in State Employer Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024. We are seeking to hire candidates for our Senior Director, System Safety (7371). Opening Date: XX/XX/XXXX Closing Date: XX/XX/XXXX Job Grade: SAM 44 Salary Range: $142,116.00-$177,658.00

Overall Description

The Deputy Chief Safety Officer (DCSO), Accident Prevention & Investigation & Operational Safety (API & OS) will supervise, manage, and plan the daily activities of the Accident Prevention & Investigation Department and the Operations Safety Department and be responsible for FRA compliance and reporting activities. They will ensure that the department has the resources, tools and cooperation of others to implement and coordinate programs designed to reduce or eliminate hazards, injuries, illness, death and financial losses to all employees and customers. They will coordinate and cooperate with all levels of Authority management, labor unions, safety committees, and manage the Directors of Accident Prevention & Investigation (AP&I) and Operational Safety (OS). They will provide expert assistance toward identifying, quantifying, prioritizing, and influencing line management's prevention of health and safety hazards.

Specific Responsibilities: Accident Prevention & Investigation & Operational Safety, FRA Compliance

• Works with the CSO and the CSO other direct reports to establish department goals and programs to improve the safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency of the department operation.
• Works with the CSO and the other CSO direct reports to establish operational based programs to improve the safety of SEPTA employees and customers.
• Ensures high staff morale and adequacy of manpower and staff training to ensure the department goals and programs are being implemented. Instills a professional, positive, and supportive philosophy in all staff.
• Interprets Authority Policy and administrative directives and supports the CSO toward the development and enhancement of Agency Safety Plan, System Safety Program Plan, Safety related Policies, Directives and Programs.
• Supervises the daily activities of the Directors, develops individual goals, provides work assignments, ensures implementation of work assignments, and promotes success through training, support and constructive feedback.
• Works with the CSO and other CSO direct reports on Budgetary planning and spending for both Operating and Capital expenses and manages spending and utilization of the department budget.
• Manages the day-to-day activity of the AP&I based Directors to ensure implementation of Safety Programs and Department Safety Goals. Prioritizes work activities. Effectively utilizes the AP&I based staff to carry out the department responsibilities.
• Utilizes accident and incident data to develop trends to help reduce accidents and injuries.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant data submissions to the FRA, FTA, SSO and NTD.
• Works with the CSO and staff to review accident and incident trends and develops campaigns with the various operating modes to reduce, if not eliminate, accident trends.
• Works with other Departments to promote safety and supports their safety needs by providing department resources and expertise.
• Supports the development of and compliance with operation practices, operational training, rules, and vehicle maintenance activities as related to their Safety Critical elements for all modes of operation. Ensures safety support and consultation is provided for these functions.
• Ensures that safety oversight and consultation is provided to all internal and external infrastructure improvements and maintenance activities.
• Provides oversight and support to all the various union/management Safety Committees.
• Responsible for FRA compliance and reporting activities
• Ensures compliance with various Regulations and interfaces with regulatory agencies and personnel including but not limited to, FRA, FTA, NTD, and SSO.
• Keeps current in health and safety issues and regulations, particularly as related to the public transportation industry.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Safety Management, Operations Management, Emergency Management, Transportation, Business Management, Quality Management, Systems Management, or related field.
• Fifteen (15) years' experience in System Safety, Transportation Operations, Occupational Safety, Environmental Compliance, or Emergency Management or equivalent EHS fields
• An equivalent combination of experience and education (i.e., two (2) years of related experience, equating to one (1) year of formal post high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements. Post-Baccalaureate Degree (Masters, Ph.D., etc.) will provide up to four (4) years of related experience to the applicant.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Strong knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA), and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regulations required.
• Experience in the Public Transportation Industry required.
• Must have a strong understanding of union and management environment and demonstrate the ability to address health and safety matters directly to Union employees and leadership.
• Must demonstrate the ability to pursue/perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must have excellent verbal and strong technical writing skills.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint required.

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
• Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.