Senior Director, System Safety (7371)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare Coverage

Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Free SEPTA Transportation Pass

Job summary

SEPTA in Philadelphia seeks a Senior Director, System Safety (7371) to lead the Accident Prevention & Investigation and Operational Safety teams, ensure FRA compliance, and drive programs to reduce hazards and injuries across the agency.

The role requires advanced leadership, strong regulatory knowledge (FRA, FTA, NTSB), and excellent writing and communication skills, with collaboration across labor unions and management to advance safety initiatives for employees and customers.

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' experience in System Safety, Transportation Operations, Occupational Safety, Environmental Compliance, or Emergency Management or equivalent EHS fields.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Strong knowledge of FRA, FTA, State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA), and NTSB regulations required.
• Experience in the Public Transportation Industry required.
• Must have a strong understanding of union and management environment and communicate health and safety matters to leadership.
• Excellent verbal and strong technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish department goals and programs to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Develop operational programs to enhance safety of employees and customers.
• Ensure staffing morale, manpower, and training to meet department goals.
• Support development and enhancement of Safety Plans and related policies and programs.
• Supervise Directors and provide coaching and feedback to enable success.
• Coordinate Budget planning and spending for operating and capital expenses.
• Oversee AP&I Directors to implement Safety Programs and goals.
• Analyze accident data to identify trends and reduce incidents.
• Ensure compliance with FRA, FTA, NTD reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with other departments to support safety needs.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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City: Philadelphia

Secure Your Future with SEPTA - A Leader in Transportation!

TheSoutheastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)is thesixth-largesttransportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA isat the forefront of innovationin the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in thePhiladelphia 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 ourSenior 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.

Safety Innovation & Environment

The Deputy Chief Safety Officer (DCSO) of Safety Innovation and Environment plays a critical leadership role within SEPTA's System Safety Division in advancing SEPTA's safety performance through innovative approaches, comprehensive data analysis, and environmental stewardship. This position oversees Occupational Safety and Environmental Management (OSEM), organization-wide sustainability, safety statistics and reporting which includes safety promotion, safety training, safety communications and data analysis. The DCSO - Safety Innovation and Environment ensures these integrated functions support evidence-based decision-making and drive continuous improvement across the Authority. The DCSO-SIE leads a team dedicated to ensuring compliance with Safety and Health OSHA standards (29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926) and Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry regulations; environmental EPA regulations such as RCRA, CAA, CWA, CERCLA, and TSCA (40 CFR Parts 260 - 280) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Regulations.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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-time 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!

Join us and take advantage of these incredible benefits while making a difference in your community!

Have Questions?For more information, please visit How We Hire Careers Page.

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.