System Safety Specialist I-IV Environmental Protection

Metropolitan Transportation Authority; New York (NY); On-site; USD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Environmental Protection is seeking a System Safety Specialist I with strong analytical skills to interpret environmental regulations and ensure NYC Transit operations comply with all requirements.

The role covers reviewing environmental programs, coordinating sampling, permits, and compliance documents, and supporting vendor contracts. It requires independent and team work, field inspections, and strong communication with agencies and departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science preferred in a relevant field.
• Familiarity with MS Word, Excel and Access.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal environmental regulations is essential.
• CSP, ASP or CHMM certifications are valued.

Responsibilities

• Interpret environmental regulations and apply them to NYC Transit operations.
• Review and refine environmental programs (Air, Stormwater, Universal Waste, Hazardous Waste, Bulk Storage).
• Coordinate sampling, analysis, permits, and compliance documents.
• Manage vendor contracts and respond to departmental inquiries.
• Conduct field audits, inspections, and record reviews; liaise with regulatory agencies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Regulatory knowledge

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, safety or related field

Master's degree substitution option

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Access

Job description

System Safety Specialist I-IV Environmental Protection

System Safety Specialist I-IV Environmental Protection

Authority:

TA/OA

Department:

Office of System Safety

Division/Unit:

Location:

2 Broadway New York, NY 10004

Hours:

As required

Telework (if Applicable):

Deadline (if Applicable):

Compensation\Authority - Union

TA–Non Rep

OA–Non Rep

System Safety Specialist I

$67,933 - $80,421

$67,933 - $80,421

System Safety Specialist II

$78,874 - $87,847

$78,874 - $87,847

System Safety Specialist III

$89,162 - $101,647

$89,162 - $101,647

System Safety Specialist IV

$99,326 - $115,445

$99,326 - $115,445

POSITION SUMMARY:

This class of positions encompasses professional work at varying degrees of difficulty and responsibility as a scientific/technical/engineering specialist in environmental, industrial hygiene, or safety engineering analysis. There are four assignment levels within this class of positions. All personnel perform related work.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role requires strong analytical skills to interpret and assess environmental regulations, and to apply those requirements appropriately within New York City Transit’s operations, ensuring that regulatory obligations are understood, integrated into operations, and aligned with the organization ’ s broader safety objectives.

Broad responsibilities encompass reviewing and refining environmental programs such as Air, Stormwater, Universal Waste, Hazardous Waste, and Chemical and Petroleum Bulk Storage to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. Must be able to assess all contributing elements of a program to determine the enhancements needed to improve operational efficiency, strengthen program effectiveness, and elevate overall compliance. This includes providing clear guidance and support to operating departments as they implement environmental requirements. The role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work professionally with personnel at all levels, in both field and office settings.

Core duties comprise managing and responding to requests from operating departments, including the handling and disposal of hazardous, infectious, and universal waste; coordinating sampling and analysis; preparing and reviewing air permits and bulk storage certificates; keeping track of all applicable regulatory deadlines; and reviewing manifests, certificates of disposal, SPCC plans, and other compliance documents for accuracy.

Responsibilities also extend to managing vendor contracts, responding to departmental inquiries, and supporting the manager with various initiatives.

Field activities include conducting audits, inspections, and facility record reviews to evaluate compliance with environmental regulations and NYCT policies. Must also accompany regulatory agencies during walkthroughs and audits, serve as the point of contact throughout the process, and act as a liaison between the agencies and the organization to ensure consistent communication and coordinated follow‑up. The position includes preparing clear, comprehensive reports that document findings and recommendations.

May also require performing the same duties for MTA Bus Company.

The position requires someone who can work both independently and collaboratively, take initiative, work proactively, and maintain strong attention to detail and quality. Upholding high professional and technical standards is essential. Must be available for emergency response duties (using a company vehicle) and must possess a valid driver’s license.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent plus six (6) years of satisfactory, full-time professional system safety-related work; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in engineering, fire safety, environmental or occupational safety, ergonomics, statistics, mathematics, chemical, physical or biological sciences, industrial hygiene, safety management, or a related field;plusat least two (2) years of satisfactory full-time experience in professional safety work; or
• Educational and/or experience equivalent to that listed above. A master's degree in any of the fields indicated above may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. Additional experience needed for higher levels.

Special Note:

To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level II, individuals must have, after meeting theminimumrequirements, oneadditionalyear of professional experience as described in "2" above.

Desired Skills

• Bachelor of Science preferred.
• Must have familiarity with MS Word, Excel, and Access
• Knowledge of local, state and federal ENVIRONMENTAL regulations is essential
• CSP (CERTIFIED SAFETY PROFESSIONAL), ASP (ASSOCIATE SAFETY PROFESSIONAL), or CHMM (CERTIFIED HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGER).

SELECTION METHOD

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, interview, and written assessment.

All selected candidates will be subject to a full background investigation that includes employment and education. Discrepancies may lead to dismissal.

OTHER INFORMATION

Appointment may be at a comparable level to current level of selected candidate. (If necessary)

As an employee of MTA NYC Transit, you may be required to complete an annual financial disclosure statement with the state of New York, if your position earns more than $101,379 (this is subject to change) per year or if the position is designated as a policy maker.

TA APPLICANTS MUST BE IN A PERMANENT CIVIL SERVICE STATUS IN THE TITLE(S). IF YOU ARE ON AN ESTABLISHED LIST, YOUR LIST NUMBER MUST BE REACHABLE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent uponmaintaininga satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.Pursuant tothe New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

Disclaimer

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.