Transit Safety Program Mgr I - Rail Division

Texas Department of Transportation; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement Plans

Alternative and/or Flexible Work Scedu

Paid Leave and Holidays

Health Premiums

On-the-Job Training

Tuition Assistance Program

Holistic Wellness Program

Career Development and Advancement

Family-Friendly Policies

Job summary

Texas Department of Transportation seeks a Program Specialist VI to coordinate the State Safety Oversight Program, advise RTAs and FTA on rail safety issues, and oversee compliance with federal and state standards. The role involves on-site inspections, reporting, and representing TxDOT at committees and FTA meetings.

Required are a bachelor's degree and 4 years of related experience; driving a state vehicle is included in duties. Strong regulatory knowledge and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline; relevant experience may substitute for degree.
• 4 years of experience in public transportation operations, rail safety oversight, industrial safety, or related experience; graduate level education may substitute for experience.

Responsibilities

• Advises Rail Transit Agencies (RTA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on safety issues.
• Develops and maintains the State Safety Oversight Program Standard and the annual rail safety report; submits to FTA for approval.
• Ensures RTA compliance with the department’s Program Standard and Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans.
• Ensures compliance with 49 CFR, the State Safety Oversight Program Standard, and Texas codes and rules.
• Monitors reporting and investigation standards; performs on-site reviews and safety inspections.
• Prepares reports with findings and recommendations from reviews.
• Represents the Department at local, state, and national committees and at FTA meetings.

Skills

Rail safety oversight

Public transportation operations

Regulatory compliance

Project leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

• Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Coordinates the State Safety Oversight Program in accordance with State and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements. Work requires extensive contact with federal, state, and local governmental agencies and officials and Rail Transit Agencies (RTAs). Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Essential Duties

• Advises the Rail Transit Agencies (RTA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on safety issues.
• Develops and maintains the State Safety Oversight Program Standard and the annual rail safety report and submits to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for approval.
• Ensures Rail Transit Agencies (RTA) compliance with the department’s Program Standard and the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans.
• Ensures Rail Transit Agencies (RTA) compliance with Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, the State Safety Oversight Program Standard, Texas Transportation Code, and the Texas Administration Code.
• Ensures Rail Transit Agencies (RTA) compliance with standard operating procedures, accident investigation procedures, bulletins, rule books, operation procedures, maintenance plans, training plans, hazard management, corrective actions and record keeping.
• Monitors compliance with reporting and investigation standards included in the Rail Transit Agencies (RTA) Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan and the department’s Program Standard.
• Performs on-site reviews and announced and unannounced safety inspections of rail transit- controlled property, rail transit vehicles, and rail operations.
• Prepares and issues reports containing findings and recommendations resulting from on-site and document reviews.
• Represents the Department at local, statewide, and national committees on issues related to rail safety and transportation operations.
• Represents the Department at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) meetings.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in any discipline. Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis.

Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 4 years of experience in public transportation operations, rail safety oversight, industrial safety, or related experience. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Must have or obtain Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) certification for rail and bus within 3 years of hire
• Must have or obtain Transit Safety and Security Program (TSS) certification for rail within 3 years of hire

Preferred Qualifications

Competencies

• Applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations specific to area of responsibility for safeguarding information and information technology related systems
• Rail Fixed Guideway System operations and infrastructure
• Federal Transit Administration circulars, orders and regulations to include Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations
• Rail investigative practices and procedures
• Applicable policies and procedures
• Public transportation rail operations

• Transportation funding programs
• Contract development and management policies and procedures

• Analyzing issues, facts, and available information to develop logical solutions; researching inconsistencies of facts or data; drawing correct inferences from information and making recommendations that support business decisions
• Planning methods, techniques, and strategies
• Research and analysis methodologies
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting policies and state and federal laws and regulations specific to functional area
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external
• Dealing courteously and effectively with the public
• Planning, coordinating and handling multiple projects within area of responsibility to meet short and long-term dead
• Planning, directing, coordinating and leading the work of others
• Leading projects and project teams
• Analyzing, organizing, and communicating business and technical data
• Preparing detailed reports
• Communicating complex ideas and information clearly, concisely, and effectively
• Using computers, applicable programs, applications, and systems

• Communicate effectively

• Initiates and supports quality management activities and performance management measures to provide the highest quality products and services that meet the needs and requirements of internal and external customers
• Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Subject to noise
• Subject to vibration
• Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
• Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device
• Works in narrow aisles or passageways
• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Climbing - ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffoldings, ramps, etc
• Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
• Crouching-bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine
• Standing-prolonged periods of time
• Walking-moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another
• Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes visual inspection of small defects/parts
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts
• Visual Acuity-determine work quality/make general observations of facilities/structures

Are you a railroad employee looking for a change? If yes, TxDOT’s Rail Division is looking for a Transit Safety Program Manager. We offer a 40-hour week with 4-10 hour days or 5-8 hour days, flexible work schedule, with 14 paid holidays/agency days, and weekends off.

At TxDOT we value employee work-life-balance. In keeping with our commitment to this value our employees benefit from a wide array of programs and activities that include flexed and compressed work schedules, wellness leave incentive, in-house wellness center, career development programs, tuition assistance, and various other benefits.

Benefits And Perks

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Job

Plan/Aviation/Pub Trans/Legis

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Level

Non-Management

Job Posting

Sep 29, 2026, 1:05:45 PM

State Job Title/s

Program Specialist VI

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category. To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category. https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

Applicant Information

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.