Deputy Chief Safety Officer-Safety Engineering (7371)

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversees the SEPTA's Safety Engineering Program, including Safety and Security Certification Processes, System Modification Processes, and Configuration Management and Control.
2. Leads a multi-faceted team of a Directors, Construction Safety Officers, Safety Certification Specialists, consultants, and contractors dedicated to system, infrastructure, and vehicle installations, modifications, upgrades and procurements, as well as provide management direction for the entire department.
3. Oversees and participates in the safety review of SEPTA design plans, drawings, and specifications, as well as contractor submittals, for new or modified products, systems, vehicle procurements and infrastructure construction projects to ensure that engineering principles are employed to provide a safe system.
4. Works with the Transit Police Department, as well as the Security and Emergency Management Department, to ensure that all security and safety related activities, including Safety and Security Certification, conducted by the departments are performed in accordance with the System Security and Emergency Preparedness Plan (SSEPP) and in compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
5. Coordinates and leads Safety Engineering Working Groups, dedicated to Safety and Security Certification, to provide operational and engineering technical support for vehicle procurements, new infrastructure and systems installations, and construction activities, including start-up, testing, activation of systems, pre-revenue, and revenue operations.
6. Performs and documents site, facility and system safety audits and investigate system issues to identify hazards and recommend, develop, and implement specialized safety mitigation strategies, based on safety criteria and engineering solutions.
7. Provides counsel to the Chief Safety Officer and executive management concerning safety engineering matters.
8. Directs and coordinates with all SEPTA departments to ensure that all safety engineering related activities conducted by the departments are performed in accordance with the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and other program documents, and in compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
9. Establishes goals, strategies, plans, rules, procedures, and programs to improve safety throughout the Authority.
10. Fosters and implements safety matters in a manner that recognizes safety as a top value of the Authority.
11. Provides analyses of key safety issues and policy decisions at both the federal and state levels.
12. Serves as a liaison for safety matters to ensure that all Federal, State, and Local, when applicable, law, regulations, and industry standards and guidelines are being met with regard to safety and safety policy, as well as for investigations and audits.
13. Directs technical personnel performing investigations and preparing specialized reports, including System Safety Assessments, Hazard Assessments, and Root Cause Analyses.
14. Provides oversight activities of commuter rail contractor to ensure compliance with SEPTA’s Commuter Rail Safety Plan and 49 CFR Parts 200-299.
15. Oversees and participates in the development, review and implementation of SEPTA policies relative to US Department of Labor’s OSHA regulations pertaining to General Industry and Construction (29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926) to ensure compliance.
16. Develops, administers, maintains, and oversees the department’s annual budget as a member of the department’s budget committee, including projections for future needs for staffing, equipment, materials, and services; review and approve division expenditures.
17. Complies with all authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as applicable job safety responsibilities.
18. Upholds the high customer service ideals of SEPTA.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors Degree in related business, Safety, Engineering or Construction Safety Management and fifteen (15) years' experience in System Safety and/or Transportation Operations with specific experience in Construction Safety and Project Safety Certifications required.
• 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, PhD, etc.) will provide up to four years of related experience to the applicant.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Strong knowledge of SSO, FRA, FTA, and NTSB regulations preferred.
• Experience in operations in the Public Transportation Industry preferred.
• PE (Professional Engineer) License or the PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification preferred.
• Must demonstrate the ability to pursue/perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• 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 have excellent verbal and strong technical writing skills.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills.
• PC experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint required.