Assistant Chief Safety Officer - Rail

About the role

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is seeking an experienced and dedicated Assistant Chief Safety Officer - Rail to support and advance the agency’s commitment to safe, reliable, and compliant rail transportation services across the state.

Responsibilities

• Manage and administer PTASP and SSPP activities as they relate to all MTA rail operations.
• Ensure all required safety activities, documentation, and reporting are carried out in alignment with program objectives and federal mandates.
• Collaborate closely with the Chief Safety Officer and Deputy Chief Safety Officer - Operations to develop and implement policies, procedures, and guidance for MTA’s rail safety programs.
• Oversee compliance with: – FTA 49 CFR Parts 673 and 674 – Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA) Rail Safety Oversight Program Standard (RSOPS) – FRA 49 CFR Part 270, including event reporting, workplace safety, and system safety management for MARC Train
• Lead safety-related coordination with Metro, Light Rail, MOW, and MARC Train leadership to support a robust Safety Management System (SMS) and promote a strong, positive safety culture.
• Guide hazard identification, analysis, and mitigation activities to ensure rail safety risk is maintained as low as reasonably practicable.
• Support safety event investigations and ensure corrective actions are effective, timely, and compliant.
• Monitor and assess rail system safety performance, preparing reports, dashboards, and recommendations for executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Experience: Six years of experience in administrative staff or professional work ** Six years of experience in rail safety, compliance and enforcement of State and Federal occupational safety and health laws, regulations, and standards. Two years of this experience must have involved one or more of the following: the supervision of other employees, overseeing and coordinating the general operations of a unit, applying rules and regulations, or exercising responsibility for the development of policies or procedures.
• Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policies, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.