Chief Safety Officer

About the role

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) seeks a Chief Safety Officer (CSO) to lead and oversee safety functions across six transit modes. The CSO is a strategic executive leader responsible for shaping and advancing the safety vision of a complex, 24/7 transit system.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead the following safety programs/functions:
  • Operational Safety for MARC, Light Rail, Metro Subway, Core Bus, Mobility, and Commuter Bus Services
  • Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Safety and Security Certification Program
  • DOT Compliance (Drug & Alcohol and Medical)
  • Emergency Management
  • OSHA Compliance for Construction and General Industry
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Technical and Safety Training
  • Transit Claims
  • Workers’ Compensation
• Advise the Administrator (CEO/Accountable Executive) and senior leaders on ongoing safety-related issues and high-priority hazards impacting the agency.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, specifically ensuring adherence to 49 CFR Parts 671-674 and coordinating with officials from SSOA, FTA, FRA, FMCSA, NTSB, MOSH, MDE, and EPA.
• Drive continuous improvement by regularly conducting inspections, overseeing audit planning and stakeholder interviews, and assisting in the development of findings and corrective actions.
• Manage and strategically allocate the department’s annual budget of $45 million, ensuring effective use of resources.
• Implement and monitor core SMS components and processes throughout the agency to provide leadership with the necessary training, tools, and support for success.
• Develop and refine safety management policies, including the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and MARC System Safety Program Plan (SSPP).
• Develop, monitor, and continuously improve safety data tracking systems to analyze trends and facilitate ongoing communication between internal and external stakeholders regarding policies and safety performance targets.
• Represent MTA at industry meetings and maintain relationships with governmental agencies, including the SSOA.
• Must be available for evening/weekend work and on-call for emergencies and accident investigations.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Occupational Health, System Safety, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred).
• Experience: 8-9 years of executive-level experience in safety and compliance within regulated industries (e.g., transportation, rail). Proven track record in implementing safety management systems and ensuring regulatory compliance. Three (3) years of the required experience must have involved the supervision of employees.
• Licenses & Certifications: Currently holds Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program – Rail (or ability to receive credential within 3 years of hire).

Skills

• Exceptional communication skills
• Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments
• Leadership with integrity
• Foster a positive safety culture
• Enforce all safety rules, policies, regulations, and personal protective equipment requirements
• Identify safety hazards and concerns
• Conduct inspections and safety risk assessments
• Develop recommendations and Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)
• Develop safety procedures, practices, and plans
• Co-chair the Risk Review Committee safety meeting

Benefits

The MTA offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $150,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

The schedule for this role includes evenings, weekends, and on-call availability for emergencies and accident investigations.

Contact

To apply, please complete a Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) application (Form DTS-1) and submit it online at www.mdot.maryland.gov/employment. For additional information, contact [Contact Information].