Safety Officer - Safety Assurance Specialist(9069)

SEPTA is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. We are at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.

About the role

The Safety Officer will coordinate and cooperate with all levels of Authority management and collective bargaining unit employees to provide expert assistance toward identifying, assessing, and prioritizing line management’s prevention of safety, health, and environmental hazards.

The Safety Officer must be able to satisfy rigorous and demanding work schedules, which include non-traditional working hours (nights and weekends), and short-term deadlines. The role will concentrate on one of five primary specialty areas: Operational Safety, Occupational Safety and Health, Construction Safety, Accident Prevention and Investigation, and/or Safety Regulatory Compliance. Required expertise and responsibilities will vary based on current vacancies and division needs.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and assist audits of Authority’s operational systems conducted by Authorities Having Jurisdiction, including FRA, NTSB, FTA, State Safety Oversight (PennDOT), and APTA.
• Implement and facilitate activities as required by the Code of Federal Regulations for both the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
• Inspect Authority operations and equipment to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and standards. Recommend cost-effective enhancements to existing safety programs.
• Conduct compliance audits of Operational Rules and Practices. Must be knowledgeable in SEPTA’s operating rules.
• Develop and execute audit protocols and checklists to assess compliance with operational practices, operational training, rules, and vehicle maintenance activities as related to safety-critical elements for all modes of operation.
• Provide safety support and consultation for these functions.
• Assess compliance with various regulations and interface with regulatory agency personnel including Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation State Safety Oversight Agency (PA DOT SSOA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration, emergency response personnel, and local municipalities.
• Review accident and incident statistics to identify trends and develop programs with various Operation departments to reduce, if not eliminate, accidents and incidents.
• Develop, update, and assess compliance with Operational Safety programs including, but not limited to, the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan, System Safety Program Plan, Hours of Service Program, and Currency & Proficiency Program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Safety Management, Operations Management, Emergency Management, Transportation, Business Management, Quality Management, Systems Management, or a related field (preferred).
• Five (5) years’ experience in System Safety, Transportation Operations or Maintenance, Project Management, or Engineering.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education (one year of formal education equating to two years of work experience) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Experience in operations in the Public Transportation Industry preferred.
• Must demonstrate the ability to pursue/perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must have excellent verbal and strong technical writing skills.
• PC experience with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.

Skills

• USDOT Transportation Institute Transit (TSI) Safety and Security Program (TSSP- Rail and/or TSSP-Bus) certificate.
• Federal Transit Administration Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program Certification (PTSCTP).
• Working knowledge of the DHS Homeland Security Emergency and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).
• Knowledge of Military Standard 882, identification of safety hazards, and mitigation.
• Experience in Transit Safety and Security.
• Knowledge of the FTA Safety and Security Certification Handbook.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, FRA, FTA, NFPA, and PennDOT, as well as applicable local, state, and federal regulations (preferred).

Pay

$82,342.00 - $102,908.00

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Work-Life Balance – Paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays.
• Employee Wellness – Access to wellness programs and resources for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Tuition reimbursement to support education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Free SEPTA Transportation Pass – Unlimited access to all SEPTA services.