Transportation Safety Specialist (Rail)

Internal title: System Safety Specialist

About the role

The System Safety Specialist supports the safe operation of the MTS Rail system through safety data analysis, hazard identification, incident investigations, regulatory compliance, safety audits, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement of the agency's Safety Management System (SMS). This position plays a key role in identifying safety risks, analyzing performance trends, supporting regulatory requirements, and helping protect passengers, employees, the public, and transit assets.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and report on safety performance data, incidents, accidents, injuries, and property damage
• Identify trends, conduct hazard analyses, and develop recommendations to improve safety performance
• Support incident investigations, regulatory reporting, and compliance activities
• Assist with internal audits, inspections, and State Safety Oversight reviews
• Support safety certification activities for rail projects
• Help maintain and update the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP)
• Interpret and apply FTA, CPUC, and other safety regulations
• Maintain safety records, reports, and documentation
• Coordinate with operations, maintenance, IT, emergency responders, and regulatory agencies
• Support emergency preparedness exercises, training, and response activities
• Assist with programs and initiatives that strengthen the MTS Safety Management System (SMS)

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Safety, Public Administration, Computer Science, or a related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, investigations, audits, or compliance activities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interpret regulations, policies, and technical documents
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Valid California Driver License

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience in rail operations supervision or training
• Completion of some or all of the four required core curriculum courses in the Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) through the Transit Safety Institute (TSI)

Why MTS

Join a team dedicated to keeping San Diego's public transportation system safe and reliable. You'll work with rail operations, maintenance teams, regulatory agencies, and emergency responders to improve safety performance and support critical transit services throughout the region.

Pay

Salary Grade 10: $81,963 – $116,388 annually
Anticipated hiring range: $82,000 – $90,000 annually
Final offers are based on experience, internal equity, budget considerations, and market factors.

Benefits

• Defined benefit pension (CalPERS), Social Security, and optional 457(b)/401(a) plans
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with MTS paying up to 90% of medical premiums
• 18 days of PTO to start plus 13 paid holidays
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Free transit passes, wellness reimbursements, and tuition assistance up to $5,000 per year

Additional Information

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional field activities and site visits
• Position may require travel between MTS facilities and external agencies
• Occasional irregular hours may be required to support emergency response activities, audits, investigations, or special projects
• The selected candidate must successfully complete Federal Transit Administration Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) requirements within the prescribed timeframe