JOB TITLE: STATE SAFETY OVERSIGHT PROGRAM SPECIALIST, DOT

JOB CODE: 28360

DEFINITION: This is specialized work in safety oversight of fixed guideway public transportation systems in the Department of Transportation (DOT).

An employee in this job implements, monitors, and evaluates comprehensive state safety oversight programs for fixed guideway public transportation systems under the jurisdiction of the State Safety Oversight (SSO) Office. Work involves conducting comprehensive management reviews and studies of the safety and security operations of rail transit agencies (RTA) operating fixed guideway public transportation systems, preparing reports of findings and recommendations, evaluating and approving corrective action plans, and monitoring and enforcing follow-up actions. Work includes providing consultative services to improve the safety and security programs for RTAs, interpreting regulations and policies for RTA staff, developing safety event and risk-based assessment and inspection criteria, and developing and implementing SSO safety initiatives. Work is performed independently under the general direction of a State Safety Oversight Regional Administrator and is reviewed through conferences and reports for overall program effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Conducts strategic assessments of safety and security operations of rail-fixed guideway public transportation systems and fixed guideway non-rail public transportation systems.

• Implements the SSO program for fixed guideway public transportation systems.

• Develops the criteria for inspection and performance assessments of RTA operations.

• Develops, interprets, and enforces safety and security program policies and procedures.

• Evaluates and certifies RTA safety plans, reports, manuals, and documents for compliance with state and federal regulations and recommends approval.

• Analyzes, evaluates, and examines transit system operations and procedures and develops recommendations for improved operations and procedural changes.

• Provides technical oversight during investigations and audits of RTA safety events and non-compliance allegations.

• Provides technical consultation and expertise to RTAs on SSO policy interpretation and program requirements to maintain compliance with state and federal requirements.

• Approves and enforces RTA corrective action plans, oversees their implementation, and recommends appropriate actions to address non-compliance.

• Oversees annual RTA on-site assessments to ensure compliance with federal and state mandates and ensures findings are implemented.

• Identifies, escalates, and modifies overdue corrective action plans.

• Develops and implements programs such as the regional safety data program, the safety promotion program, and the vehicle maintenance and testing program.

• Implements the RTA risk-based inspection program.

• Participates in Federal Transit Administration and National Transportation Safety Board rail transit safety event investigations.

• Establishes, plans, organizes, and assigns work priorities to contractors and evaluates their work.

• Provides technical guidance, training, and presentations to RTAs, industry and government officials, advisory groups, and the general public.

• Travels to field sites.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Represents the SSO Office during emergency situations, on special committees, or with the media and public.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing rail system safety.

• Knowledge of rail systems, operations, and maintenance.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to read and interpret contracts and other written information.

• Ability to analyze and interpret numerical information.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Three years of experience managing rail transit operations or regulating rail transit safety, and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

• All employees must obtain the federally required Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) Certificate within three years of hire and maintain it for the duration of employment in this job.