Assistant Chief Safety Officer - Rail

Maryland Department of Transportation•Baltimore City, MD

About The Position

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. Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is mandated by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to develop, implement, and administer a comprehensive Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) for all FTA-regulated operations and by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to develop, implement, and administer a comprehensive System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) for all FRA-regulated operations. The Assistant Chief Safety Officer - Rail plays a critical leadership role in fulfilling these mandates. This position oversees activities and requirements related to PTASP and SSPP implementation for all MTA rail modes, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations. Core responsibilities include hazard management, safety event response oversight, safety risk mitigation, and continuous monitoring of safety performance across Metro, Light Rail, Maintenance-of-Way (MOW), and MARC Train operations.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
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.
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply

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.