Bus Safety Specialist

Metropolitan Council•Minneapolis, MN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bus Safety Specialist performs professional-level work administering and coordinating Metro Transit bus safety system programs at assigned bus garages and other locations. The role focuses on safety awareness, training, guidance, and coaching for bus operators and maintenance personnel; regulatory compliance; and proactive, frontline safety engagement through identifying, assessing, and mitigating hazards and risks consistent with Metro Transit’s Safety Management System (SMS). The specialist investigates bus accidents, supports hazard identification and risk management, monitors safety and facility compliance, promotes safe operating practices, and contributes to the safety of employees, customers, and the public. The position provides safety consultations, interviews, training, and mentoring; coordinates facility safety and health activities; and supports management, labor relations, and risk management in grievances, arbitrations, hearings, and related proceedings. It plans annual safety activities and emergency preparedness, performs occupational safety and health compliance and injury prevention activities, and advises on safety considerations for construction projects and future operational planning. Work takes place in a bus garage and office setting. The role may involve climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and exposure to moving equipment, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outdoor conditions. Physical requirements include sitting for long periods; occasional standing and walking; speaking and hearing; operating a computer and office equipment; frequent reaching below chest height and occasional overhead reaching; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 10 pounds; and adequate close vision for reading and computer work. Regular attendance is essential.

Requirements

One of the following combinations of education and related professional experience in occupational health, safety management, transit, transportation, public safety, or a closely related field: high school diploma/GED and seven years of related experience; associate degree and five years; or bachelor’s degree or higher and three years.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Working knowledge of Hastus, TX Base, Microsoft Word, Excel, and electronic communication systems.
Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently with limited day-to-day supervision.
Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal safety-related codes, standards, laws, and regulations.
Ability to coordinate, execute, and implement multiple projects and priorities.
Analytical skills to evaluate data, identify trends, and support informed decision-making.
Knowledge of defensive driving principles and training programs, including Safety Keys.
Ability to deliver training effectively, provide coaching, and engage and motivate employees.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with individuals in challenging or sensitive situations.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people at all organizational levels.

Nice To Haves

Degree in occupational health, safety management, transportation, or business management/administration.
Training or certifications in training, occupational health, Safety Management System (SMS), safety, or a related field, such as OSHA 100, Smith System, Basic Workplace, or industry-related training and certificates.
Commercial Driver’s License.
Good listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
Knowledge of Metro Transit bargaining unit contracts and ability to understand and interpret them.

Responsibilities

Conduct bus accident investigations at assigned garages, including interviewing operators or mechanics, obtaining reports, reviewing video, and visiting accident sites.
Maintain accurate accident investigation data and documentation; review findings with employees, conduct safety conferences, determine accident responsibility, recommend corrective actions, maintain safety award records, present awards, and prepare reports on high-profile accidents.
Develop and deliver safety training and communications for new operators, all bus operators, new employees, instructors, and other staff.
Conduct field safety observations to identify hazards, reinforce safe work practices, and support continuous improvement.
Chair and facilitate monthly A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) committee meetings.
Monitor compliance with safety procedures, follow up on reported safety concerns, maintain records, and conduct SMS-based hazard analyses in coordination with relevant departments.
Support management, Labor Relations, Risk Management, and legal teams with union grievances, arbitrations, veterans’ preference hearings, workers’ compensation and liability proceedings, including documentation, consultations, sworn statements, depositions, and testimony as needed.
Plan and conduct annual Right to Know activities and the Metro Transit Roadeo; coordinate fire drills across all three shifts; review and update facility Emergency Action Plans; and assist with State Fair bus operations planning and monitoring.
Maintain employee injury and illness information in OSHA 300 and 300A logs, prepare annual BLS survey information, assist with OSHA investigations, support FTA and National Transit Database reporting, and investigate employee injuries to recommend prevention and risk mitigation strategies.
Participate in construction and project planning meetings to provide safety input and identify potential impacts to bus operations, employees, and facilities.
Review and recommend updates to Metro Transit safety procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).