Chief Safety Officer

South Shore Line•Michigan City, IN

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Safety Officer (CSO) for the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, a passenger rail also known as the South Shore Line Railroad, is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, implementation, and oversight of all safety, regulatory compliance, environmental, and risk management programs for the South Shore Line passenger railroad. The CSO ensures compliance with all applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations while promoting a proactive culture of safety throughout the organization. The Chief Safety Officer serves as a key member of executive leadership and works collaboratively with all departments to reduce risk, improve operational safety performance, and ensure the protection of employees, passengers, contractors, and the public.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Transportation, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of railroad, transit, transportation, or industrial safety experience.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive management or executive leadership experience.
Extensive knowledge of FRA, FTA, OSHA, and DOT regulations.
Experience conducting accident investigations and root cause analysis.
Strong knowledge of passenger railroad operations and operating practices preferred.
Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
Ability to work effectively with labor unions, regulatory agencies, executive leadership, and frontline employees.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and safety management systems.
Valid driver’s license required.

Nice To Haves

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.
Experience in commuter or passenger rail operations.
Knowledge of Positive Train Control (PTC), roadway worker protection, and railroad operating rules.
Experience managing emergency response and crisis management programs.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership for all railroad safety initiatives, policies, and compliance programs.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive System Safety Program Plan (SSPP).
Ensure compliance with FRA, FTA, OSHA, DOT, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
Lead accident, incident, and injury investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
Analyze safety trends, operational risks, and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
Oversee railroad operational safety audits, field inspections, and regulatory reviews.
Coordinate emergency preparedness planning and response activities with local, state, and federal agencies.
Develop and administer employee safety training and education programs.
Promote a positive safety culture through leadership engagement and employee accountability.
Serve as primary liaison with regulatory agencies regarding safety compliance matters.
Prepare and present safety performance reports to executive leadership and Board of Trustees.
Oversee contractor safety compliance for capital projects and railroad operations.
Collaborate with Transportation, Mechanical, Engineering, Human Resources, and Risk Management departments to ensure organizational safety objectives are achieved.
Manage departmental budget, staffing, and strategic safety initiatives.
Recommend policies and operational changes to improve safety performance and reduce organizational risk.