Manager of Operations Safety

BART•BART Headquarters - 3rd Fl, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

BART is currently seeking an experienced transportation safety professional who is a strategic and collaborative leader who thrives in working in a complex operational environment. This position will oversee a comprehensive rail operations safety program that protects employees, passengers, and critical infrastructure while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence. In this leadership role, the successful incumbent will oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of rail operations safety programs, lead the Operations Safety Division with the System Safety Department, and serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Safety Officer. The Operations Safety Division programs encompass Operations Rules and Procedures, safety auditing, investigation of operations incidents and accidents, Roadway Worker Protection Program, and correction action plans for operations safety activities. The ideal candidate will be a respected safety leader who combines technical expertise with exceptional leadership and communication skills and have the ability to work comfortably in a highly regulated environment, make sound decisions during critical operational events, and build collaborative relationships across departments within BART and with external partners including the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and others. The incumbent will assist the Chief Safety Officer in the implementation of safety programs mandated by the CPUC and FTA including SMS, National Transit Database, and PTASP. Serves as a liaison between the System Safety Department and other District departments, and between the District and regulatory agencies; participates in a variety of District-wide safety-related committees; communicates safety concerns and integrates safety concerns into goals, objectives, priorities, and project plans.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in safety engineering, industrial hygiene or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Five (5) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable professional safety programs experience which must have included at least two (2) years of administrative and supervisory experience.
Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record
Must respond to after-hours, weekend and holiday incidents and perform related field activities
Knowledge of Operational characteristics, services and activities of a transportation safety program
Knowledge of Principles and practices of transportation safety and safety engineering
Knowledge of Principles and practices of program development and administration
Knowledge of Methods and techniques of safety inspection and investigation
Knowledge of Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration
Knowledge of Methods and techniques of accident investigation
Knowledge of Operating principles of rail transportation systems
Knowledge of Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation
Knowledge of Functions and authority of regulatory agencies in relation to operations safety
Knowledge of Emergency response policies and procedures
Knowledge of Related Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations
Skill/Ability in Overseeing and participating in the management of a comprehensive transportation safety program
Skill/Ability in Overseeing, directing and coordinating the work of lower level staff
Skill/Ability in Selecting, supervising, training and evaluating staff
Skill/Ability in Conducting safety audits on the performance of rail operations and activities
Skill/Ability in Investigating and analyzing accident and incidents
Skill/Ability in Participating in the development and administration of division goals, objectives and procedures
Skill/Ability in Preparing and administering large program budgets
Skill/Ability in Reading and interpreting schematic diagrams and plans
Skill/Ability in Preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports
Skill/Ability in Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals
Skill/Ability in Researching, analyzing and evaluating new service delivery methods and techniques
Skill/Ability in Evaluating operations safety features
Skill/Ability in Interpreting and applying Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations
Skill/Ability in Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Skill/Ability in Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Nice To Haves

Additional professional safety programs experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.
A college degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops, manages, and administers safety related activities of the Operations Safety Division including the identification and evaluation of safety risks for the District’s rail operations services.
Investigates safety related rail operations accidents and incidents; performs walk through inspections; conducts safety checks on current and proposed operations and extensions; coordinates CPUC triennial safety audits with BART departments.
Identifies and reports on safety related hazards to senior management and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC); tracks corrective actions from audit recommendations.
Manages and administers the District’s comprehensive rail safety operational policies and procedures (Operations Rules and Procedure Manual, Roadway Protection Manual, and Operating Bulletins).
Serves as safety liaison with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
Coordinates training with District and local fire protection services; plans and conducts drills to determine emergency response times.
Participates in the management of the District’s Safety Management System (SMS) and successful transition of System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) to Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) as required by Federal regulation 49 CFR Part 673.
Selects, trains, motivates and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations and operational studies; recommends modifications to safety programs, policies and procedures as appropriate.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; stays abreast of new regulations, trends and innovations in the field of transportation safety.
Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Provides responsible staff assistance to the Chief Safety Officer; assumes department responsibility in the absence of the Chief Safety Officer.