Rail Safety And Compliance Section Director - Rail Div.

State Of Texas • Austin, TX

400d • $101,860 - $140,000

About The Position

The Rail Safety and Compliance Section Director at TxDOT is responsible for overseeing a team of rail compliance investigators and program managers to ensure adherence to state and federal safety regulations. This leadership role involves strategic planning, budget management, and collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance rail safety and compliance across Texas. The position emphasizes mentoring and leading safety teams while maintaining high inspection standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline.
• Seven (7) years of experience in Transportation including rail, rail safety inspection, federal transit administration state safety oversight programs or highway/rail programs and projects.
• Three (3) years of managerial/supervisory experience.
• Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans.
• Grant management experience.
• Demonstrated success in building and leading effective teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the department's rail and transit safety inspection/compliance program.
• Advise the division on long-range budgetary and staffing needs to support the rail safety and compliance program.
• Oversee the development, management, and administration of the rail safety program.
• Develop and monitor the program operating budget and assist with the legislative appropriation request.
• Coordinate with the federal government on state and/or national initiatives.
• Communicate with railroads, transit agencies, and other government entities.
• Handle questions and concerns from the public and government officials about railroads and rail transit matters in Texas.
• Provide technical expertise, assistance, and guidance related to rail and transit safety.
• Provide analysis of rail safety legislation and regulations and assess rail safety statistics.
• Assess trends in the safety performance of railroads and transit agencies in the State, including at rail highway grade crossings.
• Oversee the collection of the Rail Safety Program Fee and the issuance of penalties for violations of rail safety standards in conjunction with the F.R.A.
• Coordinate risk assessments in areas of responsibility of potential fraud, waste and abuse.
• Coordinate technical support in the implementation, administration and enforcement of laws and regulations relating to rail and transit safety in Texas.
• Coordinate the development of regulations, administrative rules and procedures related to rail safety inspection.
• Oversee the department's federal/state rail safety inspection program.
• Participate and serve as a liaison to state and federal agencies and organizations with interests and responsibilities pertaining to the rail safety section program.
• Participate in rail transportation and rail safety inspection related research.
• Direct the completion of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) annual report to the Governor and Rail Transit Agencies (RTA).
• Ensure Rail Transit Agencies (FTA) compliance with the departments state safety oversight programs, standards, Texas Transportation Code, and the Texas Administrative Code.
• Direct and oversee train derailment and railroad employee injury/fatality investigation in conjunction with FRA and NTSB.
• Review, monitor and analyze state and federal legislation and direct the implementation of legislation for rail and transit safety.
• Direct the development and function of rail safety program efforts Statewide in accordance with TxDOT policies and procedures and in conjunction with the Federal Railroad Administration's regional rail safety program and their regulation and processes and the Federal Transit Administration.
• Manage the collection of Hazardous Materials data from railroads in support of the Texas Department of Emergency Management.
• Oversee the implementation of the rail safety's drone program.
• Coordinate and prepare clearance deviation request.

Benefits

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree