Safety Specialist

Rock Region METRO•North Little Rock, AR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Rock Region METRO is seeking a Safety Specialist passionate about protecting employees, passengers, and the community while fostering a strong safety culture. This role supports the safety department by conducting investigations, observations, data entry, and analysis of safety information. The specialist will interpret and communicate state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, and METRO policies, while supporting the planning and implementation of new safety programs, processes, policies, and procedures. This position ensures METRO's compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal rules and regulations, and maintains safety record keeping.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Business, Environmental Health, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
3+ years of experience in safety, investigations, compliance, or transit operations
Strong ability to analyze data and identify trends
Excellent communication skills and ability to work across departments
Ability to handle sensitive situations and difficult interactions professionally
Valid driver’s license with a good driving record
Ability to obtain a Class B CDL with Passenger endorsement

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of safety program development and management.
Knowledge of training resources and equipment.
Knowledge of principles and practices of employee training and development.
Knowledge of use of visual delivery media and public speaking in classroom setting.
Knowledge of DMV commercial testing regulations.
Knowledge of customer service, defensive driving, drug and alcohol testing programs, and emergency procedures.
Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal laws and regulations applicable to public transportation operations.
Knowledge of Policies, procedures, and functions of METRO.
Knowledge of public speaking and presentation techniques and methods.
Advanced word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software.
Specialized software related to functional area.
Ability to interpret and apply established policies and procedures.
Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously.
Ability to learn METRO’s Transit bus and light rail routes and schedules.
Ability to prepare written reports and training presentations.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Ability to organize information clearly and precisely, and effectively communicate messages to appropriate individuals.
Ability to learn system processes related to department and job.
Ability to deal with difficult people and situations.
Ability to read literature, books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents.
Ability to deal with a system of real numbers; and practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.
Ability to write editorials, journals, speeches, manuals, or critiques.

Responsibilities

Lead or support cross-functional projects and initiatives
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members
Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, and external partners
Support safety reviews and operational improvements
Handle sensitive situations with professionalism and sound judgment
Represent the organization in meetings, presentations, and community interactions
Identify potential safety hazards and assess risks associated with transit operations
Conduct safety rule inspections and observations
Coordinate with training staff to correct deficiencies in operator performance and safety
Collect and analyze safety data, including incident reports, customer service reports, accident statistics and safety performance metrics
Use data to analyze trends, assess safety performance, identify root causes and make data-driven decisions
Assist department leadership to continuously evaluate and improve safety programs and initiatives
Communicate safety information to staff
Investigate accidents, incidents, and safety-related concerns to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions
Conduct safety training programs for transit staff, including operators, maintenance personnel and administrative staff
Retrieve, download and review vehicle video to assist with investigations
Conduct Safety and Health facility inspections to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations
Maintain METRO compliance with 49 CFR Parts 659/674 (State Safety Oversight Program) and Part 673 (Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan.)
Achieve and maintain certification under the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Plan (PTSCTP) for Rail within three years of hire.
Act as the main liaison between the Safety Department and the METRO Operations and Maintenance personnel, ensuring excellent communications and cooperation on all matters related to risk mitigation, hazard identification and safety compliance.