Senior Director, System Safety (7371)

Septa • Philadelphia, PA

1d • $142,116 - $177,658

About The Position

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is seeking to hire candidates for their Senior Director, System Safety position. This role is crucial for advancing SEPTA's safety performance through innovative approaches, comprehensive data analysis, and environmental stewardship. The position oversees Occupational Safety and Environmental Management (OSEM), organization-wide sustainability, safety statistics and reporting, including safety promotion, training, communications, and data analysis. The Senior Director ensures these functions support evidence-based decision-making and drive continuous improvement across the Authority. This role also leads a team dedicated to ensuring compliance with Safety and Health OSHA standards (29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926) and Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry regulations, as well as environmental EPA regulations such as RCRA, CAA, CWA, CERCLA, and TSCA (40 CFR Parts 260 - 280) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Regulations. Additionally, the role involves supervising, managing, and planning the daily activities of the Accident Prevention & Investigation Department and the Operations Safety Department, and is responsible for FRA compliance and reporting activities. The goal is to ensure the department has the necessary resources and cooperation to implement and coordinate programs designed to reduce or eliminate hazards, injuries, illness, death, and financial losses for employees and customers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Safety Management, Operations Management, Emergency Management, Transportation, Business Management, Quality Management, Systems Management, or related field.
• Fifteen (15) years' experience in System Safety, Transportation Operations, Occupational Safety, Environmental Compliance, or Emergency Management or equivalent EHS fields.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education (i.e., two (2) years of related experience, equating to one (1) year of formal post high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements. Post-Baccalaureate Degree (Masters, Ph.D., etc.) will provide up to four (4) years of related experience to the applicant.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Strong knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA), and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regulations required.
• Experience in the Public Transportation Industry required.
• Must have a strong understanding of union and management environment and demonstrate the ability to address health and safety matters directly to Union employees and leadership.
• Must demonstrate the ability to pursue/perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must have excellent verbal and strong technical writing skills.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint required.

Responsibilities

• Works with the CSO and the CSO other direct reports to establish department goals and programs to improve the safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency of the department operation.
• Works with the CSO and the other CSO direct reports to establish operational based programs to improve the safety of SEPTA employees and customers.
• Ensures high staff morale and adequacy of manpower and staff training to ensure the department goals and programs are being implemented. Instills a professional, positive, and supportive philosophy in all staff.
• Interprets Authority Policy and administrative directives and supports the CSO toward the development and enhancement of Agency Safety Plan, System Safety Program Plan, Safety related Policies, Directives and Programs.
• Supervises the daily activities of the Directors, develops individual goals, provides work assignments, ensures implementation of work assignments, and promotes success through training, support and constructive feedback.
• Works with the CSO and other CSO direct reports on Budgetary planning and spending for both Operating and Capital expenses and manages spending and utilization of the department budget.
• Manages the day-to-day activity of the AP&I based Directors to ensure implementation of Safety Programs and Department Safety Goals. Prioritizes work activities. Effectively utilizes the AP&I based staff to carry out the department responsibilities.
• Utilizes accident and incident data to develop trends to help reduce accidents and injuries.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant data submissions to the FRA, FTA, SSO and NTD.
• Works with the CSO and staff to review accident and incident trends and develops campaigns with the various operating modes to reduce, if not eliminate, accident trends.
• Works with other Departments to promote safety and supports their safety needs by providing department resources and expertise.
• Supports the development of and compliance with operation practices, operational training, rules, and vehicle maintenance activities as related to their Safety Critical elements for all modes of operation. Ensures safety support and consultation is provided for these functions.
• Ensures that safety oversight and consultation is provided to all internal and external infrastructure improvements and maintenance activities.
• Provides oversight and support to all the various union/management Safety Committees.
• Responsible for FRA compliance and reporting activities.
• Ensures compliance with various Regulations and interfaces with regulatory agencies and personnel including but not limited to, FRA, FTA, NTD, and SSO.
• Keeps current in health and safety issues and regulations, particularly as related to the public transportation industry.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
• Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
• Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
• Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
• Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director