Sr Mgr, Safety Reporting and Reg Compliance

Metra•Chicago, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Safety and Environmental Compliance Department is responsible for the implementation, oversight and coordination of the agency’s passenger and employee safety programs. In addition to safety programs, the department oversees rail safety education and outreach programs and emergency evacuation training for first responders. The department is also responsible for reporting railroad incident and accident data to federal and state regulatory agencies. The department’s environmental compliance function includes inspection and testing for environmental safety (air quality, hazardous materials storage, etc.) at Metra-controlled facilities. The department also oversees environmental mitigation, employee training and the agency’s hazardous waste disposal program. This role will include the management and day-to-day activities related to the regulatory compliance and safety reporting responsibilities related to FRA Part 207, 209, 211, 212, 214 , 219, 225, 243, 244, 270, 271, and Fatigue Risk Management. Management will include two staff members from the Department of Safety and Regulatory Compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in safety and occupational health, safety engineering or a related field or in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years of experience in the administration of safety regulations or occupational health.
Must have six (6) years of professional occupational health or safety management related experience applying applicable safety standards and best practices.
Expert knowledge of safety management systems, methods, and techniques of investigating safety-related accidents and injuries; system and subsystem hazard analyses, safety and risk management practices, operations, facilities, and vehicle rules and procedures.
Knowledge of FRA, OSHA, State of Illinois, GCOR, and railroad operating safety rules and practices related to passenger railroad, transit, and railroad operations, maintenance, and construction.
Knowledge of audit processes, procedures, and response activities related to internal and external units of government.
Knowledge of the regulations and provisions of the various transportation governing bodies such as the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) specifically 49CFR 270 on Safety, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Department of Homeland Security (OHS), Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), as well as state and local emergency response units.
Ability to manage, train, and direct others, set priorities, develop work schedules, monitor progress towards goals, meet deadlines, and track varying activity details, data, and information.
Ability to work independently or with a team, working collaboratively and effectively with others on multiple projects or tasks, and to establish goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance programs while promoting a positive safety culture.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality when working with sensitive information and ability to interpret and apply federal regulations as needed to meet obligation.
Ability to conduct formal audits both of self and others internally and externally to meet and exceed regulatory requirements.
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills needed to interact with employees, management levels, and represent the agency with external groups and outside organizations.
Excellent analysis and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex situations and exercise sound judgment.
Excellent audit skills for regulatory plans and processes to verify conformance with regulations.
Excellent goal setting, project management, and meeting facilitation skills required.
FTA certified TSI Safety professional within 36 months of hire.
Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds.
Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Responsibilities

Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives.
Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedure.
Serve as subject matter experts related to FRA regulations and safety regulations related to Metra operations. Including but not limited to FRA 270, 225, 219 and Fatigue Risk Management.
Conduct monthly required senior level meetings with Metra leadership to meet requirements of FRA System Safety Plan and promote continual improvement safety culture.
Identify safety and regulatory trends to create proactive risk mitigation plans; and share information with the applicable governing bodies and emergency response units.
Manage and interpret Metra's FRA System Safety program, Part 225 Safety Reporting, and Fatigue Risk Management Plans.
Verify completion of all aspects of Plans and complete internal and external audits as needed to meet the organization and regulatory requirements of the Plan.
Complete meetings and documentation as required to meet these requirements.
Conduct training on internal and external staff to education them on FRA, FTA, and Metra safety regulations, procedures, and Processes.
Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures.
Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations.
Works under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow.
This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.