System Safety Engineer

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service. Metra's 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. Reporting to the Director, Safety, the System Safety Engineer will be responsible for defining, planning, and coordinating regulatory safety activities, training, regulatory compliance, and the continuous improvement of safety performance through the development and implementation of various programs, procedures, with interdepartmental cooperation. Will utilize methodologies and strategies that promote safe operations and accident prevention, with emphasis on system safety, increasing safety awareness, and compliance throughout Metra's six-county service area. Serve as subject matter expert for safety training programs and classes, railroad safety, and hazard analyses; also liaison between management, staff, and external stakeholders. Identify, investigate, and report on safety defects and unsafe/hazardous conditions utilizing the hazard identification and resolution procedure, including the performance of root cause analyses, contributing factor determinations, and corrective action recommendations; and identify trends to create proactive risk mitigation plans. Perform comprehensive observations, on-site inspections, audits, and assessments of facilities, equipment, work stations, locations, and employees' activities, including hazardous chemicals/substances, to ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations as well as the agency's operating rules. Respond to and investigate all reported incidents, accidents, and significant safety events, including injuries, fatalities, and equipment failures; provide detailed written documentation for use in internal reports and notifications submitted to the appropriate government agencies; and respond to requests for information and represent the agency for motions to depose or other legal proceedings. Serve as the agency's representative when participating in outside safety events; prepare and conduct presentations for public outreach programs. Coordinate team's day-to-day activities, assign tasks/projects and monitor performance, and provide guidance and training, but is not a supervisor. 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. May be exposed to high noise levels and other environmental conditions. 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.