Safety Manager
The Safety Manager will administer and promote the Safety Management System for Hampton Roads Transit Rail, Bus and Ferry systems. Essential Job Functions: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.) Manages all aspects of the implementation, administration, and coordination of the Safety Management System (SMS). Manages compliance with safety requirements and regulations including OSHA, FTA, FRA, ADA and the State Safety Oversight. Assists in establishing safety goals, objectives, strategies, plans, rules, procedures, and programs. Coordinates with Operational departments to establish annual objectives for safety performance indicators. Consults with and advises Office Directors and Project Managers on developing annual departmental/office safety goals and objectives in accordance with the requirements of the SMS. Manages the internal safety audit program to comply with State Safety Oversight and FTA requirements. Conducts system audits in compliance with the SMS, and tracks findings and corrective actions to closure. Prepares and/or coordinates with other departments, for the FTA triennial reviews, drug and alcohol audits, independent audits, state audits, EEO Program audit, etc. Conducts comprehensive accident/incident investigations and leads Rail Accident Investigation sub-committees. Briefs the Senior Executive Committee on major investigations and studies of major significance. Provides management direction for hazard management process, to include conducting risk assessments, tracking hazards, developing corrective actions, and implementing engineering solutions to eliminate hazards or provide other mitigations to lower risk to an acceptable level as determined in the SMS. Reviews hazard analyses performed by HRT contractors for accuracy and adherence to industry standards. Responsible for reviewing, implementing, and updating Emergency Operations Procedures. Develops and/or revises safety rules, revisions, bulletins, notices and special orders. Participates in the Operations Safety Committees and the Fire and Life Safety Committee. Reviews Document Control procedures to ensure compliance with the SMS Conducts research and references technical documentation to support the needs of all departments in the area of safety. Summarizes requirements and identifies deliverables for departmental response; and coordinates with all departments to ensure uniform application of safety policy and practice. Assists with the development of comprehensive safety programs for future expansion. Assists in conducting safety reviews of plans, designs, specifications and contracts for new construction and major capital projects. Participates in configuration control review boards for new systems or modifications. Participates on the Safety & Security Certification Review Committee which has been established for future expansion. Liaison with QA/QC during construction related activities concerning light rail for future expansion. Develops, analyzes, and manages safety performance data. Prepares safety performance reports for monthly submission to the Chief of Safety, CEO and the State Safety Oversight. Maintains the safety records for all operators, field supervisors and controllers. Coordinates emergency preparedness standards for the HRT System. Interfaces with other public agencies, associations and groups, assuring HRT safety standards are reflective of the latest industry trends, regulations, and technologies. Prepares routine and special reports for the Chief Safety Officer; safety audits, accident investigations and reports to the State Safety Oversight (VDRPT). Exercises authority to suspend unsafe operations as necessary. Manage records created and received in compliance with the Hampton Roads Transit Records Management Policies and Procedures. Performs other duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills essential to Job Functions: Individual must have completed all required FTA TSI courses. Individual must possess extensive knowledge in Emergency Management as well as possess required NIMS, ICS and other FEMA courses. Individual must have a strong working knowledge, or ability to quickly gain knowledge, of transit agency capital projects safety programs and the FTA/VDRPT requirements for safety certification of fixed guideway transit systems; should also possess general knowledge of OSHA regulations as related to general and heavy construction with the intent of becoming the senior agency expert on the subject; must maintain general knowledge and application of safety policies and procedures as they relate to the operational and structural needs of the entire HRT organization. Comprehensive understanding of current federal regulations mandating State Safety Oversight and as future legislation becomes available that is applicable to the SSO Program. Ability to interpret and apply federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures. General knowledge of rail transit engineering practices and design of light/heavy rail systems. General knowledge of financial management and federal and state grant management practices. Familiarity with national rail safety initiatives and programs. Must have extensive knowledge on federal and state legislation regarding safety. Must be familiar with NFPA 130 and its application to light rail systems. Must demonstrate effective supervisory skills and experience in a multi-discipline, matrix organization; excellent coordination and people skills, including the ability to establish and maintain working relationships with management, members of the Commission, elected officials, leadership of other government agencies, HRT retained contractors and consultants as well as with other public and private organizations. Must demonstrate high levels of patience, diplomacy, tact and courtesy in achieving good interpersonal relations and effective coordination with all categories of staff and conscientiously work to resolve conflicts and develop “work-around” strategies to keep the overall project on schedule with regard to safety certification and safety issues. Must develop and maintain an understanding of HRT organizational functions, policies, and procedures and integrate as required into the rail safety certification process. Must be able to formulate, develop, implement, and administer policies and procedures related to safety policy. Ability to train others in safe practices and work rules, either individually or as a classroom instructor. The incumbent must be able to read, write and fluently speak the English language. Skilled in written and spoken communication of administrative and technical data with strong grammar/spelling knowledge sufficient to screen own work as well as that of others. Good telephone skills and presence. Ability to independently research technical documents, interpret and organize data and information as required; Ability to facilitate meetings and obtain consensus. Demonstrated satisfactory written and oral communication skills in prior positions with fluent command of English to effectively compose and edit technical documents; Required Software Knowledge and Skills essential to job functions: Proficiency in using computer systems and the listed software applications associated with performance of assigned work is essential. Basic problem-solving skills associated with software applications used is expected. Software usage relevant to job duties will be evaluated. Software applications: Demonstrate skills with software programs for entering, organizing, and retrieving data using computerized spreadsheets and databases, in preparing reports, presentations and correspondence using word processing and other software, including Power Point and the internet for research, communication (including email) and data exchange. Safety Responsibility: Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect oneself, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Ensure all employees and contractors are properly trained and understand all rules, safety policies, and procedures to perform their work functions safely. Promote safety awareness by attending safety committee meetings and adhering to all safety procedures and policies. Actively conduct workplace hazard analyses for all employees to maintain a safe work environment. Encourage employee safety reporting program and communication of hazards to the Safety Department. Responsible for the timely mitigation of all unacceptable and undesirable safety risks. Accountable for safety performance within their functional area and achieving the agency’s safety goals. Training and/or Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent college level work in business administration, project administration, safety, or related fields; Specialized training in safety administration or construction safety inspection; Specialized training in document management and meeting facilitation preferred; May be required to obtain Safety Certification or additional safety training to better serve the agency at HRT’s expense. Required Experience: Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in a transit agency environment requiring independent analysis and action; Significant experience with software programs related to database management; Minimum of five years’ experience monitoring and/or investigating job-site safety practices or incidents. Any combination of education, training and experience that provides the above knowledge, abilities and skills may be substituted. Licenses or Certificates: Possess a valid Driver's License. Acquire a Virginia Driver's License within 60 days after the date of hire (in instances when an out of state license is not the applicant's current state of residence). Status as Certified Engineer Technician or Certified Safety Professional optional. Special Requirements: Must be able to pass federal government background screening process for local military installation access This position is classified as essential personnel. FLSA Status: Exempt Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Work may occur at field locations under construction requiring Personal Protective Equipment, which require walking on rough and irregular surfaces, climbing ladders and scaffolds to reach work locations, and operation of motorized vehicles. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Unusual Demands: The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work involves meeting multiple demands on a timely basis. Duties may require some seasonal overtime. On call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. May require evening and/or weekend work.
