Director Operational Safety

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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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 directly to the Chief Safety & Regulatory Compliance Officer, the Director, Operational Safety is responsible for the development, execution, and direction of safety objectives, policies, and programs to prevent accidents, incidents, and other harm during normal operations across the agency; the assigned teams that ensure proper utilization of equipment and implementation of programs; and ensuring all employees and external stakeholders operate in compliance with safety-related regulatory requirements including investigations and reporting.

The primary duties include: Provide leadership, guidance, and direction to assigned team responsible for safety activities and regulatory and policy compliance; ensure best in class safety programs, processes, procedures, training, and materials are in place and readily available to employees. Oversee and monitor the administration and maintenance of the agency's System Safety Plan and various safety programs as required by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA); and internal operational audits. Develop, deliver, and track participation in safety training programs that educate employees on safe work practices, appropriate equipment operation, and emergency procedures. Manage internal safety assessments; schedule and oversee on-site inspections that identify and address potential safety hazards; conduct in-depth incident or accident investigations; and ensure incidents are tracked and reporting is prepared and submitted in accordance with regulatory requirements. Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external contractors to identify hazards, evaluate procedures, and investigate and respond to incidents and emergencies. 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 procedures. 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.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field OR in lieu of degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in safety management or regulatory oversight preferably in rail operations.
2. In addition to #1, have ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in safety management or regulatory oversight, preferably in railroad operations.
3. Must have five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience that includes day-to-day employee management, assigning tasks, providing guidance, and training, monitoring performance, conflict management, budgeting, hiring, disciplinary and/or termination.
4. Considerable knowledge of local, state, and federal safety regulations and standards including OSHA, DOT, and other transportation safety regulations, particularly Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49 Transportation.
5. Considerable knowledge of safety concepts, principles, and practices with an understanding of potential safety issues, hazards, and risks.
6. Considerable knowledge of safety training methodologies to aid in the design and delivery of safety training programs.
7. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with emphasis on database applications for recording and tracking compliance related projects.
8. Familiar with the use of enterprise asset management (EAM) programs, IBM Maximo experience is preferred
9. Excellent written and verbal communication and instructional skills to convey safety information, build collaborative relationships, and work effectively with cross-departmental teams, third parties, and various committees.
10. Strong leadership and managerial skills.
11. Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills with attention to detail.
12. bility to work independently as well as lead and direct the work of others in groups in the execution and management of safety programs and to achieve defined goals and objectives.
13. Ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities and lead change at the organizational level.
14. Ability to solve problems, identify hazards, assess risks, and develop solutions to implement safety measures.
15. Ability to articulate complex concepts and put forward compelling arguments and rationales for decision makers at all levels within the agency.
16. Ability to overcome obstacles, shifting requirements, and inherent uncertainties while keeping control of costs, schedules, and quality.
17. Ability to perform complex tasks and establish and implement processes and procedures that improve efficiencies.
18. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
19. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
20. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) Certification.
2. Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
3. Project Management Professional (PMP).

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.