The Director of Rail and Ferry Safety is a safety-sensitive senior management position that leads a team of safety professionals dedicated to work closely Railroad Operations department and Hornblower to identify, resolve, and track safety issues. This leadership position will be responsible to perform safety oversight of the contracted MBTA Commuter Rail Operator and the ferry services provider Hornblower and monitor compliance with federal regulations, the applicable service agreements, MBTA safety program requirements, and industry best practices.

• Oversee the MBTA Commuter Rail Operator/Maintenance and the ferry service contractors’ compliance to their contracts on safety deliverables and safety performance as well as gauge the effectiveness of associated operations, maintenance, and engineering through measurement, tracking, and reporting.
• Main point of contact (POC) for Railroad Operations (ROO) and Keolis (Commuter Rail contractor) and Hornblower.
• Respond to and lead the investigation of emergency events (such as derailments and accidents), conditions, hazards, and other unusual occurrences, and provide formal reports as required.
• Manage the development and implementation corrective actions related to identified hazards and/or incidents occurring on the Commuter Rail or on the ferry.
• Review, comment on, and prepare root cause analyses, system safety assessments, hazard analyses, and other specialized technical reports.
• Partner with representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), MBTA’s Commuter Rail Operator, the United States Coast Guard, and various MBTA departments to ensure the resolution of identified safety issues.
• Develop and provide safety training, coaching, and education of MBTA employees and contractors, as appropriate.
• Act as lead MBTA Safety representative for the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) program activities. This includes attending meetings, reviewing reports, and providing recommendations for safety improvements.
• Oversee the performance of safety activities, conduct assessments of safety programs, including field inspections, and procedure and policy reviews, to identify areas of improvements and corrective actions, partnering with Ferry Leadership and RRO on continuous improvement projects.
• Direct and manage a team that provides Commuter Rail safety outreach and awareness programs, such as Operation Lifesaver.
• Lead cross-functional PTC Safety Certification Committee to ensure safety compliance with PTC implementation process.
• Participate in external (e.g., FRA, USCG) audits and inspections, and conduct and provide oversight of internal audit and inspection activities.
• Represent MBTA Safety on task forces and committees established to address safety, passenger needs, and other topics relevant to Authority goals.
• Manage and direct ongoing audit activities and follow up of investigative reports, including rollup summary of key areas of deficiency.
• Manage, review, approve, and track corrective action plans from creation to closure, including identification of ongoing/symptomatic issues.
• Manage the direction and preparation of routine audits of Commuter Rail Transportation or ferry activities including review of rules and procedures for train dispatchers, engineers, and conductors to ensure compliance with all federal regulations.
• Work with railroad operations and contractors to implement safety programs as necessary.
• Direct the routine review of rules/procedures and recordkeeping for all required training per Federal Regulations for all safety sensitive Commuter Rail and ferry employees.
• Direct the supervision of routine audits of Commuter Engineering activities including roadway worker protection (RWP), federally required maintenance and inspection processes.
• Direct the routine review of rules/procedures and recordkeeping for all required training per Federal Regulations for all Commuter Rail Engineering employees.
• Supervise routine audits of Commuter Rail Mechanical activities including blue flag protection, as well as federally required maintenance and inspection processes.
• Conduct scheduled and unscheduled inspections and/or audits of MBTA and Hornblower facilities, work sites including capital projects, specifications, infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment, to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local codes, regulations, and guidelines.
• Conduct routine review of rules/procedures and recordkeeping for all required training per Federal Regulations for all Commuter Mechanical and ferry employees.
• Oversee auditing of Trapeze reporting to ensure adequate reporting and timely resolution of identified issues related to repair and compliance.
• Collaborate cross functionally with MBTA Safety Engineering team to evaluate new and existing Commuter Rail and ferry capital projects and vehicle procurements, as part of the MBTA’s Management of Change and Safety Certification Programs.
• Manage the information collection, analysis, and response to reports and correspondence submitted by passengers and others as they relate to Commuter Rail or ferry safety concerns.
• Support the Chief Safety Officer, Director of Transportation Safety, Director of Safety Engineering, Chief of Investigations, and other Deputy Directors within MBTA Safety.
• Assist in the management, recruitment, training, discipline, and promotion of MBTA Safety personnel.
• Participate in the department’s budget committee to develop, administer, maintain, and oversee the department’s annual budget; make recommendations and forecasts for future funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and services; reviews and approve division expenditures and implements adjustments.
• Lead the onboarding process for new hires. This includes the administrative logistics (purchasing of PPE, computers, creation of departmental new-hire packets, cubicles, etc.) and working with appropriate management and staff to ensure on-the-job training, formalizing training, and job expectations are clearly communicated.
• Ensure that all required documentation and reports are completed accurately and forwarded to the appropriate operating areas including the DPU and the NTD in accordance with established time frames.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Safety, Engineering, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field.
• Seven (7) years of experience in safety oversight, railroad operations, maritime transportation, policy development, policy implementation, urban planning, public administration, and/or regulatory compliance.
• Five (5) years of related supervisory, managerial, and/or leadership experience.
• Experience in compiling, analyzing, and reporting information into databases.
• Experience and understanding of US Coast Guard Regulations and Maritime Safety
• Effective organizational, analytical, multitasking, time management and interpersonal skills. Ability to demonstrate strong analytical, communication and regulatory/technical writing skills (Finalists selected to interview may be required to submit a writing sample at the time of interview).
• Capability for analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Database applications.
• Working knowledge/understanding of 49 CFR Parts 200-299 (FRA Regulations), NORAC Operating Rules, and AREMA standards.
• Ability to complete, apply, and adhere to concepts in safety training including but not limited to SMS Fundamentals, ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 as well as courses offered on websites hosted by MassDOT, FEMA, and TSI within the first month of employment. Ability to complete a Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) within three (3) years of employment.
• Ability to perform all tasks safely with proper PPE. Ability to perform and oversee that tasks are performed to ensure the safety of MBTA employees, contractors, ridership, and the general public, and critical infrastructure.
• The ability to effectively communicate with regulatory agencies, contractors, community organizations and others on technical and sensitive matters.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
• The ability to effectively communicate with regulatory agencies, community organizations and others on technical and sensitive matters.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor or coworker in a courteous and professional manner.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit/inspect work sites and to assist at emergencies and/or events as needed.
• Perform night and weekend Safety Duty Response in rotation with other Safety staff.
• Respond or report to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Adhere to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.

• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.

Preferred Experience and Required Skills

• A master's degree from an accredited institution in Safety, Engineering, Urban Planning, or Public Administration.
• Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) Certification.
• Additional years of experience.
• NORAC Operating Rules qualified, or ability to pass NORAC examination.
• Operation Lifesaver certified.
• Possession of a World Safety Organization (WSO) Certificate or equivalent.
• Possession of a Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) Certification.
• Knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) principles and best practices.
• Experience working in transportation, safety, security or related field; and candidates demonstrating an understanding of OSHA/DLS Regulations, knowledge of American Public Transportation Association (APTA) standards, and/or experience conducting training.
• Familiarity with the greater Boston railroad network, including Commuter rail lines as well as adjacent/interconnecting railroad lines.