What: This position is responsible for ongoing assistance to the State Safety Oversight Section by synthesizing information, conducting research, and developing safety performance indicators in rail transit safety activities, as well as performing inspections, audits, assessments, and studies as necessary.
The incumbent supports all aspects of the State Safety Oversight (SSO) Section. The incumbent conducts complex technical and analytical research, special audits and investigations, as well as technical studies and recommends alternatives on a broad range of issues involving safety oversight for rail fixed guideway public transportation systems. The incumbent will make recommendations using the development of performance measures to improve rail transit safety, consistent with the principles of Safety Management Systems. This position prepares written and oral reports and briefings for department management on a wide range of highly complex issues related to rail transit safety oversight. The position will also ensure compliance with federal requirements for financial management and reporting.
The incumbent also assists in the compilation of department decision drafts, reports, and studies on rules, procedures, safety standards, safety audits, safety oversight plans, and transit equipment and facilities affecting the safety of transit system planning, construction, operations and maintenance. The incumbent provides advisory services regarding new legislation and federal notice of proposed rulemaking initiatives and compiles and submits periodic reports/data requested by the Federal Transit Administration. Primary responsibilities include:
- Conducts complex technical and analytical research, special investigations, as well as policy studies and recommends alternatives on a broad range of regulatory issues involving rail transit safety oversight.
- Works collaboratively and independently or in a lead capacity to evaluate complex inspection and accident data, using SMS as the foundation for identifying root causes and the analyses of incident and hazardous conditions by location.
- Makes recommendations in the development of proactive measures to improve rail transit safety including modifications to existing local and State safety policies, as well as industry standards and prepares written and oral reports and briefings for department management on a wide range of highly complex issues related to rail transit safety oversight.
- Coordinates activities of technical professional staff in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, data collection, interpretation of data, and advisory services pertinent to rail transit system safety.
- Assists in the compilation of department decision drafts, reports, and studies on rules, procedures, safety standards, safety audits, safety oversight plans, and transit equipment and facilities affecting the safety of transit system planning, construction, operations and maintenance.
- Performs other duties as assigned. Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
Required:
- FTA Transit Safety and Security Program certification at the time of hire, or ability to obtain certification within a 12 month period, with ability to complete future required training to maintain FTA certification for the SSOA program in Illinois
- In-state and out-of-state travel
- Valid driver’s license
- Completion of four years of college preferably with major courses in business/public administration, statistics, transportation, or safety and emergency preparedness
- Five years of work experience with rail transit agencies and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
- Understanding of rail transit operations and maintenance, including associated safety and security programs
- Familiarity with the requirements and implementation of rail transit agency System Safety Program Plans or Public Transportation Agency Safety Plans under FTA regulations
- Familiarity with State Safety Oversight program standards and procedures for overseeing rail transit agencies