Rail Safety Data & Compliance Officer

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Job Description - Rail Safety Data & Compliance Officer (260003Z9) Rail Safety Data & Compliance Officer - (260003Z9) Who We Are: The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition. Who We Are as an Employer: At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents. Department of Public Utilities The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, transportation network companies, and oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines and the MBTA. Position Overview The DPU seeks a highly analytical, detail-oriented Rail Safety Data & Compliance Officer to support the Rail Transit Safety Division’s Safety Risk Management (SRM) and Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) programs. Reporting directly to the Safety Risk Management Supervisor, the officer serves as a key link between data-informed oversight, regulatory compliance, and field-based safety inspection activities. The role supports the Commonwealth’s responsibilities under 49 U.S.C. § 5329, 49 CFR Part 674, and related Safety Management System (SMS) requirements. Responsibilities include reviewing and interpreting safety data, dashboards, reports, and compliance information; supporting inspection planning and oversight activities; tracking corrective actions; and identifying risk-informed priorities for inspections, investigations, and hazard mitigation across the MBTA system. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical ability, sound regulatory judgment, and field readiness to advance a risk-based, compliance-focused rail safety oversight program. Job Duties Conduct investigations and collect, review, and assess documentation to determine compliance or continued deficiencies associated with the MBTA Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan for its Light and Heavy Rail systems. Conduct investigations and independent reviews of investigations involving accidents with injuries and fatalities, equipment failures, unsafe conditions, violations of operating rules, and safety regulation non-compliance to determine cause and recommend corrective action. Identify remedial actions necessary to correct deficiencies identified during investigations, inspections, audits, and compliance reviews. Oversee and investigate accidents, incidents, and unacceptable hazardous conditions through activities such as reviewing corrective action plans prepared by the Rail Transit Agency and assisting with or conducting annual and triennial on-site safety audits. Participate in and conduct inspections, audits, system reviews, and report writing related to safety and regulatory compliance activities at the MBTA for its Light and Heavy Rail systems. Review, monitor, and analyze safety-related accidents, incidents, hazards, violations, inspection findings, and corrective action information in collaboration with Division Rail Transit Safety staff. Help identify trends, recurring hazards, high-risk locations, operational concerns, and systemic deficiencies to assist the Department in developing mitigation strategies, inspection priorities, and policy solutions to reduce the frequency and severity of incidents, accidents, and unsafe conditions. Assist in reporting safety-critical data and oversight information to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Review and analyze dashboards, reports, spreadsheets, maps, and other analytical products used by the Division to support compliance monitoring, risk assessment, and inspection prioritization. Assist in tracking corrective action plans, enforcement-related findings, and mitigation measures to support follow-up oversight and verification of resolution. Research and review industry safety oversight agency best practices to help determine appropriate and feasible safety policies, procedures, compliance approaches, and implementation strategies. Assist in the development of specialized reports, assessments, summaries, and recommendations for internal and external purposes. Interface with MBTA personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders during inspections, audits, investigations, and other oversight activities to communicate findings, clarify requirements, and support timely corrective action. Collect, document, and preserve evidence and other relevant materials, including photographs, measurements, operational observations, statements, and records, in accordance with Division standards and investigatory requirements. Prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive inspection reports, audit reports, investigative reports, correspondence, and other written materials. Participate in a 24/7 on‑call rotation for job‑related duties. Perform related duties and projects as assigned. Preferred Qualifications At least five (5) years of full‑time investigative experience or equivalent part‑time experience. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in logical sequence. Ability to accurately record information provided orally. Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures. Ability to maintain accurate records. Ability to determine the proper format and procedure for assembling items of information. Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations. Ability to prepare general and technical reports. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. Ability to understand, explain, and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing rail transit system activities. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Ability to establish rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural, and/or economic backgrounds. Ability to deal tactfully with others. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others. Ability to motivate others. Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner. Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression. Ability to follow written and oral instructions. Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations. Ability to adapt to varied work situations. Ability to work independently. Ability to be on call 24/7 for job‑related duties. Ability to provide own means of transportation unless otherwise provided by the agency in order to conduct job duties. Ability to review and interpret safety data, reports, dashboards, and related documents in support of investigations, compliance monitoring, and risk-based oversight activities. Ability to identify trends, recurring hazards, deficiencies, and compliance concerns from a variety of safety, operational, and investigative information sources. Ability to prepare clear findings and recommendations based on inspections, investigations, audits, and document review. Ability to support tracking and review of corrective action plans, mitigation measures, and related compliance documentation. Ability to research and review industry safety/security oversight best practices to help determine appropriate and feasible safety policies, procedures, and implementation strategies. Knowledge of compliance techniques. Minimum Requirements Applicants must have at least three (3) years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time investigatory or law‑enforcement or regulatory administration work. An Associate’s or higher degree may be substituted for the required experience. Education toward such a degree will be prorated based on the proportion of the requirements actually completed. Equal Opportunity / Fair Hiring Statement An Equal Opportunity / Afffirmed Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self‑select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Official Title: Compliance Officer II Primary Location: [Location Not Specified] Job: Compliance and Certification Agency: Department of Public Utilities Schedule: Full‑time Shift: Day Job Posting Number: [Not Provided] Number of Openings: 1 Salary: $65,578.50 – $94,378.44 per year Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes If you have Diversity, Afffirmed Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact the Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Melixza Esenyie (View email address on click.appcast.io) – View phone number on click.appcast.io. Bargaining Unit: 06‑NAGE – Professional Admin. Confidential: No #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth of Massachusetts