Chief Safety Officer

Chief Safety Officer (DOT Executive VIII (8086)) Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) invites applicants to join a team dedicated to serving the residents of Maryland through reliable, customer‑focused transit services every day. Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) seeks an experienced and dynamic Chief Safety Officer to lead and oversee safety functions across our six transit modes. The CSO is a strategic executive leader responsible for shaping and advancing the safety vision of a complex, 24/7 transit system. As a key member of the executive leadership team the CSO provides strategic direction and operational oversight, ensuring the development, implementation, and effectiveness of safety policies across all MTA operations, including contracted services. The CSO also serves as a primary representative to external partners, regulators, and the public. Key Responsibilities Operational Safety for MARC, Light Rail, Metro Subway, Core Bus, Mobility, and Commuter Bus Services Safety Management System (SMS) Safety and Security Certification Program DOT Compliance (Drug & Alcohol and Medical) Emergency Management OSHA Compliance for Construction and General Industry Environmental Compliance Technical and Safety Training Transit Claims Workers' Compensation Advise the Administrator and senior leaders on ongoing safety‑related issues and high‑priority hazards impacting the agency Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, coordinating with officials from SSOA, FTA, FRA, FMCSA, NTSB, MOSH, MDE, and EPA Drive continuous improvement by conducting inspections, overseeing audit planning and stakeholder interviews, and assisting in the development of findings and corrective actions Manage and strategically allocate the department’s annual budget of $45 million, ensuring effective use of resources Implement and monitor core SMS components and processes throughout the agency to provide leadership with the necessary training, tools, and support for success Develop and refine safety management policies, including the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) and MARC System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) Develop, monitor, and continuously improve safety data tracking systems to analyze trends and facilitate ongoing communication between internal and external stakeholders regarding policies and safety performance targets Represent MTA at industry meetings and maintain relationships with governmental agencies, including the SSOA Must be available for evening/weekend work and on‑call for emergencies and accident investigations Additional Focus Areas Project Oversight: Review and analyze construction drawings and specifications for safety and security compliance across bus, rail, and capital projects; conduct safety‑engineering surveys and assist in the preparation of design packages Technical and Safety Training: Oversee training programs for operation staff positions and agency‑wide safety initiatives Incident Management: Lead accident/incident investigations and ensure compliance with FTA/FRA/NTSB/MOSH during such events; communicate findings and recommendations to executive leadership Location: Baltimore City Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Occupational Health, System Safety, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred) Experience: 8-9 years of executive‑level experience in safety and compliance within regulated industries (e.g., transportation, rail). Proven track record in implementing safety management systems and ensuring regulatory compliance. Three (3) years of the required experience must involve the supervision of employees Notes: Additional experience in administrative or professional work may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for the required education Additional graduate‑level education at an accredited college or university may be substituted at the rate of thirty credit hours on a year‑to‑year basis of the required general experience Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant on a year‑for‑year basis for the required education and experience Licenses & Certifications Candidates may be required to possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license in the State of Maryland Candidates must hold or be able to obtain within 3 years the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program – Rail Additional Information The CSO is designated as the SMS Executive and is responsible and accountable for the overall safety performance of personnel and equipment, implementing and maintaining effective control and mitigation measures, and reporting compliance to the SSOA. The CSO should foster a positive safety culture by leading with integrity and enforcing all safety rules, policies, regulations, and personal protective equipment requirements to support a safe and healthy working environment. The CSO is responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of the SMS. Responsibilities include identifying safety hazards and concerns, conducting inspections and safety risk assessments, and developing corrective action plans to address safety concerns. The CSO co‑chairs the Risk Review Committee safety meeting. Equal Opportunity Employer WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. MTA does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, or sexual orientation, or any other protected status. Issue Date: 05/05/2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr