Chief Safety & Security Officer

The Chief Safety & Security Officer has the overall responsibility for TriMet's safety and security programs, including environmental and emergency preparedness. This position is accountable for the overall identification, reduction, and prevention of risk in order to ensure a safe working environment for employees, and a safe transit experience for passengers.

The incumbent must have the ability to work any days, hours, or shifts as required by the District. They must be available to respond to emergencies and be on-call 24/7 as it relates to Safety & Security.

Ensure a commitment to safety through consistent and professional behaviours in performance of job requirements. Safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work. Perform related duties as required.

Serve as a good steward of TriMet and maintain a strong and current understanding of customers’ experiences and of TriMet’s product and service offerings. Reliable in-person attendance is an essential function of all positions.

TriMet is an in-person first organization, with a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration, customer service, and safe and efficient operations. Some positions may be able to work up to two days remotely depending on department policy, business needs, and manager discretion.

1. Develop and implement proactive strategies, practices, and resource allocation methodologies to ensure the safety and security of TriMet’s customers, workforce, and the general public as they interact with the transit system.
2. Ensure safety systems and security practices and protocols comply with federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to the requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Public Transit Agency Safety Program (PTASP).
3. Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work of assigned staff. Assign work activities and coordinate schedules, projects, and programs. Review and evaluate work, engage team members by fostering a positive and productive work environment, and serve as an effective coach to encourage learning and achieve a high level of performance. Research, resolve and manage labor relations issues in compliance with the applicable provisions of TriMet/ATU labor agreements.
4. Direct the development, administration, implementation, and integration of system-wide safety and security plans, risk assessments, and loss prevention programs, including PTASP, FTA mandated Safety Management Plans required for all New Start Projects; Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Rail Division, procedures and practices.
5. Manage, coordinate, communicate, and obtain required approvals for the Engineering & Construction Division from State Safety Oversight (ODOT Rail Division), FRA, and FTA, including the Safety Certification necessary for appropriate Full Funding Grant Agreements, and FTA’s designated Project Management Oversight Consultant.
6. Provide leadership over the Safety Department and to management and technical personnel engaged in specified safety and security project activities, which may include design, coordination, and implementation of training programs for personnel regarding the nature and application of system safety policies and procedures.
7. Act as liaison with regional law enforcement agencies. Manage multiple Intergovernmental agreements related to the Transit Police Division and work closely with the Commander of the Transit Police Division to maximize resources to achieve TriMet’s security objectives.
8. Represent TriMet with regard to issues of safety and security with governmental agencies, funding agencies, and/or the general public. May represent TriMet at various community and/or business meetings.
9. Oversee the development and management of the agency’s system security and emergency plans, such as the emergency management, emergency disaster, and business recovery planning process and plans. Manage the security training for TriMet employees and emergency management training for TriMet employees and emergency responders.
10. Develop, control, monitor, and approve budgets and operational forecasts for department/division, including capital expenditures, labor resources, and materials and supplies (M&S); accountable for monitoring own department. Identifies opportunities for containing costs, and may be responsible for increasing revenue. Accountability for budget includes direct reports’ monitoring.

A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree is required.

A Bachelor's Degree in Risk Management, Public Safety, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, Safety, or Health and Safety is preferred.

A minimum of twelve (12) years total credited experience.*

Twelve (12) years of experience with well-developed safety management systems, emergency preparedness, health & safety, and environmental safety in a large public or private organization are required.

Five (5) years of experience in transportation operations, emergency management, law enforcement, or safety and security experience are required.

Five (5) years of management experience at an executive/senior level in the public or private sector that is directly related to organizational and public safety are required.

Must enroll in the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program within 30 days and complete applicable training requirements and recertify in the PTSCTP as required by the FTA.

Or any equivalent combination of training or experience.

*The amount of credit a candidate receives for prior years of experience is based on the relevancy of that experience to the required or preferred prerequisites of the job description. Experience is prorated based on hours worked. LRHR assigns and validates the "credited experience".

Salary offers will be determined by a candidate's education, training and relevant experience. A complete work history will be required for this purpose at the time of offer; any omitted work history will not be considered after hire. Any final offer of employment will fall within the range stated above. For transparency, we choose to list the full available grade range, however, TriMet's salary administration process will ultimately determine the final salary offered.

Type of Position / Grade / FLSA

Grade 25, Exempt, Non-Union, Full-Time

Salary Range

Minimum: $216,061.00

Maximum: $324,091.00

Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based at a minimum on the result of:

1. Application Review (please include: Cover Letter and Resume)
2. Panel Interviews
3. Reference Check and Degree Verification
4. Background Check

Supplemental Information

Make sure you describe in detail how your education, training and work experience fit with this role. You are encouraged to attach a resume, cover letter, training certificates and/or letters of recommendation with your application. You are permitted five attachments of less than 5MB each.

Internal applicants: Information in your personnel file will not be used in lieu of information requested on your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are a qualified veteran and would like to apply for veterans' preference points, you will need to reflect your status on the application and attach supporting documentation at the time of application submission.

If you need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process, contact our Human Resources staff at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or the TTY line at 7-1-1. Note that we require a minimum of two workdays' notice prior to the need for accommodation.

TriMet is an equal opportunity employer, committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and sensitive to the needs of the diverse community we serve, including veterans, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement

As applied to the workplace, applicants and employees must be qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Essential functions may include required job functions performed infrequently as well as production standards related to the quality and quantity of work. If a person with a disability could meet job qualifications with a reasonable accommodation, TriMet will work with the employee to accommodate the need. If TriMet's accommodation is effective in allowing the employee to perform the essential functions of the job, it need not be the employee's preferred accommodation.