Chief Safety Officer

Chief Safety OfficerThe Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Safety Officer to lead and oversee the safety functions across our six transit modes. The Chief Safety Officer (CSO) is a strategic executive leader responsible for shaping and advancing the safety vision of a complex, 24/7 transit system. This role requires a decisive and collaborative professional who can effectively navigate real-time operational challenges while fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement. 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, communicating with clarity, confidence, and transparency.Reporting directly to the MTA Administrator, the CSO leads efforts to minimize operational risk through a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) and a strong safety culture. The role fulfills the responsibilities of SMS Executive in accordance with 49 CFR Part 673 and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including 49 CFR Parts 40, 655, 671–674, and 270, as well as OSHA, FTA, FRA, EPA, and NFPA standards. Additionally, the CSO oversees safety requirements for complex transit projects and manages environmental compliance, requiring exceptional communication skills and the ability to perform effectively in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments.Key Responsibilities:Oversee and lead the following safety programs/functions:Operational Safety for MARC, Light Rail, Metro Subway, Core Bus, Mobility, and Commuter Bus Services:Safety Management System (SMS)Safety and Security Certification ProgramDOT Compliance (Drug & Alcohol and Medical)Emergency ManagementOSHA Compliance for Construction and General IndustryEnvironmental ComplianceTechnical and Safety TrainingTransit ClaimsWorkers' CompensationAdvise the Administrator (CEO/Accountable Executive) and senior leaders on ongoing safety-related issues and high-priority hazards impacting the agency.Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, specifically ensuring adherence to 49 CFR Parts 671-674 and coordinating with officials from SSOA, FTA, FRA, FMCSA, NTSB, MOSH, MDE, and EPA.Drive continuous improvement by regularly 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/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.