Basic Function
The Director of Safety Management System is responsible for the day-today implementation and operation of the Authority’s Safety Management System (SMS), which includes Safety Management Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion, in alignment with METRO’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP). Provides management oversight and strategic direction for the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Safety Management System framework, ensuring its effective implementation and ongoing maintenance. Creates and applies an SMS that employs a quality management approach to risk control and fosters an organizational framework conducive to a strong safety culture. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.
Responsibilities And Specific Duties
- Provides primary managerial direction and performs personnel administrative functions of direct report staff (e.g., training, supervising, work assignments, timesheets, performance evaluations, etc.) for maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing the productivity of staff, and ensuring necessary department outcomes are achieved.
- Directs the development of agency SMS program oversight and strategic plans to effectively align government regulations and support key FTA initiatives.
- Provides guidance and technical assistance on 49 CFR Part 671, 49 CFR Part 672, 49 CFR Part 673, and 49 CFR Part 674 regulations.
- Directs the management and administration of the company-wide implementation of an SMS to include the core elements of Safety Management Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance and Safety Promotion.
- Directs the development and refinement of processes for hazard management, internal safety and security reviews, accident notification and investigation, hazard reporting, and corrective action plans.
- Per Bipartisan Infrastructure Law requirements, supports and advises in the development and implementation of a risk reduction program.
- Oversees the coordination with the TxDOT State Safety Oversight Agency (SSO).
- Oversees all safety-related audits, state and federal reporting requirements, and Corrective Action Plans and serves as the point of contact for the SSO.
- Advise on SMS software to assist with all functions of SMS technology requirements.
- Maintains the PTASP and certifies that the plan meets FTA requirements.
- Oversees the coordination with training departments to develop and implement Safety Training into their curriculum that supports a sound safety culture and SMS principles.
- Oversees the maintenance of SMS documentation and records as part of the Safety Management Policy.
- Oversees the development and maintenance of an agency hazard reporting system as part of Safety Assurance.
- Provides direction and oversight of the Safety Compliance and Analysis section for the Department.
- Directs and oversees the research and management of all applicable local, state, and/or federal safety grant opportunities.
- Manages the Safety Committee program and reviews the data and information resulting from the meetings to determine best practices or systemic issues.
- Chairs and/or participates in safety-related committees such as the Senior METRO Safety Committee.
- Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
- Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
- Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Pay Range: $115,400 - $157,200
Education Requirement
Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is required. Master’s degree or Professional Engineer licensure is preferred.
Years & Experience Required
Minimum eight (8) years of experience in the administration, planning, compliance, and/or monitoring of safety programs. A minimum of three (3) years of management experience with a strong background in developing and implementing safety or safety-related programs in transit, transportation, public safety, or engineering environments.
Knowledge & Skills Required
In-depth knowledge of SMS principles, regulatory framework, and safety management best practices. Knowledgeable in hazard analysis processes and methods in order to provide guidance and training on Safety Risk Management and hazard analysis. Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence safety behaviors throughout the organization. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and safety management software platforms. The Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program certificate is required for this position or must be obtained within three (3) years of employment and retained throughout employment.
Additional Information
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.
Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.
We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.
