General Manager, Transit System Safety

SALARY

$166,580.71

POSITION SUMMARY

Develops, implements, and directs activities relating to the administration and formulation of safety standards, procedures, and specifications including methodologies and strategies that promote safe operations and accident prevention throughout the Authority with particular emphasis on Transit System Safety.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of proactive safety programs, policies, and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and regulatory agency regulations and Authority standards.

o Develops and administers safety programs, policies, procedures training, objectives, and other initiatives to promote safe operations and incident prevention.

o Confirms compliance with standards and best practices.

o Oversees development and administration of goals and objectives for Transit System Safety.

o Verifies rule compliance as it relates to policies and procedures, bulletins, and standard operating procedures.

* Manages Transit System Safety processes and procedures

o Oversees the inspections of stations, footwalks, facilities, subways, right-of-ways, garages, bus routes and roadways.

o Collaborates with Authority personnel to identify and implement long-term solutions to systemic safety issues identified in inspections and investigations and observations minimizing liability and preventing recurrence.

o Facilitates safety incident investigations and provides recommendations in conjunction with the Accident and Investigation Unit.

* Reviews vital safety records and other documents to ensure critical and timely reporting to various departments and manages efficient recordkeeping practices to that information is available for Authority reference. Represents System Safety and the CTA on matters involving regulatory safety activity.

* Coordinates with federal and state safety oversight agencies (RTA, FTA, OSHA, and federal and state regulators) on hazard management and loss control issues and delivers reports as needed.

* Acts as safety knowledge expert in Authority special projects and may chair committees to ensure transit safety and security activities are undertaken and completed.

* Develops and implements performance measurement and safety criteria through technology; provides oversight of inspection and investigation follow-up processes, including corrective action plans and recommendations from inspections and investigations.

* Hires, trains, develops, monitors, and evaluates staff. Reviews and recommends personnel actions for approval. Ensures ongoing professional development for all direct reports, including identifying pertinent training opportunities and encouraging active participation in safety professional societies.

* Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

* Senior Manager, Transit Safety

CHALLENGES

* Dealing with people who have suffered severe injury/death during accident investigations.

* Dealing with stress due to "24-hour on call" nature of the job.

* Keeping abreast of all CTA operations in connection with safety aspects.

* Maintaining awareness of liability concerns when dealing with legal community and oversight organizations.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

* Bachelor's degree in Safety Management, Engineering, or a related technical field plus seven (7) years of experience in safety program development or risk management, of which three (3) years are in a supervisory or management role, or a combination of education and experience related to the position.

* Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) training certifications (TSSP) preferred.

* Must possess a valid Illinois driver's license.

* Successful completion required of Rail Accident Investigation, Bus Collision Investigation and Traffic Investigation I and II preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

* Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.

* Demands include extensive walking (up to 3 miles at one time), sometimes on rocks and on narrow catwalks, and climbing (such as onto trains and back down and up and down ladders of various sizes).

* Random nature of incidents leads to irregular work hours.

* Must wear applicable restrictive personal protective equipment.

* Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

* Detailed knowledge of System Safety Engineering Practices.

* Detailed knowledge of the methods and practices of investigations, research, analysis, and/or data compilation.

* Detailed knowledge of construction safety practices and techniques.

* Detailed knowledge of research methods and report presentation.

* Detailed knowledge of related safety federal and state rules and regulations.

* Working knowledge of transit operations, facilities, vehicles, rules and procedures desired.

* Working knowledge of Traffic Management models and best practices preferred.

* Strong project management skills.

* Strong oral and written communications skills and organizational skills.

* Strong management skills.

* Good interpersonal skills in dealing with external groups and/or organizations.

* Intermediate computer skills.

* Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations.

* Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.

* Ability to work collaboratively with other Departments.

WORKING CONDITIONS

* General office environment. Required to carry a cellular phone.

* Working conditions are varied and include all weather ranges (from extreme cold to extreme heat, rain to snow and ice, etc.).

* Conditions also include working at extreme heights; working near electrified third rail; working in subway tunnels with limited clearance, visibility, etc.

* This position is considered a "C-List" position under the "Revolving Door" prohibition within the State Officials and Employees Act (5 ILCS 430/5-45), which contains a number of post-employment restrictions CTA employees in C-list designated positions must follow. Among other requirements listed in this statute, CTA employees in C-list designated positions are required to follow State notification procedures to the Office of the Executive Inspector General prior to acceptance of any applicable non-State employment or may be fined significant penalties.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

* Standard office equipment.

* Various types of measuring devices, digital camera, personal computers (including handheld devices), label maker, various types of gauges, light tools (wrenches and screwdrivers), reflective safety vests, applicable restrictive personal protective equipment.