Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting prior to the Application Deadline.

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MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Position Objective

The Assistant Deputy Director – Field Safety (Harlem/Hudson or New Haven) is responsible to direct and manage a Field Safety division in the MNR Office of System Safety (OSS). The Field Safety function seeks to ensure the overall safety of employees, customers, contractors, and others in the MNR operating area by evaluating compliance with mandated safety regulations, policies and procedures; preparing recommendations for accident prevention and reduction; and assisting the operating departments in developing and implementing major programs to achieve accident and incident reductions and safety compliance. The ADD is responsible to oversee all aspects of Field Safety Operations for an MNR operating territory (Harlem/Hudson or New Haven) as well as to direct critical systemwide field safety and compliance program(s) as assigned, such as the Roadway Worker Protection Audit Group or the MNR Incident Investigation Program. The ADD directs the work of field safety staff, who in turn are responsible for functions including auditing, monitoring, and evaluating safety-critical processes and procedures of all departments to ensure safety compliance with all Metro-North Railroad (MNR) operating rules, safety rules, and federal regulations. The ADD is responsible to ensure timely follow-up on safety related issues with the operating departments to establish and implement effective corrective actions, as well as to manage the ongoing collaboration with MNR operating departments to improve workplace safety and behaviors. As a direct interface with MNR Operations Departments, this position has a direct and positive influence on achieving overall system-wide safety and targeted goals.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage the Field Safety Operations program for the MNR Harlem/Hudson or New Haven territory, with a focus on continuous improvement toward operational goals to reduce employee incidents and injuries and operational incidents. Oversee the day-to-day activities of field safety staff including the support to the operating departments in preparing initial incident reports (IR-1) and post-incident investigation reports (IR-2). Respond to incidents in real time as required and identify root causes, contributing factors, and corrective actions. For major incidents, provide and direct additional assistance to the Investigations Division as needed.

Direct the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and ongoing improvement of systemwide safety program(s) as assigned. Work with the Director to establish program goals and objectives, milestones, and staffing utilization plans, and to resolve issues as required. Examples of programs include, but are not limited to, the Roadway Worker Protection Audit Group and the overall Incident Reporting and Investigation (IR-1/IR-2) program.

Manage and develop field safety staff who, among other functions, regularly perform facility, shop, yard, station, and right-of-way audits for adherence to all MNR policies. Work with the Director to establish goals and objectives, staff development plans and resolution of personnel issues. Coordinate activities/programs between OSS and MNR operations and support departments with respect to day-to-day technical support and corrective action implementation for safety and health functions.

Interact regularly with the Operations departments to develop and implement effective corrective actions for identified exceptions; track and monitor implementation of corrective actions and review with department heads on a regular basis. Review adequacy of MNR operating rules, Safety Rules, Standard Operating Procedures, Department Procedures, and Alerts/Bulletins/Notices affecting all employees andfollow up as appropriate. Regularly attend local and district safety meetings and represent OSS on working groups with departments, as needed. Assist in the resolution of safety-related Labor/Management complaints with Unions and Labor relations.

Coordinate the process to collect, track, review, and analyze all safety-related metrics and data, including but not limited to injury and incident reports (reportable and lost time), audit findings, operational incident reports and trends, and corrective action status. Ensure effective participation in data analysis efforts to support program plans and evaluations and perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of railroad industry, understanding of FRA regulations, OSHA regulations, economic operating/equipment considerations.
• Ability to perform routine field audits and inspections of railroad work operations.
• Strong verbal, presentation, and written communication skills including ability to communicate effectively with various departments and levels of management throughout Metro-North Railroad and other MTA Agencies and with external stakeholders.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of internal and external customers.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate staff and foster teamwork and effective working relationships.
• Knowledge and ability to review incidents and develop corresponding contributing factors, root causes and corrective actions.
• Excellent project management skills with adherence to deadlines while managing multiple priorities.
• Ability to coordinate across multiple departments for task completion.
• Ability to prepare and review complex safety data and statistics.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and/or comparable software applications.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to adjust work schedule to accommodate special projects as necessary, including periodic night shifts and weekend coverage.
• Ability to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field such as Business, Public Administration, Safety, Engineering, Auditing, Transportation, Emergency Management, or Risk Management. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education and/or technical credentials to include an additional four years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in auditing, quality assurance, project management, providing operational support or working in a safety-sensitive position in an operating environment, and/or another safety-related function. A Master’s Degree in a related field may be considered in lieu of up to 3 years of experience.
• Ability to rapidly obtain relevant MNR Operating Rules qualifications.

The following is/are preferred:

• Metro-North Railroad (MNR) Operating Rules and Physical Characteristics qualification.
• Professional Certification (e.g., Certified Quality Auditor, Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations including FRA, FTA, and OSHA.
• Familiarity with Roadway Worker and Blue Signal Protection program requirements.
• Experience evaluating work sites for safety hazards and resolving them.

• Knowledge of MNR Operational Testing Plan in accordance with 49 CFR part 217.

Other Information

This is a safety sensitive position, and is subject to toxilogical testing. Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”). Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Selection Criteria

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.

Additional Criteria for Current Employees: Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration. Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position, and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example: Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union. Non-agreement employees must have worked in your current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. If interested, please apply online at www.mta.info

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, and interview.

How to Apply

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the “Careers” link.

Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.