Safety and Security Specialist (Terminal Support)

REPORTS TO: Safety and Security Manager

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

WORKSITE: Office / Field / Terminal

SCHEDULE: Tuesday-Saturday (2:30pm-11:30pm) - With required availability for emergencies

BASE PAY: $62,000 - $65,000 annually

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

The Safety and Security Specialist (Terminal Support) plays a key role in the development, implementation, and administration of internal facility safety and security programs. This hybrid position supports both systemwide safety initiatives and provides on-site assistance at transit terminals, with a focus on the Lakeland and Winter Haven locations, as well as additional support on the east side of the county. The Specialist ensures compliance with all local, state, federal, and industry regulations while promoting a safe environment for employees, customers, and the community. Responsibilities include analyzing safety documentation, maintaining safety controls, conducting regular inspections, and advising leadership of deficiencies and corrective actions.

This role is also responsible for the administration and maintenance of transit system safety and security programs, including oversight of contractor activities. The Specialist investigates incidents, delivers safety training, and supports terminal operations during staff absences or peak service periods. A critical aspect of this position is helping to prevent and eliminate security interruptions at terminal locations through visible support and enforcement of safety protocols.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Safety and Security Administration:

Reports to the Safety and Security Director on all aspects of the agency’s safety as it pertains to field operations, vehicles, facilities, customers, and Citrus Connection personnel. Identifies and recommends safety policies and procedures.

· Serves as the designated Safety Specialist in accordance with 49 CFR Part 673 and Citrus Connection’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).

· Develops, implements, and monitors internal safety and security programs across the organization.

· Analyzes and maintains safety manuals, documentation, and training records to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

· Conducts periodic and unscheduled safety inspections of all facilities, vehicles, equipment, and grounds to ensure adherence to FTA, and other applicable regulations.

· Investigates safety and security incidents, including accidents and customer complaints; prepares reports, recommends corrective actions, and tracks follow-ups.

· Maintains and distributes safety records, ID badges, and associated documentation; performs access control audits and monthly badge access reports.

· Administers Safety Management System (SMS) elements and participates in safety committee meetings when necessary.

· Responds to employee, customer, or public safety concerns and documents findings.

Training and Development:

· Provides ongoing remedial and regulatory training for all employees, ensuring compliance with agency policies and applicable safety standards.

· Collaborates with all departments to identify training needs and develop programs that promote a safe and secure working environment.

· Develops and facilitates organization-wide safety training based on trend analysis, incident reviews, and hazard identification.

· Coordinates and participates in safety drills, tabletop exercises, and full-scale emergency simulations with internal staff and local emergency response partners.

· Maintains training records and ensures timely completion of required safety certifications and refresher courses.

Incident and Emergency Response:

· Provides 24/7 on-call coverage for all Citrus Connection operations in response to accidents, injuries, and emergencies.

· Responds on-site as essential personnel during crises, natural disasters, and after-hours incidents.

· Ensures timely completion of all required regulatory reporting following significant safety events.

· Reviews and processes requests for digital video evidence; maintains video logs and distributes footage per policy.

Terminal Support (As Needed):

· Provides on-site terminal support to monitor activity, address safety/security concerns, and assist passengers.

· Acts in place of Terminal Security Officers during absences, emergencies, or heightened operational needs.

· Communicates schedule changes and assists with special needs passenger boarding and support.

· Completes incident and accident reports and coordinates with dispatch and operations as required.

Administrative Duties:

· Processes ID badge requests for new hires and replacements; updates access control systems promptly.

· Performs monthly driver's license checks and reports discrepancies to Safety Director and HR/Risk.

· Maintains digital and physical safety files, including Risk folder documentation and access control logs.

· Supports HR and Risk Management with documentation related to safety investigations and compliance.

COMPETENCIES

· Problem Solving and Analysis

· Communication Proficiency

· Ethical Conduct

· Customer and Client Focus

· Stress Management and Composure

· Thoroughness and Attention to Detail

· Technical Capacity

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a combination of professional office, transit facility, and outdoor environments. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and print/scan machines. Duties may occasionally require working on or around transit buses. The outdoor environment may expose the employee to extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) and occasional exposure to chemical and gas/diesel fumes. Employees must be able to work safely and effectively in both indoor and outdoor conditions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

· High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Public Administration, Safety and Security, or a related field strongly preferred

· Minimum of two (2) years of experience in transit safety, security, emergency response, or a related field.· Strong knowledge of FTA regulations (including 14-90 and 49 CFR Part 673), safety compliance practices, and accident investigation procedures

· Experience in emergency management and/or contractor oversight within a transit or public agency setting is highly desirable.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSES

· Completion of TSI’s Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) and professional safety certifications such as World Safety Organization (WSO) Certified Safety Specialist are beneficial.· Valid Florida Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B with Passenger and Air Brakes endorsements preferred.· Valid Florida Class D Security License, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT and PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires regular physical activity, including standing, walking, talking, and listening. It may also involve bending, kneeling, climbing, and lifting items up to 25 pounds. These demands reflect the typical conditions encountered while performing the essential job functions. It is the responsibility of all Citrus Connection employees to provide a safe and secure environment for Citrus Connection customers, contractors, visitors and fellow co-workers. Citrus Connection employees are also responsible for:

· Adhering to stated policies and procedures relating to health and safety, security, and quality management.

· Recognizing and reporting all accidents and hazardous conditions.

· Assisting in the development of workplace safety procedures for their respective departments.

· Promoting workplace safety procedures within their department.

· Adhering to procedures relating to the proper use and care of equipment and materials for which the role has responsibility.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.

The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

· This is a full-time, exempt position.

· Availability to respond to emergencies at any time during operating hours is required.

· Occasional travel throughout the county is required.

EEO Compliance: Citrus Connection is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or other status protected by Federal or State law.

ADA Compliance: Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application process and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Pay: $62,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid jury duty
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $62,000 - $65,000