What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Rail Safety and Audits (DOT Executive VI) position at Maryland Department of Transportation?
OPEN RECRUITMENT
Executive Service Position
(This position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.)
If you have ever taken a flight from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport; renewed your Maryland driver’s license; traveled to an Orioles game on the Light Rail; embarked on a cruise from the Port of Baltimore; received roadside assistance from CHART Emergency Patrol; or reduced your commute time by using one of Maryland’s toll roads, then you have experienced some of the superb services provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).
MDOT has various careers for people of all experiences, backgrounds, and abilities who come together to contribute to one mission—connecting our customers to life’s opportunities. Join us in serving our Maryland residents, visitors, and businesses!
The Director of Rail Safety and Audits is responsible for overseeing the audit function at the Secretary’s Office (TSO) and providing strategic guidance and oversight to audit offices across MDOT modes, including Maryland Aviation Administration, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland Transportation Authority, Motor Vehicle Administration, and State Highway Administration
Key responsibilities include:
- Directing the implementation of risk-based inspections and safety assurance activities required by the Federal Transit Administration.
- Developing and maintaining a comprehensive risk-based audit plan and rail safety oversight strategy.
- Managing professional staff and consultants supporting the Office of Audits and Rail Safety.
- Establishing and maintaining standardized audit methodologies aligned with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) International Professional Practices Framework.
- Overseeing investigations of fraud, waste, and abuse, including those received via hotlines or anonymous sources.
- Coordinating with federal, state, and local stakeholders regarding audit, compliance and oversight activities.
This position is designated as Emergency Essential and may require availability for duty outside normal work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays in support of MDOT's emergency response or operational needs
The selected candidate may be required to participate in an on-call rotation to receive and document transit agency reports of safety or security incidents.
The current vacancy exists at MDOT TSO in the Office of Audits and Rail Safety, which is located in Hanover, MD. (Anne Arundel County).
This position may allow a hybrid work schedule, including telework and on-site work hours.
MDOT offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn about our amazing benefits here: MDOT Benefits
Qualifications
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in transportation management, engineering, public administration, safety management, business administration, or a related field.
Experience:
Seven (7) years of professional transportation experience in rail transit operations, auditing, compliance, quality management, or transportation safety/security oversight.
Four (4) of the required years must have involved supervising other employees or exercising responsibility for program development.
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
- Knowledge of federal and state rail safety regulations and oversight requirements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate risk and implement corrective actions.
- Public Transportation Safety Certification (PTSCP).
- Experience developing policies, procedures, or safety improvement initiatives.
- Experience conducting/overseeing audits, inspections, risk management or related activities.
- Current or past audit and/or safety oversight training or certifications.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including preparing reports and presenting findings to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
- The ability to collaborate with federal, state, local, and industry partners to support safe and reliable transportation operations.
If you have held more than one position at the same employer, please list each position that you held and the length of time that you held each position.
Licenses & Certifications
- Employees in this position may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
- Employees may be required to travel statewide.