Transportation Safety Specialist (Rail)

Advertised Job Title: Transportation Safety Specialist (Rail)

Internal Job Title: System Safety Specialist

The System Safety Specialist supports the safe operation of the MTS Rail system through safety data analysis, hazard identification, incident investigations, regulatory compliance, safety audits, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement of the agency's Safety Management System (SMS).

This position plays a key role in identifying safety risks, analyzing performance trends, supporting regulatory requirements, and helping protect passengers, employees, the public, and transit assets.

What You'll Do

• Analyze and report on safety performance data, incidents, accidents, injuries, and property damage
• Identify trends, conduct hazard analyses, and develop recommendations to improve safety performance
• Support incident investigations, regulatory reporting, and compliance activities
• Assist with internal audits, inspections, and State Safety Oversight reviews
• Support safety certification activities for rail projects
• Help maintain and update the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP)
• Interpret and apply FTA, CPUC, and other safety regulations
• Maintain safety records, reports, and documentation
• Coordinate with operations, maintenance, IT, emergency responders, and regulatory agencies
• Support emergency preparedness exercises, training, and response activities
• Assist with programs and initiatives that strengthen the MTS Safety Management System (SMS)
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Safety, Public Administration, Computer Science, or a related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, investigations, audits, or compliance activities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interpret regulations, policies, and technical documents
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Valid California Driver License
  
  

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

While not required, the ideal candidate may possess:

• Two years of experience in rail operations supervision or training
• Completion of some or all of the four required core curriculum courses in the Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) through the Transit Safety Institute (TSI)
  
  

Why MTS

Join a team dedicated to keeping San Diego's public transportation system safe and reliable. You'll work with rail operations, maintenance teams, regulatory agencies, and emergency responders to improve safety performance and support critical transit services throughout the region.

Compensation

• Salary Grade 10*: $81,963 – $116,388 annually
• Anticipated hiring range: $82,000 – $90,000 annually
• Final offers are based on experience, internal equity, budget considerations, and market factors
  
  

Benefits & Total Rewards

At MTS, our benefits go beyond salary—supporting your financial security, health, and work-life balance:

• Defined benefit pension (CalPERS), Social Security, and optional 457(b)/401(a) plans
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with MTS paying up to 90% of medical premiums
• 18 days of PTO to start plus 13 paid holidays
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Free transit passes, wellness reimbursements, and tuition assistance up to $5,000 per year
• And much more!
  
  

Additional Information

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional field activities and site visits
• Position may require travel between MTS facilities and external agencies
• Occasional irregular hours may be required to support emergency response activities, audits, investigations, or special projects
• The selected candidate must successfully complete Federal Transit Administration Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) requirements within the prescribed timeframe
  
  

Application Deadline

Position will remain open until filled.

EEO is The Law - Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

MTS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers, and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.

MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains, and promotes individuals without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (40 years or older), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision-making, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected class.

MTS encourages veterans, military spouses, and people from different backgrounds to apply. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.