Rail Safety Officer

Company: METRO
Location: Houston
Posted on: March 20, 2023

Job Description:

Basic Function Under general supervision, performs professional work in the development and implementation of Authority safety standards, procedures, and specifications including methodologies and strategies that promote safe operations, safety awareness, and accident prevention within the Authority. Acts as liaison and works collaboratively with field operations in implementing Safety Management System (SMS) and performs safety audits, inspections, and investigations within the Authority to ensure best practices are utilized. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Supports all aspects of the agency's Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan.
• Ensures Rail Operations compliance with safety requirements and regulations including Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) State Safety Oversight (SSO) Program, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), etc.
• Uses SMS methods and principles to address safety issues throughout the rail system.
• Performs risk assessments, evaluates the effectiveness of safety control programs and practices, and makes safety risk mitigation recommendations.
• Conducts safety audits of grade crossings and other signaling systems along the rail alignment to ensure they are working according to design specifications.
• Responds to accidents and participates in accident investigations.
• Conducts Safety Events investigations; determines the classification of these events and preventability. Reviews the Safety Events with Operators and recommends additional training or retraining.
• Produces final reports of investigations.
• Reviews the Rail Operations Rulebook, Standard Operating Procedures, and recommends new policies and procedures as needed.
• Conducts rules compliance checks on employees and contractors, including but not limited to ride checks, field observations, compliance with Track Allocation procedures.
• Conducts Track Safety training for contractors and issues METRORail identification cards.
• Participates in the Rail SOP Committee, Rulebook Committee, and other safety committees as directed.
• Prepares routine and special reports for the Safety management team.
• Participates in the Rail Internal Safety Review Process to comply with SSO and FTA requirements.
• Interfaces daily with rail operations management and employees regarding safety.
• Conducts and assists with the development of Safety Meetings.
• Represents the Authority, as directed, to regulatory agencies, including TXDOT, FTA, Americans with Disabilities Act, NTSB, and OSHA as it relates to Safety Events investigations.
• Assigned to rotation for On-call hours after hours and weekends.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Education Requirement High school diploma or GED is required; additional college preferred.Years & Experience Required Minimum three (3) years progressively responsible related safety experience in rail operations. Additional overall transit experience may be considered.Knowledge & Skills Required A valid Texas driver's license is required and must meet METRO's requirements regarding motor vehicle records. Knowledge of light rail operations and associated systems. Working knowledge of safety procedures and federal regulations applicable to the transit industry. General knowledge of Labor agreements, policies & procedures. Good interpersonal and communication (verbal/written) skills. Must have or be able to successfully complete the Light Rail Transit Operator Certification Program. Additional Information The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment. Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.

Keywords: METRO, Houston , Rail Safety Officer, Other , Houston, Texas