At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.
Job Summary
The Safety Lead - VM (Vehicle Maintenance) is responsible for investigating all incidents with a vehicle maintenance component (e.g., major events and near misses involving employee injuries, infrastructure damage, derailments, service interruption, etc.). The Safety Lead - VM will respond to incidents, gather documentation and information, report to the appropriate parties, determine root causes, and collaborate with the Vehicle Maintenance Department to recommend feasible corrective action plans to improve safety programs, policies, and procedures.
The Safety Lead - VM will work closely with and support the Vehicle Maintenance Department to track and implement safety recommendations and/or corrective actions, assist with the implementation of the MBTA Safety Programs consistent with applicable OSHA Standards, and assist with safety assurance activities including regular audits. The Safety Lead will be responsible for staying abreast of new laws and regulations regarding safety and recommend appropriate changes to MBTA Safety management.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist in the implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS) throughout the MBTA through support and daily application of safety policies, safety risk management activities, safety assurance activities, and safety promotion.
- Respond to incidents that occur involving the MBTA, gather documentation and evidence, notify, and report necessary information to the appropriate parties in a timely manner.
- Work with appropriate departments to gather all necessary information (e.g., inspections, training records, hours of service) to supplement incident investigations.
- Develop root cause analysis including recommending and implementing feasible corrective actions when necessary.
- Collaborate and advise departments to track, implement, and close safety recommendations and corrective actions. Follow up with implemented corrective actions to ensure effective mitigations of hazards.
- Work will include weekend shifts with the ability to work any shift (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) assigned.
- Conduct scheduled and unscheduled inspections and/or audits of MBTA facilities, work sites, specifications, infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment, ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local codes, regulations, and guidelines.
- Provide professional safety support including developing, updating, and interpreting MBTA policies and practices, codes, and industry standards as needed to advance the application of safety programs in Bus and Rail Vehicle Maintenance.
- Remain current with the MBTA's Safety Plan.
- Oversee the performance of safety activities, conduct assessments of safety programs, including field inspections, and procedure and policy reviews, to identify areas of improvements and corrective actions.
- Update policies and procedures as necessary to improve safety.
- Develop and provide safety training in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policy.
- Perform and create safety inspection and hazard assessment reports and present findings to internal stakeholders.
- Assist safety managers and regulators during internal and external audits and investigations.
- Conduct Job Hazard Analyses (JHA) and provide technical direction to ensure safe work practices and effective mitigations of hazards are performed.
- Review vehicle maintenance reportable injuries to determine trends and recommend activities to mitigate continued injuries.
- Work closely with field representatives from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to resolve identified safety issues.
- Work with cross functional teams to identify and mitigate hazards related to vehicles and vehicle maintenance. Support the Safety Engineering team with Safety Certifications when appropriate.
- Develop and maintain reports on vehicle maintenance safety data and trends in order to identify and share ongoing safety performance towards established goals and prepare monthly safety reports for upper management committee meetings.
- Partner with vehicle maintenance leadership on the continuous improvement projects for compliance on Vehicle Maintenance and Safety initiatives, including safety program implementation, policy creation, safety training content, and safety initiative strategies.
- Investigate safety concerns submitted by management, employees, employee committees, the public, or regulatory agencies; evaluate concerns and alternatives, resolve hazards, and make recommendations to management for corrective actions, as necessary.
- Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit/inspect work sites and to assist at emergencies and/or events as needed.
- Respond or report to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
- Adhere to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
- Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field.
- Six (6) years of experience in vehicle manufacturing, maintenance, and/or vehicle testing.
- Demonstrated experience applying methods and techniques to mitigate safety issues by assessing safety hazards and ensuring corrective measures are followed.
- Knowledge of vehicle maintenance standards, codes, and regulatory requirements.
- Experience applying safety knowledge through the facilitating and processing of safety programs and assessments.
- Demonstrated experience applying methods and techniques to mitigate safety issues by assessing safety hazards and ensuring corrective measures are followed.
- Experience applying safety knowledge by facilitating and processing safety related programs.
- Experience participating in incident response and/or investigations.
- Effective organizational, analytical, time management and multitasking skills.
- Ability to complete, apply, and adhere to concepts in safety training including but not limited to SMS Fundamentals, ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 within first month of employment.
- Ability to complete a Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) within three (3) years of employment.
- Ability to perform all tasks safely with proper PPE. Ability to perform and oversee that tasks are performed to ensure the safety of MBTA employees, contractors, ridership, and the general public, and critical infrastructure.
- Have excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
- The ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed. Availability to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
- The ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.). Have a valid driver's license.
Substitutions Include
- A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
- An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
- A master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
- A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.
Preferred Experience and Skills- Working knowledge of CAD and mainframe or database applications.
- Master's degree from an accredited institution in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
- Experience with or working knowledge of the vehicle procurement process.
- Experience in creating test plans and test specifications for safety critical systems.
- Experience with developing and/or conducting safety training.
- Demonstrated knowledge of SMS including hazard analysis, utilizing data to coordinate safety programs and monitor safety performance, safety assurance, and safety promotion.
- Working knowledge of OSHA standards. Certifications or other training in general industry (29 CFR 1910) or construction industry (29 CFR 1926).
- Completed Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) courses.
Job Conditions:
- Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
- Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)
- Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers
- Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies
- Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)
- Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings
- Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service
Disclaimers and Definitions:
- General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
- Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
- Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
- Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
- Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
- Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
- On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
- Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
- ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.