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 System Safety Specialist - Construction Safety will be responsible for the auditing and monitoring of construction activities performed by Capital Programs and Engineering and Maintenance on the MBTA system, as well as Transit-Oriented Development projects that affect MBTA operations
Duties & Responsibilities
- Participate in project meetings and perform observations and audits of new and existing projects as part of MBTA Safety's construction oversight program.
- Review project specific work and safety plans
- Perform job site audits to ensure contractor compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations and conform to the MBTA Safety Plan, MBTA controlled policies, rules, procedures, industry best practices, and standards as applicable.
- Recommend and implement corrective actions with regards to identified hazards.
- Respond to and assist with investigating construction incidents.
- Assist in facilitating safety certifications of MBTA projects as assigned.
- Work collaboratively with MBTA managers, supervisors, and employees to identify and mitigate any known or discovered hazards in a timely manner.
- Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit/inspect work sites and to assist at emergencies and/or events, as needed.
- Participate in the review of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as other related safety equipment through the audit process while in the field.
- Perform night and weekend duty response in rotation with other MBTA Safety staff. Respond either directly or through others, to emergencies 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.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Four (4) years of relevant experience in transportation, engineering, construction, or infrastructure and/or system design
- Relevant experience in transportation safety, vehicle maintenance, and/or technical engineering plan development
- Documented relevant safety training courses such as those provided by the Transportation Safety Institute, National Transit Institute, OSHA, or equivalent
- Valid driver's license
- Effective organizational, analytical, multi-tasking, time management and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and report writing 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 as well as courses offered on websites hosted by MassDOT, FEMA, and TSI within the first month of employment
- Ability to complete a Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) within three (3) years of employment
- Ability to undertake several projects simultaneously and follow through on each project to completion.
- The ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and database applications
- The ability to pass background screenings and the MBTA's medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening
- The ability to effectively communicate with regulatory agencies, community organizations, and others on technical and sensitive matters
- Ability to provide internal/external customers with courteous and professional customer experience
- The ability to work with a diverse workforce
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 substitute 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
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Experience working in transportation, safety, or related field; and candidates demonstrating an understanding of OSHA/DLS Regulations, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and/or DPU regulations, knowledge of American Public Transportation Association (APTA) standards, and/or experience conducting training.
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.