Salary range is $105k to $185k, with a midpoint of $145k.  New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

GENERAL PURPOSE: 

Under direction of the Director of Transportation Safety and Security, responsible for leading detailed investigations of incidents, accidents and near-miss events for all transportation modes. Develops and oversees comprehensive reports detailing factual findings and analyses to determine causal factors of incidents. Leads the safety investigations and the safety and security assessment program functions of the Transportation Safety and Security Division (TSSD) of the Safety Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of assigned areas of responsibility and assigned management staff; assigns work activities and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.

• Assists in the direction and implementation of the agency’s safety and security risk management strategy and process. Assists in the risk identification and mitigation process for system safety and security. Assists in development and drafting of policies, procedures, and plans necessary to effectively execute Sound Transit’s safety risk management strategy. Ensures that all objectives are successfully met.

• Works with the Director of Transportation Safety and Security to develop and manage the annual budget.

• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work of assigned staff; assigns work activities and coordinates schedules, projects, and programs; provides constructive feedback; reviews and evaluates work and makes effective suggestions and recommendations.

• Coaches, trains and motivates staff; coordinates and/or provides staff training; and manages employee relations; manages the workflow and prioritization of projects and measures the performance of the department and all related staff; develops developmental work plans for staff; implements or recommends corrective actions, discipline and termination procedures as appropriate/necessary working closely with Human Resources.

• Assists in creating a workplace environment and culture that supports our values, encourages high performance, and promotes employee engagement.

• Leads and oversees the division’s investigation and assessment strategy and works with key subject matter experts on detailed investigations of accidents and incidents. May also include employee, contractor and near-miss incidents. Review and interpret data from multiple systems of record and conduct interviews with involved staff, contractors and responders.

• Applies subject matter expertise to perform root cause analysis and develop robust corrective action plans that effectively mitigate the risk of the same or similar incidents from occurring.

• Leads the creation and development of investigation reports including analysis of but not limited to, training, operations and maintenance protocols, and regulatory compliance activities.

• Works with State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA) and operational partners to review, edit and approve reports in accordance with regulatory reporting requirements.

• Lead on-scene oversight of incidents and investigations to include ensuring contracted operational partners are following and adhering to the proper investigation processes and procedures.

• Collaborates with the division leaders to ensure adequate resourcing, cross-training, and coordination among staff across regions and disciplines. Develops work plans with staff and coordinates and/or provides staff training.

• Leads the Sensitive Security Information (SSI) program. Coordinates and educates internal and external stakeholders on the regulatory requirements of SSI, tracks Non-Disclosure Agreements and, and monitors compliance with the SSI program in safety and security committees and across the agency.

• Manages assigned contracts; develops task orders, scopes of work and independent cost estimates. Ensures contractor is meeting contract requirements and stays within assigned budget.

• Represents Sound Transit TSS Division and the Division Director at external and internal meetings.

• Provides support to the TSS Division Director on matters as directed; serves on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees as directed; understands and keeps abreast of industry trends, ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; and ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, agency expectations, policies and procedures, rules and regulations.

• Champions and models Sound Transit’s core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.

• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.

• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in safety engineering, business management, or closely related field and six years of progressive experience in accident and incident investigations OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience with leading teams and developing staff. Public transit or public agency experience preferred.

Required Licenses or Certifications:  

Valid state driver’s license.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:  

Transportation Safety and Security Program (TSSP).

Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP).

Certified Safety and Security Director (CSSD).

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Accident and incident investigation principles.

• Developing and drafting clear written documents and analyses for senior and executive level management.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other division staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.

• Serving as an effective member of teams and working groups that can successfully communicate hazard management concepts to a broad range of technical and non-technical staff.

• Presenting plans and proposals to key personnel.

• Applying project management techniques and principles.

• Managing multiple tasks, setting objectives/goals, and re-prioritizing as needed.

• Preparing, analyzing, and interpreting an extensive variety of technical instructions and preparing complex data and numerical computations and comprehensive reports.

• Maintaining confidentiality and communicating with tact and diplomacy.

• Implementing the programs and services of an identified functional area within the Department.

• Responding to inquiries in effective oral and written communication.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

• Transit bus and rail operations.

• Interviewing techniques.

• Labor and Industries investigation and communication requirements.

• FTA and State Safety Oversight investigation, notification, and communication requirements.

• Conducting Root Cause Analysis.

• Conducting safety and security assessments.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  

• Work is performed in the field and in a standard office environment.

• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.

• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

• This position may require on-call duties and responding to incident scenes.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)