The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.
We are proud to be recognized as:
2023 FORBES Best in State Employer
Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024
We are seeking to hire candidates for our Senior Director, System Safety (7371).
NOTE: If you applied during the original posting dates, you will not be able to reapply, as your resume has already been reviewed.
Job Grade: SAM 44
Salary Range: $142,116.00-$177,658.00
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The Candidate(s) selected for this position will be assigned to the specific discipline in System Safety (Safety Innovation & Environment or Accident Prevention, Investigation, and Operational Safety, FRA Compliance), based on qualifications and current demand.
Senior Director,Safety Officer of Accident Investigation, Prevention, and Operational Safety, FRA Compliance
The Senior Director Safety Officer of Accident Prevention, Investigation, and Operational Safety (API & OS) will supervise, manage, and plan the daily activities of the Accident Prevention & Investigation Department and the Operations Safety Department and be responsible for FRA compliance and reporting activities. They will ensure that the department has the resources, tools and cooperation of others to implement and coordinate programs designed to reduce or eliminate hazards, injuries, illness, death and financial losses to all employees and customers. They will coordinate and cooperate with all levels of Authority management, labor unions, safety committees, and manage the Directors of Accident Prevention & Investigation (AP&I) and Operational Safety (OS). They will provide expert assistance toward identifying, quantifying, prioritizing, and influencing line management's prevention of health and safety hazards.
Senior Director,Safety Officer of Safety Innovation & Environment
The Senior Director Safety Officer of Safety Innovation and Environment plays a critical leadership role within SEPTA's System Safety Division in advancing SEPTA's safety performance through innovative approaches, comprehensive data analysis, and environmental stewardship. This position oversees Occupational Safety and Environmental Management (OSEM), organization-wide sustainability, safety statistics and reporting which includes safety promotion, safety training, safety communications and data analysis. The SDSO - Safety Innovation and Environment ensures these integrated functions support evidence-based decision-making and drive continuous improvement across the Authority. The SDSO-SIE leads a team dedicated to ensuring compliance with Safety and Health OSHA standards (29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926) and Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry regulations; environmental EPA regulations such as RCRA, CAA, CWA, CERCLA, and TSCA (40 CFR Parts 260 - 280) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Regulations.
Accident Prevention, Investigation, and Operational Safety
- Works with the AGM and the AGM other direct reports to establish department goals and programs to improve the safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency of the department operation.
- Works with the AGM and the other AGM direct reports to establish operational based programs to improve the safety of SEPTA employees and customers.
- Ensures high staff morale and adequacy of manpower and staff training to ensure the department goals and programs are being implemented. Instills a professional, positive, and supportive philosophy in all staff.
- Interprets Authority Policy and administrative directives and supports the SDSO toward the development and enhancement of Agency Safety Plan, System Safety Program Plan, Safety related Policies, Directives and Programs.
- Supervises the daily activities of the Directors, develops individual goals, provides work assignments, ensures implementation of work assignments, and promotes success through training, support and constructive feedback.
- Works with the AGM and other SDSO direct reports on Budgetary planning and spending for both Operating and Capital expenses and manages spending and utilization of the department budget.
- Manages the day-to-day activity of the AP&I based Directors to ensure implementation of Safety Programs and Department Safety Goals.
- Prioritizes work activities.
- Effectively utilizes the AP&I based staff to carry out the department responsibilities.
- Utilizes accident and incident data to develop trends to help reduce accidents and injuries.
- Ensures compliance with all relevant data submissions to the FRA, FTA, SSO and NTD.
- Works with the SDSO and staff to review accident and incident trends and develops campaigns with the various operating modes to reduce, if not eliminate, accident trends.
- Works with other Departments to promote safety and supports their safety needs by providing department resources and expertise.
- Supports the development of and compliance with operation practices, operational training, rules, and vehicle maintenance activities as related to their Safety Critical elements for all modes of operation.
- Ensures safety support and consultation is provided for these functions.
- Ensures that safety oversight and consultation is provided to all internal and external infrastructure improvements and maintenance activities.
- Provides oversight and support to all the various union/management Safety Committees.
- Responsible for FRA compliance and reporting activities
- Ensures compliance with various Regulations and interfaces with regulatory agencies and personnel including but not limited to, FRA, FTA, NTD, and SSO.
- Keeps current in health and safety issues and regulations, particularly as related to the public transportation industry.
Safety Innovation & Environment
1. Oversees Occupational Safety and Environmental Management (OSEM) to ensure integrated approach to occupational safety, environmental compliance, and workplace health initiatives across all SEPTA operations and facilities.
2. Leads organization-wide sustainability programs including development of sustainability metrics, environmental impact assessments, and green initiatives that align with SEPTA's environmental commitments and regulatory requirements.
3. Oversees comprehensive safety statistics and reporting systems to track, analyze, and communicate safety performance across all modes of transportation and operational areas, ensuring accurate data collection and regulatory compliance.
4.Directs Safety Promotion activities including development of safety awareness campaigns, safety recognition programs, and initiatives that foster proactive safety engagement throughout the organization.
5. Oversees safety training programs to ensure all personnel receive appropriate occupational safety education, environmental compliance training, certification maintenance, and continuous professional development in safety practices.
6. Manages safety communications strategies including internal safety bulletins, environmental awareness communications, external safety messaging, and stakeholder engagement on safety and environmental matters.
7. Supervises data analysts to ensure accurate collection, analysis, and interpretation of occupational safety, environmental, and sustainability data to support strategic decision-making and regulatory compliance.
8. Develops and implements innovative safety technologies and methodologies to enhance SEPTA's occupational safety performance and environmental management while maintaining industry leadership in transportation safety.
9. Coordinates cross-functional safety and environmental initiatives that integrate safety innovation with environmental sustainability, occupational health, and operational excellence.
10. Establishes performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) for occupational safety, environmental management, and sustainability programs to measure effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
Safety Innovation & Environment (cont'd)
1. Manages relationships with external partners including technology vendors, research institutions, regulatory agencies, and industry organizations to advance safety innovation and environmental best practices.
2. Provides strategic guidance on safety and environmental data visualization and reporting to support executive decision-making and regulatory reporting requirements.
3. Leads change management initiatives related to safety innovation, environmental programs, and occupational safety improvements to ensure successful implementation across the organization.
4. Coordinates with other SDSO positions to ensure an integrated approach to safety management and environmental stewardship throughout SEPTA's operations.
5. Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations including but not limited to:
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulations (49 CFR Parts 670, 673, 674)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations (49 CFR Transportation)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards (29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations including:
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (40 CFR Parts 260-280)
- Clean Water Act (CWA) (40 CFR Parts 100-140, 400-503)
- Clean Air Act (CAA) (40 CFR Parts 50-99)
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA/Superfund) (40 CFR Parts 300-399)
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (40 CFR Parts 700-799)
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry regulations
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) requirements
- American Public Transportation Association (APTA) standards and recommended practices
- State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA) requirements National Transit Database (NTD) reporting requirements
- Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) (40 CFR Parts 355, 370, 372)
- Hazardous Materials Transportation regulations (49 CFR Parts 100-185) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance requirements
Other Duties:
- Ensures compliance with FTA and PennDOT SSOA audit requirements by supporting Directors in preparing documentation, implementing recommendations, and tracking corrective actions.
- Emergency Management liaison and coordinates drills and other activities as required.
- Leads by example in fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and accountability within the System Safety Division.
- Acts as a trusted advisor to the Chief Safety Officer, providing recommendations on safety-related strategies, priorities, and resource allocation.
- Performs other duties as required by the Chief Safety Officer.
- Serves as Acting Chief Safety Officer as required.
- Duties may be required on a 24/7 basis, with a varying work schedule as required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Safety Management, Operations Management, Emergency Management, Transportation, Business Management, Quality Management, Systems Management, or related field.
- Fifteen (15) years' experience in System Safety, Transportation Operations, Occupational Safety, Environmental Compliance, or Emergency Management or equivalent EHS fields
- An equivalent combination of experience and education (i.e., two (2) years of related experience, equating to one (1) year of formal post high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements. Post-Baccalaureate Degree (Masters, Ph.D., etc.) will provide up to four (4) years of related experience to the applicant.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Strong knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA), and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regulations preffered.
- Experience in the Public Transportation Industry preferred.
- Must have a strong understanding of union and management environment and demonstrate the ability to address health and safety matters directly to Union employees and leadership.
- Must demonstrate the ability to pursue/perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Must have excellent verbal and strong technical writing skills.
- Must have strong interpersonal skills.
- Experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint required.
Accident Prevention & Investigation & Operational Safety, FRA Compliance
- Specific experience in accident investigation is required.
Safety Innovation & Environment
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Clean Water Act (CWA); Clean Air Act (CAA); Comprehensive Environmental preferred. Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA/Superfund); and the Toxic Substances Control (TSCA).
Accident Prevention & Investigation & Operational Safety
- Certifications such as Public Transportation Safety Certification Training (PTSCTP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Data Professional (CDP) are preferred.
Safety Innovation & Environment
- Working knowledge of applicable federal and state safety regulations, including OSHA Regulations 1910 and 1926, and those enforced by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety preferred.
- USDOT Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) Safety and Security Program (TSSP-Rail and/or TSSP-Bus) certificate preferred.
- Federal Transit Administration Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) Certification preferred.
✅ Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
✅ Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.
✅ Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
✅ Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
✅ Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.
✅ Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.
✅ Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!
Click Apply Now and take the next step in your career with SEPTA!
Have Questions? For more information, please visit How We Hire Careers Page.
SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
