Senior Specialist-Safety Investigations

Salary range is $78k to $180k, with a midpoint of $129k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under direction of the Director of Investigations, responsible for assisting in detailed investigations of incidents, accidents, and near-miss events for all transportation modes. Develops comprehensive reports detailing factual findings and analyses to determine causal factors of incidents. Preforms the safety investigations and the safety and security assessment program functions of the Enterprise Safety division.

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.

• Perform root cause analysis and develop robust corrective action plans that effectively mitigate the risk of the same or similar incidents from occurring.
• Develop and participate in the creation of investigation reports including analysis of, but not limited to training, operations and maintenance protocols, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Work with key subject matter experts on detailed investigations of accidents and incidents. This 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.
• Works with State Safety Oversight Agency (SSOA) and operational partners to review, edit, and approve reports in accordance with regulatory reporting requirements.
• Participate in on-scene oversight of incidents and investigations to include ensuring contracted operational partners are following and adhering to the proper investigation processes and procedures.
• Coordinate and assist in execution of the contract expectations of the safety and security assessment program.
• Develop the implementation, execution, and adherence of the Sensitive Security Information (SSI) program. Coordinates and educates internal and external stakeholders on the regulatory requirements of SSI, tracks Non-Disclosure Agreements, and execute compliance with the SSI program in safety and security committees and across the agency.
• Assists in managing 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.
• Assists in creating a workplace environment and culture that supports our values, encourages high performance, and promotes employee engagement.
• 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.
• Represents Sound Transit TSS Division at external and internal meetings.
• Provides support to the TSS Division as directed; serves on 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 five years of progressive experience in accident and incident investigations; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Public transit or public agency experience preferred.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid state driver's license. Position is responsible for transporting equipment for inspections/assessments as needed.

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:

• Conducting Root Cause Analysis.
• Accident and incident investigation principles.
• FTA and State Safety Oversight investigation, notification, and communication requirements.
• Developing and drafting clear written documents and analyses for senior and executive level management.
• Conducting safety and security assessments.
• 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.
• 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:

• Applying project management techniques and principles.
• Transit bus and rail operations.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Labor and Industries investigation and communication requirements.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office and field environment.
• Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
• Position is responsible for performing inspections/assessments; may be subject to climbing, crawling, eye/hand coordination, grasping, hearing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, sitting, standing, talking, seeing, walking and carrying and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Position may require on-call duties and weekend/night shifts to respond to incident scenes.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

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.