Chief Safety Officer (CSO)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisor: General Manager

Positions Supervised: Environmental Compliance Officer, Safety and Security Officers, Security Subcontractors

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000

Benefit Package: PLTO offers an excellent compensation and benefits package (Medical, Dental, 401(k) retirement, vacation, holiday and sick pay, etc.)

General Description:
Under the direction of the General Manager, the Chief Safety Officer (CSO) is responsible for overseeing all safety, security, and environmental compliance activities for Purple Line Transit Operators (PLTO). This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company policies and procedures, while fostering a culture of safety throughout the organization. The CSO develops, implements, and continuously improves safety programs to reduce risk and enhance operational performance, representing the company on all safety and compliance matters.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Ensure company-wide compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), and other applicable regulations.
• Develop and revise annually the PLTO Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan for the O&M Period (PTASP)
• Develop, manage, and enforce comprehensive safety programs, policies, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Establish safety goals, objectives, strategies, and performance indicators in coordination with Operations and Maintenance teams.
• Ensure all PLTO personnel are trained on and follow the PLTO Safety Management System (SMS).
• Ensure that all departments and managers are in compliance with the PLTO PTASP.
• Monitor safety investigation processes and ensure information readiness in accordance with the PLTO PTASP.
• Oversee and monitor compliance with:
  • Safety Policy
  • Safety Risk Management
  • Safety Assurance
  • Safety Promotion

• Analyze safety performance data and provide detailed reports to the General Manager and PLTO Board.
• Lead internal investigations into safety violations, accidents, and incidents, and implement corrective actions to mitigate future risks.
• Oversee the development and submittal of required safety plans, reports, and materials, including but not limited to:
  • Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan for the O&M Period
  • First Responder Training Materials
  • Safety and Security Certification Plan Updates
  • Safety Incident Reporting
  • Continuity of Operations Plan

• Provide training, coaching, and guidance to employees and subcontractors on all aspects of safety and SMS.
• Promote a “safety-first” culture by fostering awareness, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the management of environmental compliance, including permitting and adherence to local, state, and federal regulations.
• Ensure tracking of environmental laws and communication with regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate emergency response training programs and drills and serve as the liaison with emergency responders and authorities.
• Maintain relationships with local, state, and federal emergency response authorities.
• Serve on safety committees, such as the Fire/Life Safety Committee, and represent PLTO in relevant forums.
• Establish a PLTO Safety Committee consisting of 50% management and 50% labor in accordance with FTA regulations.
• Exercise authority to suspend unsafe operations to protect employees, passengers, and property.
• Investigate all instances when a “Good Faith Safety Challenge” has been issued.
• Monitor safety equipment availability, maintenance, and use, including personal protective equipment.
• Monitor the availability of first-aid supplies and personnel trained in emergency response.
• Notify appropriate authorities (e.g., OSHA, FTA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), MDOT) in the event of incidents.
• Monitor the process of inspecting work areas for unsafe or unhealth conditions.
• Monitor the process for maintaining site security in line with the defined scope of work for asset protection.
• Monitor emergency response to ensure compliance with safety protocols and employee/customer safety.
• Maintain a database of incidents and trends for continuous analysis and improvement.
• Communicate safety performance updates and compliance metrics to stakeholders.
• Lead the company’s response to environmental and safety compliance audits.

• Thorough knowledge of transit services, routes, and schedules.
• Through knowledge of FTA regulations and policies.
• Advanced ability to plan, organize, and evaluate safety and training programs.
• Ability to interpret and monitor collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to include providing guidance, mentorship, discipline, and instruction to subordinates.
• Ability to make independent decisions within scope of responsibility.
• Ability to work with staff, public officials, and outside agencies.
• Excellent customer relations and employee motivation skills.
• Basic knowledge of finance management and budgeting.
• Thorough working knowledge of computers, hardware, and software programs (specifically those related to data collection and reporting and Microsoft software including Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.)

• Manage extended work hours and demanding responsibilities.
• Counsel employees and have difficult conversations.
• Have direct and effective communications on the spot regarding safety issues.
• Make quick, concise, and educated decisions.
• Work with members of the public and the community.
• Concentrate on priority tasks with frequent interruptions.

• Sit frequently for long periods.
• Walk facilities, ride trains, and engage within the community reviewing safety behaviors.
• Attend meetings on a regular basis internally and externally to the company.
• Move throughout facilities and grounds.
• Lift light loads at times (<50 lbs).

• Acceptable criminal history record check upon hire which must be maintained throughout employment.
• Acceptable drug screen results upon hire and as regularly required by policy for position.
• Acceptable driving record upon hire which must be maintained throughout employment.

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor’s degree or higher in Safety, Safety Management, Transportation, Emergency Management, Human Resources Management, or a related field.
• Experience working in transit, preferably a union environment.
• Minimum of seven (7) years progressive experience in transit, preferably with a background in safety & training.
• Knowledge of FTA programs, regulations, and policies. Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) certification in Rail Transit through the FTA’s Transit Safety Institute (TSI).
• Proven experience in developing and managing safety programs and emergency procedures.
• High level supervisory and administrative experience required.
• Knowledge of MDOT regulations is preferred.
• Relevant certification or training in safety related programs a plus.
• Extensive overall experience may be considered in lieu of advanced education.