Senior Safety Specialist (Environmental)

Pay Rate
AFSCME Pay Grade A13
Annual Salary: $128,356.80 (Step 1) - $156,020.80 (Step 5)
*Initial negotiable annual salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Reports To
Principal Safety Engineer

Current Assignment

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is seeking an experienced Senior Safety Specialist to join the Environmental Compliance division within our System Safety Department. This is an exceptional opportunity for an environmental and safety professional who is passionate about solving complex regulatory challenges, developing innovative compliance programs, and making a meaningful impact on one of the nation's largest public transit systems. In this senior role, you will lead strategic environmental initiatives, influence key operational decisions, and help shape a safer, more sustainable future for the Bay Area.

As a key member of the System Safety - Environmental Compliance team, you will drive District-wide environmental compliance efforts, lead high-impact projects, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders across the organization to ensure BART's facilities and operations meet or exceed federal, state, and local environmental regulations. 

The most qualified candidate for this position will have highly developed competencies beyond the minimum qualifications in the following areas, which will be reinforced with related work experience and will be clearly articulated during the selection process:

• Experience balancing numerous projects with competing deadlines.

• Ability to analyze environmental data and recommend program improvements.
• Expertise in managing multi-year, multi-stakeholder environmental projects with measurable outcomes. 
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, and legally defensible environmental reports, permit applications, regulatory correspondence, compliance plans, and other environmental documentation.
• Public Transit / Transportation, or other highly regulated agency, subject matter expertise preferred.

Application and Selection Process

This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). All applicants must apply online at www.bart.gov/jobs. Applications must be completed in full and include all requested information, including dates of employment, positions held, hours worked, and a detailed description of duties performed.

Applicants may attach a resume to provide supplemental information; however, the resume does not substitute for completing the application form in its entirety. Only information included in the application at the time of submission will be used to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications for the position. All application materials must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received after the closing deadline will not be considered.

Applicants who require assistance with the online application process may contact the Talent Acquisition Division at (510) 464-6112 or [email protected].

The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: a skills or performance demonstration, written examination, and/or panel or individual interview.

All applications will be reviewed by the Talent Acquisition Division to determine whether applicants meet the established Minimum Qualifications (MQs). Applicants who meet the MQs may be referred to the hiring department for further evaluation as part of the selection process.

The selected candidate must demonstrate a work history reflecting reliability and dependability and may be required to provide copies of certificates, diplomas, or other documentation required by law, including proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Pre-employment processing will include a background check. This requirement does not apply to current full-time District employees unless the position requires additional evaluations or clearances.

1. Participates in the more complex work of staff responsible for the design, analysis, review, administration, and implementation of District occupational health and safety programs including facility inspections, accident investigations, and emergency planning operations; monitors program compliance with mandated laws, rules, and regulations.
   
   
2. Monitors and inspects new and planned District facilities for compliance with environmental requirements including noise, equipment layout, air quality, and related health and safety issues. 
   
   
3. Administers Illness and Injury Prevention program; reviews Cal/OSHA, Public Utility Commission, and other safety regulatory standards; observes District operations to assess potentially unsafe working practices and conditions; develops code of practices to address these issues. 
   
   
4. Administers a variety of programs addressing occupational health and safety issues including cumulative trauma, blood-borne pathogen, hearing conservation, and emergency preparedness programs; evaluates program goals and objectives; determines training or other support requirements; makes recommendations on program implementation.
   
   
5. Functions as liaison between System Safety Department and other departments and between District and regulatory agencies; participates on a variety of District-wide safety-related committees; communicates safety concerns and integrates safety concerns into goals, objectives, priorities, and project plans. 
   
   
6. Investigates employee and patron accidents, complaints from employees, and all unusual occurrence reports or near-miss incidents; participates in non-criminal accident/incident investigations; responds to scene; gathers evidence and other information; writes report of findings. 
   
   
7. Trains District employees in safety-related work practices, procedures, and techniques; conducts training, drills, and communication checks with District and local fire protection services; ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures. 
   
   
8. Maintains records and develops reports on new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness; prepares statistical reports as required. 
   
   
9. Develops safety education and safety training programs; evaluates training needs; develops materials and conducts training sessions to meet District safety objectives. 
   
   
10. Provides technical safety information and compliance requirements to District management staff, employees, and contractors; conducts health and safety audits and inspections at District locations; determines liability and compliance concerns, documents findings, and tracks findings closure. 
    
    
11. Reviews safety accident investigation reports of employee injuries; determines cause and recommends preventive measures. 
    
    
12. Oversees and administers the District's defensive driving program; schedules and teaches classes; maintains participant database. 
    
    
13. Recommends personal protective equipment for District employees; creates specifications for procurement staff to purchase personal protective equipment for the organization. 
    
    
14. Maintains awareness of new developments in the field of industrial safety; incorporates new developments as appropriate into programs.

Education:
Possession of a bachelor’s degree with major course work in safety engineering, industrial engineering, industrial hygiene, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
 
Experience:
Three (3) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable occupational health and safety program experience.
 
Other Requirements:
Must be physically able to access the BART operating right-of-way; climb on and off rail equipment, climb ladders, walk on uneven surfaces, and visit construction sites.
Must be able to respond to after-hours incidents and perform after-hours assignments for the District’s various work shifts.
Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
Must be able to wear respiratory protective equipment during the performance of assigned duties in accordance with the District Respirator Program and applicable Cal-OSHA and Public Utility Commission requirements.
Conducts building inspections to identify asbestos following AHERA guidance and Cal/OSHA regulations.

Substitution:
Additional professional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year- for-year basis. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive occupational health and safety program
• Principles of lead supervision and training
• Methods and techniques of statistical analysis
• Principles and practices of occupational health and safety programs
• Methods and techniques of work design solutions to health and safety issues
• Tools and equipment used in monitoring and measuring noise and environmental safety factors
• Principles and practices of safety and training program development and implementation
• Methods and techniques of assessing safety hazards and implementing corrective measures
• Methods and techniques of investigating safety related accidents and injuries
• Applicable building and fire safety codes
• Methods and techniques of developing and conducting safety program training sessions
• Recent developments, current literature, and information related to safety rules and regulations
• Current office equipment, including computers
• Related Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and safety regulations
• Related OSHA, Cal OSHA, and Public Utility Commission rules and regulations

 
Skill in:

• Performing a variety of occupational health and safety duties
• Leading, organizing, and reviewing the work of staff
• Developing and conducting safety training programs
• Monitoring safety program performance and recommending adjustments
• Identifying safety training needs
• Evaluating operational area safety requirements
• Investigating accidents and developing solutions to avoid future accidents
• Interpreting and explaining District policies and procedures
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public