The Director of Safety & Compliance is responsible for overseeing all safety programs, regulatory compliance, and risk management initiatives across railroad operations. This leadership role ensures adherence to federal, state, and industry standards, including those set by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and other relevant bodies. The Director will develop and implement strategies to promote a culture of safety, reduce incidents, and ensure operational excellence. Assist the company with Human Resourcesbest practices to meet Company objectives. Establishes partnerships within the department andacross functions to deliver value-added service to employees and leaders.
Key Responsibilities
Safety Program Management
- Design, implement, and maintain comprehensive safety programs to protect employees, passengers, and assets.
- Conduct regular safety audits, training, and drills.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with FRA regulations, OSHA standards, environmental laws, and company policies.
- Prepare and submit required reports to regulatory agencies.
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Identify potential safety hazards and operational risks.
- Develop and execute mitigation plans to minimize accidents, injuries, and derailments.
Incident Investigation
- Lead investigations into accidents, near-misses, and safety violations.
- Analyze root causes and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Training & Development
- Oversee safety training programs for all railroad personnel, including engineers, conductors, maintenance crews, mechanical and administrative staff.
Policy Development
- Create and update safety policies, procedures, and emergency response plans in alignment with industry best practices and legal requirements.
Industry Involvement (ASLRRA)
- Active member in Safety & Training Committee.
- Implement new learnings company-wide and update management on law and policy changes.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work closely with operations, maintenance, shop, and management teams to integrate safety into daily workflows.
Performance Metrics
- Monitor and report on safety performance indicators (e.g., injury rates, compliance audit results).
- Use data to drive continuous improvement.
Budget Oversight
- Manage the safety department budget, including costs for training, equipment, and compliance initiatives.
Employee Relations
- Responsible for on-boarding, off-boarding and employee life cycle data processes.
- Coordinate and/or execute all pre-employment compliance procedures for new hires, post offer letters including drug screens, background checks, and physical tests.
- Manage electronic and hard copy files and records on a day-to-day basis per the policy of the Company to maintain systems; assure compliance with Federal, State and local employment laws.
- Provide monthly employee random pool list to drug alcohol testing vendor.
- Facilitate improvements to onboarding program to include scheduled check-ins with new hires, coordinating new hire activities with hiring managers.
- Familiar with principles and practices of Human Resource functions.
- Critical thinker to identify areas of improvement and make recommendations based on feedback from employees.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; effectively converse with all levels of the Company.
- Maintain compliance with all state and federal employment laws and regulations: FMLA, ADA, EEO and FLSA, etc.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Engineering, Transportation Management, or equivalent field experience. Professional certification (e.g., Certified Safety Manager - CSM) preferred.
- Experience: 5 years in safety management, with at least 5 years in the railroad or transportation industry. Proven leadership experience in a compliance-focused role.
- Knowledge: Understanding of FRA regulations (e.g., 49 CFR Parts 200–299), OSHA standards, and railroad operations. Key knowledge in FRA Part 214, 217, 219, 225, 240, 242, 243, Hazmat and transload activities.
- Skills: Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills. Ability to influence and train diverse teams. Proficiency in safety management software and data analysis tools.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to conduct field inspections, including walking on uneven terrain and working in various weather conditions.
Work Environment
- Combination of office-based work and field visits to rail yards, tracks, and facilities.
- Occasional travel required for inspections, training, or regulatory meetings.
- On-call availability for emergency response to incidents.
Compensation
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus benefits package including health insurance, RRB retirement plan, and performance bonuses.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their experience in safety and compliance within the railroad industry. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.