Bus Safety Officer

Basic Function

Under the direction of the Manager, Bus Safety promotes safety awareness at all Metro Bus Operating Facilities to reduce employee injuries, bus collisions and maintain compliance with OSHA standards. Also instructs and conducts safety compliance training for Bus Operators and other designated METRO employees as requested. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

Assists with industrial and construction safety audits at assigned Bus Operating Facility to ensure contractor compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Conducts bus accident investigations. Determines classification of accidents and preventability. Reviews accidents with Bus Operators and recommends additional training or retraining.

Downloads and reviews video footage for accidents/incident investigations and all safety related issues.

Presents briefings accidents/incident investigations, safety compliance audits, other safety issues and represents the System Safety Division to other departments.

Analyzes accident trends, make recommendations, and takes necessary steps to eliminate trends.

Assists in developing safety procedures which will increase proficiency in safe practices and promote safety consciousness.

Conducts hazard analyses and recommends corrective action on road hazards, routes, and bus stop/shelter locations.

Conducts observation ride checks on Bus Operators performance behind the wheel and makes recommendations for needed safety adjustments.

Assists in preparation of special safety programs and initiatives to address needs of Bus Operators.

Reviews new bus/equipment and suggests any training recommendations.

Reviews new/revised bus routes, transit centers, and assures bus accessibility for specific buses and determines if additional safety procedures are needed.

Serves as an active participant on various internal committees relating to Bus Operations.

Participates in the Internal Safety Audit of the Bus System Safety Program Plan.

Interfaces daily with Superintendents and Bus Operators regarding safety.

Facilitates monthly Safety Meetings at all BOFs.

Participates in all team related activities held by the Safety Department.

Assists the Environmental, Health and Safety staff respond to employee injuries at BOFs.

Answers Public Comments pertaining to any safety related issues.

On call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.

Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

High school diploma or GED is required. Additional college courses preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum five (5) years general safety experience or transit experience including Bus Operator, or Service Supervisor experience. Minimum one (1) year lead/relief/supervisory experience or participation in METRO’s SOAR program is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required

A valid Texas Commercial Drivers’ License is required and must meet METRO’s requirements regarding motor vehicle records. Good interpersonal and communication (verbal/written) skills. Must demonstrate proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of safety procedures and federal regulations applicable to Transit industry. General knowledge of Labor Agreements and METRO’s policies and procedures. TSI Certification in Bus System Safety and Bus Accident Investigation preferred. Knowledge of video software preferred. Must obtain Transit Safety Institute (TSI) -Transit Safety and Security Professional (TSSP) Bus certificate within three years of employment.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.