Deputy Chief Safety Officer-Occupational & Environmental Safety

Job Information  

Title:                                      Deputy Chief Safety Officer – Occupational and Environmental Safety  

Department:                        Corporate Safety  

Post Date:                             1/25/2024  

Close Date:                           2/07/2024    

Hay Point Evaluation:          994  

Salary Range:                        $128,255 – 168,335  

Position Classification:        Safety Sensitive  

Location:                               Queens  

Reports To:                          Vice President Corporate Safety 

This is a Non-Represented Position. 

Summary:  

This position is responsible for overseeing the development, administration, implementation and management of health and safety policy and programs, in the areas of Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health.  This position is responsible for establishing corporate policies as they relate to the identification, evaluation and control of workplace and public health hazards and oversees monitoring and compliance. Directing the oversight of the LIRR’s hazard assessment and control activities, including asbestos and lead based paint, is also a primary responsibility of this position. The position will interface with MTA Headquarters, department personnel, service providers, regulators, employees, and customers, to assure that projects are conducted in a safe and efficient manner, while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. In the realm of Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Projects, this position shall be the corporate technical representative for the LIRR in defense of Regulatory Agency Investigations, Fines, and Notice of Violations.  

Responsibilities:  

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:  

• Direct the development, administration, and management of policies and programs addressing health and safety of employees, customers, the public and the New York City/Long Island environs. Ensure compliance with regulations and avoidance of fines, penalties, and liabilities. Establish and maintain third-party service and consulting contracts that aid compliance with regulatory and corporate environmental and occupational safety policies and procedures.
• Direct the administration of industrial hygiene and occupational safety policies and programs, including all applicable third-party service and consulting contracts. Assure a safe and healthy work environment is maintained for employees. Direct the administration of tracking programs, utilizing documentation and databases to communicate and utilize industrial hygiene information to all organizational levels. Direct conversation between management and labor to address industrial hygiene issues. Direct management oversight and administration of workplace surveys. Review and grant final approval of the findings of all surveys and recommendations for remedial action. Direct the performance of Occupational Safety Investigations, Technical Design, Remediation, and Inspections.
• Administer and oversee environmental compliance programs including PBS (Tanks) management, stormwater management, hazardous waste management and other compliance programs. Direct the response to releases of chemical or petroleum products into the environment. Manage staff directing all cleanup and site remediation activities including required reporting to regulatory authorities.
• Serve as Primary Interface and direct staff interacting with environmental, occupational, and health regulatory agencies. Develop responses to inquiries and actions directed at the LIRR from governmental agencies. Direct the submission of, including final review and approval, all reports, audits, environmental assessments, permit applications, etc. required by all regulatory agencies.
• Maintain knowledge of federal and state environmental and occupational safety and health regulations. Interpret all standards and regulations and ensure compliance through all departments. Recommend actions where needed due to non-existing outside agency standards ensuring safe and healthy workplace and environment.
• Direct the review of all new projects, programs, procedures and policies for environmental, occupational safety and health issues. This includes review of SDS’s and work plans.
• Provide expert testimony to the LIRR for court trials, arbitration hearings and depositions for asbestos and lead litigation cases. Corporate liaison for the LIRR to support and coordinate MTA Inspector General and MTA Audit Investigations.  Act as corporate liaison for the LIRR in defense of Regulatory Agency Investigations, Fines and Notice of Violations. Establish good working relationship with regulators.
• Direct the development of Contract Specifications, Bid documents and provide expertise for technical evaluation committees to assure compliance with applicable regulations, policies and guidelines.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety

policies and procedures. Lead by example.   

• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Biological or Physical Science.
• Must possess 10 Years of progressively responsible experience in the area of Hazardous Abatement / Industrial Hygiene / Occupational Safety / Environmental Compliance in a large, diverse, complex environment.
• Must have comprehensive knowledge of regulatory compliance regulations and standards of federal, state, local, and industry agencies and associations.
• Ability to plan, forecast, set objectives/goals to support corporate goals and determine course of action.
• Experience in a wide range of Occupational Safety and Health disciplines including indoor air quality, airborne contaminates, asbestos abatement, lead abatement and microbe abatement, industrial hygiene, and OSHA/PESH compliance.
• Experience in a wide range of Environmental Quality and Health disciplines including site assessments, hazardous waste, air and water permitting, and spill control and cleanup.
• Experience in dealing with Regulatory Agencies such a