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SalaryThe Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is responsible for oversight of investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water utilities in the Commonwealth; developing alternatives to traditional regulation; monitoring service quality; regulating safety in the transportation and gas pipeline areas; and for certain aspects associated with the siting of energy facilities. The mission of the Department is to ensure that utility consumers are provided with the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost; to protect the public safety from transportation and gas pipeline related accidents; and to ensure that residential ratepayers' rights are protected. The DPU seeks to promote safety, security, reliability of service, affordability, equity, and greenhouse gas emission reductions.
The Department’s Rail Transit Safety Division is designated as the state safety oversight agency within the DPU for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) specific to rail transit safety and oversees MBTA’s adherence to its own safety related processes and systems and monitors the authority’s compliance with federal and state safety laws and regulations.
The Department of Public Utilities seeks applicants for the position of Investigator in the Rail Transit Safety Division.
A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Compliance Officer III- Investigator will conduct and coordinate investigations as well as oversee and ensure effective operations and compliance with laws, rules, regulations, and policies pertaining to safety on rapid fixed rail guideway systems.
The Compliance Officer III will conduct safety risk monitoring activities and safety analysis on rail fixed guideway public transportation systems , activities, services, and functions required by Department rules, regulations and orders; reviews memoranda, reports, and other documents on such matters as accidents, equipment failures, derailments, and other safety violations; analyze MBTA rail fixed guideway system safety program plan for compliance; prepare recommendations for corrective action; prepare periodic audit reports for submission to FTA; other related duties as required.
Incumbent in this position will conduct accident/incident investigations. Incumbent in this position will perform routine rail safety inspections at designated facilities across the MBTA to determine compliance with DPU Program Standard (220 CMR 151.00) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rail safety standards (49 CFR Part 674).
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conducts investigations and collects documentation to determine compliance or continued deficiencies of MBTA public transportation agency safety plan for its Light and Heavy Rail systems
- Conducts investigations and independent reviews of investigations on such matters as accidents involving injury and fatalities, equipment failures, violations of operating rules and safety regulations to determine cause and/or recommend corrective action.
- Identifies remedial actions necessary to correct deficiencies identified during investigations.
- Oversee and investigate accidents, and unacceptable hazardous conditions through activities such as reviewing corrective action plans prepared by Rail Transit Agency and assisting/conducting annual and triennial on-site safety audits of the Rail Transit Agency.
- Participate in audits, system reviews and report writing specific to safety related activities at the MBTA for its Light and Heavy Rail systems.
- Collaborate with Division Rail Transit Safety staff to help document, track and analyze data on the safety related accidents and incidents investigations.
- Help to identify trends that will assist in the Department’s efforts to develop mitigation strategies and policy solutions to reduce the frequency and severity of incidents, accidents and unsafe conditions
- Assist in reporting safety critical data to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
- Research and review industry safety oversight agency best practices to help determine appropriate and feasible safety policies, procedures, and implementation strategies.
- Assist in the development of specialized reports and assessments for internal and external purposes.
- Perform related duties and projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE
- At least five (5) years of full-time investigative experience or equivalent part time experience
- Ability to write concisely to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence
- Ability to accurately record information provided orally.
- Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures.
- Ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to determine the proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.
- Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
- Ability to prepare general reports.
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
- Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations policies, procedures, specification, standards, and guidelines governing rail transit systems activities.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to establish rapport with persons from different ethnic, cultural and/or economic backgrounds
- Ability to deal tactfully with others.
- Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
- Ability to motivate others.
- Ability to give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
- Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
- Ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations.
- Ability to adapt to varied work situations.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to be “on call” 24/7 for job related duties.
- Ability to provide own means of transportation unless otherwise provided by the agency in order to conduct job duties.
- Assist in reporting safety critical data to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
- Research and review industry safety/security oversight agency best practices to help determine appropriate and feasible safety policies, procedures, and implementation strategies
- Knowledge of compliance techniques.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
- Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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