Project Consultant - Safety Assessment & Oversight

SALARY

$158,773.16

POSITION SUMMARY

Under direction, manages projects and provides direction for implementations that support cross-functional adoption of safety assurance processes and process improvements. Leads coordination with team members and various Authority staff to design, formalize, standardize, implement and evaluate processes that comply with safety requirements, and integrate them with other operational and business practices. Designs and conducts discrete studies such as benchmarking studies or process evaluations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

•           Leads collaborative efforts to design, formalize, standardize, and execute safety assurance processes. Evaluates existing processes for the continuous improvement of the Safety Management System.

o          Assists with the clarification and development of policies, procedures, regulations, and guidance to support the compliance and effectiveness of CTA’s safety program.

o          Proposes Authority-wide safety assurance related policy and procedural changes.

o          With the support of department leadership, secures cooperation and resources for continuous safety improvement.

o          Designs, tests, and improves methods, tools, and routines as needed to evaluate or suggest safety improvements.

o          Assesses gaps and conflicts in the performance of safety assurance activities in areas throughout the Authority and presents recommendations and options for executive level decision making.

o          Creates, monitors and tracks safety standards. 

o          Provides communication and policy support to ensure the Authority’s strategic goals, objectives and effectiveness are effectively communicated and available to continuous improvement efforts.

o          Identifies risks and gaps and creates mitigation plans.

o          Identifies and removes barriers to implementation.

o          Identifies and resolves project issues and risks and monitors successful execution of revised action plans.

o          Develops review plans and tools (e.g., checklists).

o          Drafts corporate safety plans, policies, procedures and guidelines.

o          Creates reports, presentations, and other materials to communicate plans, procedures and results for technical and nontechnical audiences.

•           Assists with the ensuring and demonstrating regulatory compliance.

o          Coordinates, collects, synthesizes, and presents data and information.

o          Reviews reports, findings, and deadlines, and coordinates response and implementation of corrective action plans as needed.

o          Monitors safety system performance, identifies critical issues, and establishes regular reporting mechanisms.

o          Assists management in researching and revising processes and procedures.

o          Prepares information to demonstrate safety program activities and results to oversight agencies.

o          Makes presentations to management on findings.

•           Participates in developing, monitoring and maintaining department-wide program documentation.

•           Assists with special projects and collaborations, such as benchmarking studies, process assessments, or other inquiries.

•           Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position may include the following jobs:

Job Title

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CHALLENGES

•           Keeping abreast of all Federal, State and Local requirements, including relevant CTA requirements, and transit and safety industry standards and best practices.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

•           Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Business Management, or a related field, plus five (5) years of experience managing projects, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to this position.

•           Advanced degree in Business, Planning, Public Administration, Safety, Engineering or related field; or a minimum of five (5) years of experience managing projects, or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to this position.

•           Experience managing projects from start to finish is essential, including identifying opportunities and conceptualizing projects, researching, convening working groups for new purposes, establishing common understanding, developing tools and documents, assigning and coordinating work, and presenting results.

•           Experience working with personnel and executives of all levels and varying professional expertise.

•           Experience in transit safety strongly preferred, with FTA training certification of Transit Safety and Security Professional (TSSP) and/or Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) preferred.

•           Experience working with regulatory entities preferred.

•           Must be able to attain CTA Rail Safety Training certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•           Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.

•           Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

•           Working knowledge of related Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations as they pertain to assigned projects.

•           Strong verbal and written communication skills.

•           Strong project management skills.

•           Strong presentation skills with experience presenting to large and diverse audiences.

•           Strong computer skills with knowledge of MS Project, Access, PowerPoint, Visio and other computer software needed.

•           Ability to gather, analyze and evaluate facts and to prepare and present concise oral and written reports.

•           Ability to maintain amiable relations with various levels of Authority personnel and outside contractors and vendors.

•           Ability to manage multiple projects, balance multiple priorities, deadlines and budget constraints.

WORKING CONDITIONS

•           General office environment.

•           Required to travel to locations throughout the CTA system and Chicago area as needed.

•           Subject to various weather conditions when travelling to and from field locations.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

•           Standard office equipment.

•           Personal computer and related software.