Director of Safety

ABOUT THE ROLE The Director of Transit System Safety provides strategic and operational leadership for safety across all CATS modes, including bus, rail, paratransit, construction safety and construction code compliance. Reporting to the CSSO, this role ensures compliance with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), state, and local safety regulations, and oversees implementation of the Safety Management System (SMS) and CATS' Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP). This position leads the Safety Management team and drives a culture of proactive hazard identification, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement. The role is located at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) employment on January 1, 2027. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of CATS' SMS and PTASP. - Lead preparation for FTA audits, SSOA reviews, corrective action plans, triennial reviews, and regulatory compliance activities. - Ensure safety compliance for bus, rail, and construction operations in accordance with federal and state requirements. - Coordinate official agency response to federal and state safety findings, recommendations, and enforcement actions. - Provide oversight of cross-functional safety initiatives involving Operations, Maintenance, Capital Programs, Emergency Management, and Quality Assurance. - Direct investigations of accidents, incidents, and near-misses, ensuring timely root cause analysis and corrective action. - Oversee hazard identification and risk assessment processes across all modes. - Supervise safety training programs for operators, supervisors, and support staff. - Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, fire codes, and environmental health and safety standards. - Oversee safety and code compliance for capital construction projects, facility improvements, and other construction-related work. - Ensure contractors comply with applicable safety requirements, construction codes, permits, and CATS standards. - Supervise safety managers, supervisors, and specialists across bus, rail, and construction. - Manage safety program budgets, resources, and grants related to safety initiatives. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in safety, engineering, transportation, occupational health, or related field. - 8 years of progressively responsible experience in transit or transportation safety, including supervisory experience. - FTA Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP) certification. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Master's degree in public administration, safety, or related discipline is preferred. - Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent credential is preferred. - Experience in multimodal transit safety program management is preferred. SELECTION PROCESS - Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. - Candidates may be asked to take a skills test and/or participate in other assessments during the selection process. - Background checks will be conducted on final internal or external candidates, including reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and if applicable, credit history, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle records check. HOW TO APPLY - Apply online. - Self-service application kiosks are available at the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202, open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays. - For questions about the application or hiring process, email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us. - Request reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids by filling out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or calling 704.336.4120. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Requisition ID: JR104325 - Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department - Time Type: Full time - Location: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center - Application End Date: August 24, 2026 - Employees will transition from City of Charlotte to Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) employment on January 1, 2027. - The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.