Accident Investigator

Opening

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal.  We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut.  A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation.  MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities to its employees.

Position Objective

Responsible for conducting on-site investigation of major and critical incidents including, unusual occurrences, near miss events, and fire related incidents on a 24X7 basis, as assigned. The Accident Investigator will determine root causes and contributing factors and recommend corrective actions required to eliminate or reduce the potential for future accidents/incidents. The investigator will prepare a comprehensive accident/incident investigation report and will verify the implementation of corrective actions. The Accident Investigator will analyze the accident/incident trends and produce reports for senior management. Direct and manage the MNR field safety managers who seek to ensure the overall safety of Metro-North operations by evaluating compliance with legally mandated safety regulations, policies, and procedures, preparing recommendations for accident prevention and reduction, and assisting the operating departments in developing and implementing major programs to achieve accident/incident reductions and safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Respond to major incidents involving MNR or tenant railroad equipment, customers, personnel, and/or property. Coordinate MNR internal investigations with the Chief Investigator. Provide timely notifications to the FRA, PTSB, NTSB, OSHA, and other agencies as required. Secure, reconstruct, and analyze incident scenes. Coordinate and conduct witness interviews and statements, evidence collection, and examination. Recommend, retain, and coordinate outside experts/contractors as required. Coordinate and manage chain of custody documentation and processes.
• Assist in directing and overseeing the activities of the Field Safety Managers which includes assisting to create the goals and objectives, utilization of staffing, staff development, and resolution of personnel issues. Assists in the development of the annual Departmental Audit Plan to capture and audit compliance with safety critical rules and procedures, the SSPP, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive investigation reports addressing root causes and contributing factors. Prepare corrective action recommendations and improvement plans based on findings. Monitor execution and ongoing compliance with same.
• Monitor MNR accident and injury reports. Utilize the database to log all safety recommendations, analyze trends, and provide monthly reports. Ensures the flow of information and direction is managed and all corrective actions are documented and tracked.
• Monitor the progress of safety-related recommendations provided by external agencies such as the FRA, FTA, and NTSB pertaining to all major accidents and provide status reports. Represent MNR at PTSB Board Meetings and interact with PTSB staff on a regular basis. Coordinates and helps to establish the framework and focus for departments Safety Action Plans, based on the review and analysis of departmental and corporate data trends.

Required Qualifications

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of the rail industry, equipment, technical standards, operations, and organization.
• A strong background in the practical application of rail accident/incident investigation techniques, procedures, and policies.
• Knowledge and ability to review incidents and develop corresponding contributing factors, root causes, and corrective actions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. · Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of internal and external customers
• Ability to foster cooperation among diverse groups.
• Strong knowledge of FRA and OSHA regulations and practices.
• Extensive knowledge of principles of auditing, with the demonstrated ability to establish audit plans.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as a normal course of business.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and Outlook).
• Excellent project management skills required with adherence to deadlines.
• Must be available and able to respond to emergencies 24/7.
• Valid driver's license.

The following is preferred

• Master’s Degree in Safety, Emergency Management, Business, Engineering or related field.
• Knowledge and experience with FRA and NTSB investigation methodologies and procedures. NIMS 100, 200, 700
• Safety Certification: CSP, SMS, WSO-CSS, WSO-CSSD, and/or TSI-TSS

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Emergency Management, Business, Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical engineering, or related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education, and/or technical credentials to include four (4) additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a transportation industry (at least two (2) of which are in one of the following: Transportation-train operations, Maintenance of Equipment, Track & Structures or Signal) and/or conducting safety-related investigations.

Other Information

This is a Federally Regulated position and subject to toxicology testing.

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Selection Criteria

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.

Additional Criteria for Current Employees: Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration. Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union. Non-agreement employees must have worked in their current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. If interested, please apply online at www.mta.info

How To Apply:

Qualified applicants can submit an online application by clicking on the 'APPLY NOW' button from either the CAREERS HOME page or the JOB DESCRIPTION page.

For instructions on completing the online application, go to the MTA intranet site and click on the PeopleSoft Information hyperlink. From there select the User Guides hyperlink to gain access to the "Viewing/Applying for Jobs Online" guide under the Recruiting section of the page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.