Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00309

Department: Metro Transit

Division: System Safety

Job classification: Rail Safety Officer

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Transportation, Safety, Transit

Summary

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the country’s largest transit systems, employing more than 3,200 people, and provides rides through an integrated network of buses, light rail, and commuter trains.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Rail Safety Officer provides technical leadership and functional guidance to operating units to ensure applicable standards are being enforced. This position has the authority to stop operation immediately when unsafe conditions exist that create immediate danger.

Examples of duties

• Investigates rail related accidents/ incidents. Work in collaboration with bus/rail Supervisors and emergency personnel.
• Participates in safety review committee.
• Participates in Fire and Life Safety Committee
• Performs hazard analysis and resolution by identifying and evaluating the seriousness of hazards, prioritize by level of severity and frequency of occurrence and resolve safety hazards by coordinating with all departments within Metro Transit, developing corrective action plans as appropriate. Conducts thorough investigations and recommends effective resolutions.
• Manages Workplace Accident Incident Reduction (AWAIR) program.
• Participates in public awareness education for the LRT system.
• Performs safety audits and inspections of Metro Transit rail properties to ensure compliance with all local, state, federal laws, fire codes, standards and regulations (OSHA, FRA) and Metro Transit procedures.
• Conducts observations of the rail operation
• Conducts safety certification audits, ensuring compliance of design with design criteria and of construction with design.
• Participates in and conducts proficiency and efficiency observations.
• Conducts internal audits of the Agency Safety Plan.
• Participates in emergency preparedness exercises for LRT.
• Interfaces with the Office of State Safety Oversight (OSSO) including participation in annual and triennial audits and other programs as directed by OSSO.

Qualifications

Any of the following combinations of experience in Rail Operations, Safety, Systems Maintenance or closely related field and completed education in Safety Science, Transportation Management, Engineering, or closely related field:

• High school diploma/GED and nine (9) years of progressively responsible work experience
• Associate degree and seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience
• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience

License Requirement: Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Professional Certification e.g., Board of Certified Safety Professionals, or Transportation Safety Institute.
• Metro Transit LRT operating rules and procedures.
• Experience with commuter rail operations, including familiarity with GCOR.
• Experience promoting an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values culture and diversity among all employees.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• General knowledge of Federal and State OSHA.
• General knowledge of methods and practices of accident investigation procedures.
• General knowledge of methods and practices of Rail safety compliance.
• General knowledge of methods and practices developing safety policies, procedures, and materials.
• Skilled in verbal communications with managers, staff and contractors of the importance of attention to safety.
• Skilled in written communications sufficient to write clear correspondence, policies, an training materials. Handling multiple tasks and prioritizing workload.
• Skilled in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Web based applications required in this job.
• Ability to prepare reports and make oral presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and contractors.
• Ability to handle emotional and confrontational responses from others in a professional manner.
• Ability to recognize and identify safety and health hazards and implement appropriate remedies.
• Ability to work independently using appropriate judgment and initiative.
• Ability to read and understand plans and specifications as well as technical procedures and government regulations.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Supplemental information

Union/Grade: Non-represented / Grade I

FLSA: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

What your work environment would be:

Work is primarily performed in office as well as wayside operating environments. At times the incumbent in this position will be exposed to extreme weather conditions, outside environmental conditions with no effective protection from weather, inside environmental conditions where there is protection from weather conditions but not necessarily temperature changes, near moving parts and equipment, fumes and airborne particles and electrical items. The incumbent will be rotating an on-call schedule with other safety officers.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

You must qualify at each of the numbered steps below to be considered a final candidate for the job.

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only) and a background check, which verifies education and employment, covers driving record (if applicable to the job) and any criminal record. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards.

In addition, all applicants' background checks and fingerprints must be cleared by the Criminal Bureau of Apprehension in order to be a user of their CJIS system. Failure to be cleared by BCA will automatically nullify any job offer extended.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.