Chief Safety Officer in Michigan City, Indiana at South Shore Line

The Chief Safety Officer (CSO) for the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, a passenger rail also known as the South Shore Line Railroad, is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, implementation, and oversight of all safety, regulatory compliance, environmental, and risk management programs for the South Shore Line passenger railroad. The CSO ensures compliance with all applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations while promoting a proactive culture of safety throughout the organization.
The Chief Safety Officer serves as a key member of executive leadership and works collaboratively with all departments to reduce risk, improve operational safety performance, and ensure the protection of employees, passengers, contractors, and the public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide executive leadership for all railroad safety initiatives, policies, and compliance programs.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive System Safety Program Plan (SSPP).
• Ensure compliance with FRA, FTA, OSHA, DOT, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
• Lead accident, incident, and injury investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Analyze safety trends, operational risks, and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
• Oversee railroad operational safety audits, field inspections, and regulatory reviews.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness planning and response activities with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Develop and administer employee safety training and education programs.
• Promote a positive safety culture through leadership engagement and employee accountability.
• Serve as primary liaison with regulatory agencies regarding safety compliance matters.
• Prepare and present safety performance reports to executive leadership and Board of Trustees.
• Oversee contractor safety compliance for capital projects and railroad operations.
• Collaborate with Transportation, Mechanical, Engineering, Human Resources, and Risk Management departments to ensure organizational safety objectives are achieved.
• Manage departmental budget, staffing, and strategic safety initiatives.
• Recommend policies and operational changes to improve safety performance and reduce organizational risk.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Transportation, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of railroad, transit, transportation, or industrial safety experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive management or executive leadership experience.
• Extensive knowledge of FRA, FTA, OSHA, and DOT regulations.
• Experience conducting accident investigations and root cause analysis.
• Strong knowledge of passenger railroad operations and operating practices preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively with labor unions, regulatory agencies, executive leadership, and frontline employees.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and safety management systems.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.
• Experience in commuter or passenger rail operations.
• Knowledge of Positive Train Control (PTC), roadway worker protection, and railroad operating rules.
• Experience managing emergency response and crisis management programs.

Working Conditions:

• Combination of office and field environment.
• Subject to on-call responsibilities for emergency response situations.
• Occasional travel required.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require

Salary and Benefits:

• Competitive executive salary
• Railroad Retirement benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Retirement savings options
• Supplemental Pension Plans

The starting salary is $155,000. Health care, dental care, vacation, holidays, supplemental pension plans, Railroad Retirement Board benefits, and comp time are some of the benefits available. Credit for time served in other railroad employment, including approved military leaves, will be applied in determining vacation day entitlements.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and submit a written resume outlining education, training, experience, and work history. A cover letter outlining the reasons why you are interested and why you believe you are best qualified is encouraged but not required. Contact Joseph Cieniawski, Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations, at (219) 874-4221, ext. 268, if you have questions about this opportunity or notice.

NICTD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class, assuming the individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

NICTD’s complete EEO Policy Statement is available upon request to the District’s EEO Officer, Ms. Melissa Jones, at (219) 874-4221, ext. 289; e-mail: melissa.jones@nictd.com.

Applicant Note: This application form is intended for use in evaluating your qualifications for employment. It is not an employment contract. Please answer all questions completely and to the best of your ability. False or misleading statements are grounds for refusal or termination of employment and benefits.

Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law in all employment decisions.