Construction Safety Officer at Chicago Transit Authority

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with job hazard analysis to determine safe working practices and engineering controls. Reviews safety and engineering documentation and drawings and issues comments on civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, track and communications regarding compliance with CTA safety standards, SOP’s, regulatory safety standards, fire codes as well as other local building codes on construction work related activity. Coordinates contractor safety orientations. 
• Conducts safety audits, monitors construction safety and reviews engineering/construction work project activity as assigned.  
• Assists Lead Construction Safety Officer, Capital Construction in providing oversight in monitoring construction safety and compliance with federal, state, and oversight agency standards, SOP’s, regulations and other relevant regulations.
• Assists in the design, implementation, and execution of an effective safety program for the division.
• Conducts observations and inspections and investigations of CTA, construction management groups, contractors, and sub contractor activities at Authority construction project sites and related CTA sites
• Conducts safety audits of construction project processes and procedures as defined by division directives, goals, and assignments.,
• Assists CTA staff, and its contractors, consultants and others, with ensuring that safety-related work is completed according to contract specifications, Authority standards, and industry best practices.
• Assists CTA staff and ensures that work is progressing according to project goals, objectives, and schedule.
• Clarifies with contractors and consultants the document changes that affect safety including but not limited to, process and contract specifications.
• Assists in controlling hazardous working conditions and unsafe employee activities through interface with project management/supervisory personnel. Reviews contractor work and safety plans associated with Authority construction projects, identifies safety hazards, and recommends solutions to eliminate and/or minimize risk. Attends pre-activity construction meetings and regular joint operations/construction project coordination meetings and non-revenue facilities and vehicles.
• Observes select operations to make recommendations that prevent incidents.  Assists employees and contractors on conducting safety audits and implementing corrective measures.
• Reviews requests and needs for new safety equipment and/or modify documentation for the existing equipment to update and enrich the safety characteristics, improve reliability and maintainability. 
• Conducts review and analysis of new Standard Operating Procedures, operating rules, bulletins and training programs to ensure that the latest requirements of national and local fire codes and life safety standards are incorporated in these documents.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

None

CHALLENGES

• Maintain proficiency in engineering design software and electronic transmission of drawings and project management documentation.
• Dealing with people who have suffered severe injury/death during accident investigations.
• Dealing with stress due to “24-hour on call” nature of the job.
• Keeping abreast of all applicable CTA operations in connection with safety aspects.
• Maintaining awareness of liability concerns when dealing with legal community and oversight organizations.
• Administering safety as it relates to project demands, budget scope and schedule.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Safety, Construction Management, Architectural, Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field and/or a combination of education and/or experience related to the position.
• One (1) year of experience in reviewing engineering and construction drawings for rail right-of-way and facilities is preferred.
• Three (3) years of construction safety experience. Heavy-civil, industrial, or commercial construction experience preferred.
• Experience researching and interpreting the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) standards, American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and other safety related national and local building, fire and life safety codes and standards.
• OSHA 10 hour or OSHA 30 hour preferred.
• CHST, ASP, or CSP preferred. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time, operating a computer and other office productivity machinery and equipment.
• Demands include traversing long distances (up to 3 miles at one time), sometimes on rocks and on narrow catwalks, and ascending/descending (such as onto trains and back down and up and down ladders of various sizes).
• Must wear applicable restrictive personal protective equipment.
• 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 System Safety Engineering Practices.
• Working knowledge of all applicable Federal, State, County, and City laws, regulations and best practices (Including but not limited to OSHA, NFPA, IRS, ASME, ANSI, etc.).
• Ability to interpret, implement, and incorporate laws, regulations, and best practices into actionable items.
• Working knowledge of the methods and practices of investigations, research, analysis, and/or data compilation.
• Detailed knowledge of CTA operations, facilities, vehicles, rules and procedures.
• Working knowledge of construction practices and techniques.
• Working knowledge of the methods and techniques of contract reviewing, research methods, and report presentation.
• Strong project management skills.
• Good oral and written communications skills and organizational skills.
• Good interpersonal skills in dealing with external groups and/or organizations.
• Good customer service skills.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Ability to read and comprehend construction specifications.
• Ability to negotiate contract resolutions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other Departments.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Usual office conditions.  Required to carry a cell phone.
• Working conditions are varied and include all weather ranges (from extreme cold to extreme heat, rain to snow and ice, etc.).
• At times, required to work various extended or irregular hours (including nights and weekends) in order to meet assigned project deadlines or respond to CTA emergencies.
• Must be available to respond to calls or email inquiries outside of regular work hours.
• Conditions also include working at extreme heights; working near electrified third rail; working in subway tunnels with limited clearance, visibility, etc.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

• Standard office equipment.
• Personal computer and related software (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Various types of measuring devices, digital camera, personal computers (including handheld devices), label maker, various types of gauges, light tools (wrenches and screwdrivers), reflective safety vests, respirator, encapsulating suit, etc.

Employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target.

Applicants, if hired,must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.

CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.

During the hiring process, CTA’s Human Resources department will contact candidates with next steps . Failure to respond to these correspondences in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.

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