Chief Safety & Security Officer

Salary: $216,061.00 - $324,091.00 Annually
Location : 101 SW Main St, Portland, OR 97204, Suite 700, OR
Job Type: Non-Union Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00028
Department: Safety & Security (Non Union)
Division: Safety & Security - Safety
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description

The Chief Safety & Security Officer has the overall responsibility for TriMet's safety and security programs, including environmental and emergency preparedness. This position is accountable for the overall identification, reduction, and prevention of risk in order to ensure a safe working environment for employees, and a safe transit experience for passengers.

This position will serve as a good steward of TriMet by regularly utilizing our transit system to maintain a strong and current understanding of customers' experiences and of TriMet's product and service offerings. They will provide recommendations to ensure a safe and dependable customer experience in our transit system.

The incumbent must have the ability to work any days, hours, or shifts as required by the District. They must be available to respond to emergencies and be on-call 24/7 as it relates to Safety & Security.

Ensure a commitment to safety through consistent and professional behaviors in performance of job requirements. Safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work. Perform related duties as required.

Serve as a good steward of TriMet and maintain a strong and current understanding of customers' experiences and of TriMet's product and service offerings. Reliable in-person attendance is an essential function of all positions.

TriMet is an in-person first organization, with a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration, customer service, and safe and efficient operations. Some positions may be able to work up to two days remotely depending on department policy, business needs, and manager discretion.

The incumbent must have the ability to work any days, hours, or shifts as required by the District. They must be available to respond to emergencies and be on-call 24/7 as it relates to Safety & Security.

Essential Functions

1. Develop and implement proactive strategies, practices, and resource allocation methodologies to ensure the safety and security of TriMet's customers, workforce, and the general public as they interact with the transit system.
2. Ensure safety systems and security practices and protocols comply with federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to the requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Public Transit Agency Safety Program (PTASP).
3. Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work of assigned staff. Assign work activities and coordinate schedules, projects, and programs. Review and evaluate work, engage team members by fostering a positive and productive work environment, and serve as an effective coach to encourage learning and achieve a high level of performance. Research, resolve and manage labor relations issues in compliance with the applicable provisions of TriMet/ATU labor agreements.
4. Direct the development, administration, implementation, and integration of system-wide safety and security plans, risk assessments, and loss prevention programs, including PTASP, FTA mandated Safety Management Plans required for all New Start Projects; Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Rail Division, procedures and practices.
5. Manage, coordinate, communicate, and obtain required approvals for the Engineering & Construction Division from State Safety Oversight (ODOT Rail Division), FRA, and FTA, including the Safety Certification necessary for appropriate Full Funding Grant Agreements, and FTA's designated Project Management Oversight Consultant.
6. Provide leadership over the Safety Department and to management and technical personnel engaged in specified safety and security project activities, which may include design, coordination, and implementation of training programs for personnel regarding the nature and application of system safety policies and procedures.
7. Act as liaison with regional law enforcement agencies. Manage multiple Intergovernmental agreements related to the Transit Police Division and work closely with the Commander of the Transit Police Division to maximize resources to achieve TriMet's security objectives.
8. Represent TriMet with regard to issues of safety and security with governmental agencies, funding agencies, and/or the general public. May represent TriMet at various community and/or business meetings.
9. Oversee the development and management of the agency's system security and emergency plans, such as the emergency management, emergency disaster, and business recovery planning process and plans. Manage the security training for TriMet employees and emergency management training for TriMet employees and emergency responders.
10. Develop, control, monitor, and approve budgets and operational forecasts for department/division, including capital expenditures, labor resources, and materials and supplies (M&S); accountable for monitoring own department. Identifies opportunities for containing costs, and may be responsible for increasing revenue. Accountability for budget includes direct reports' monitoring.

Position Requirements
A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree is required.
A Bachelor's Degree in Risk Management, Public Safety, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, Safety, or Health and Safety is preferred.
A minimum of twelve (12) years total credited experience.*

Twelve (12) years of experience with well-developed safety management systems, emergency preparedness, health & safety, and environmental safety in a large public or private organization are required.
Five (5) years of experience in transportation operations, emergency management, law enforcement, or safety and security experience are required.

Five (5) years of management experience at an executive/senior level in the public or private sector that is directly related to organizational and public safety are required.
Must enroll in the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program within 30 days and complete applicable training requirements and recertify in the PTSCTP as required by the FTA.

Or any equivalent combination of training or experience.
*The amount of credit a candidate receives for prior years of experience is based on the relevancy of that experience to the required or preferred prerequisites of the job description. Experience is prorated based on hours worked. LRHR assigns and validates the "credited experience".
Salary offers will be determined by a candidate's education, training and relevant experience. A complete work history will be required for this purpose at the time of offer; any omitted work history will not be considered after hire. Any final offer of employment will fall within the range stated above. For transparency, we choose to list the full available grade range, however, TriMet's salary administration process will ultimately determine the final salary offered.
Selection Criteria

Type of Position / Grade / FLSA
Grade 25, Exempt, Non-Union, Full-Time

Salary RangeMinimum: $216,061.00
Maximum: $324,091.00
Selection ProcessCandidates will be selected based at a minimum on the result of:
1. Application Review (please include: Cover Letter and Resume)
2. Panel Interviews
3. Reference Check and Degree Verification
4. Background Check

Supplemental Information
Make sure you describe in detail how your education, training and work experience fit with this role. You are encouraged to attach a resume, cover letter, training certificates and/or letters of recommendation with your application. You are permitted five attachments of less than 5MB each.

Internal applicants: Information in your personnel file will not be used in lieu of information requested on your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you are a qualified veteran and would like to apply for veterans' preference points, you will need to reflect your status on the application and attach supporting documentation at the time of application submission.

If you need accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process, contact our Human Resources staff at 503-962-7505, or the TTY line at 7-1-1. Note that we require a minimum of two workdays' notice prior to the need for accommodation.

Regular Full-Time or Limited Term Full-Time
Non-Union Employee Benefits
A regular full-time, non-union employee is an employee who works a minimum of 30 hours per week. A limited term, full-time employee must be hired for six or more months, have a predetermined ending date, and work a minimum of 30 hours per week.

2026 Medical Plan Options

• Regence Non-Union PPO 80/20 - Deductible: $300 Individual/$900 Family; Office Visit: 20%, after deductible; Out-of-Pocket Max: $2,300 Individual/$6,900 Family; Prescription Drugs: $10 Generic/$25 or 20% Formulary/50% Non-formulary. Benefits listed are for in-network, preferred providers.
• Regence Non-Union Health Savings Account (HSA) - Deductible: $1,700 Individual/$3,400 Family; Office Visit: 20%, after deductible; Out-of-Pocket Max: $5,000 Individual/$10,000 Family; Prescription Drugs: 20%, after deductible. Benefits listed are for in-network, preferred providers.
• Kaiser Permanente EPO - No deductible; Office Visit: $10 copay; Out-of-Pocket Max: $600 Individual/$1,200 Family; Prescription Drugs: $10 copay.

All medical plans include prescription drug and vision coverage.

2026 Dental Plan Options

• Delta Dental of Oregon, provided by Moda - Preventive Services paid at: 100%; Basic Services paid at: 80%; Major Services paid at: 50%; $2,000 max benefit per person/year; Orthodontia paid at: 50% to $3,000 lifetime max/person.
• Kaiser Dental - $10 Copay; Preventive Services paid at: 100%; Basic Services paid at: 80%; Major Services paid at: 50%; $2,000 max benefit per person/year; Orthodontia paid at: 50% to $3,000 lifetime max/person.

Coverage Effective Date - Medical and dental insurance is effective first of the month following date of hire.

Waive Medical and Dental Coverage - TriMet non-union, exempt employees who waive their medical and dental coverage through TriMet and provide proof of coverage outside of TriMet, will receive $250 per month as taxable income.

Medical and Dental Rates - Non-union employees working 30+ hours/week pay 6% of the total monthly premium for medical and dental. Non-union employees working 20-29 hours/week pay 25% of the total monthly premium. The rates below reflect the employee's portion of the monthly premium for those working 30+ hours each week.

Rates effective January 1, 2026
Regence Non-Union 80/20 PPO
Employee: $ 58.92
Employee & Spouse: $ 123.72
Employee & Child(ren): $ 103.10
Employee & Family: $ 164.94

Regence Non-Union HSA
Employee: $ 51.22
Employee & Spouse: $ 107.56
Employee & Child(ren): $ 89.62
Employee & Family: $ 143.40

Non-Union HSA Employer Monthly Contribution
Employee: $ 62.50
Employee & Spouse: $125.00
Employee & Child(ren): $125.00
Employee & Family: $125.00

Kaiser Permanente EPO
Employee: $ 48.76
Employee & Spouse: $ 97.54
Employee & Child(ren): $ 87.78
Employee & Family: $ 146.30

Delta Dental of Oregon
Employee: $ 4.40
Employee & Spouse: $ 8.30
Employee & Child(ren): $ 8.36
Employee & Family: $ 12.52

Kaiser Dental
Employee: $ 4.40
Employee & Spouse: $ 8.32
Employee & Child(ren): $ 8.36
Employee & Family: $ 12.56

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
TriMet employees have access to the EAP through Canopy. The EAP is a free, confidential resource available to help employees (and their household members) with life's everyday issues. It also provides many other services including, but not limited to: counseling sessions, webinars, financial coaching, home ownership program, and online access to a wealth of information and resources.

Wellness Program
TriMet supports health and wellness through our Wellness Matters Program. Annual wellness offerings include Flu shot clinics. Omada Healthy Lifestyle Support Program focused on the prevention and management of diabetes and hypertension. Sword, a digital physical therapy program to treat back, joint, and muscle pain from the comfort of your home for employees and dependents who are enrolled in a TriMet medical plan.

Flexible Spending Accounts

• Health Care Spending Account - Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for medical, vision, and dental expenses not covered by their health plan.
• Dependent Care Spending Account - Allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for dependent care expenses.
• Limited Flexible Spending Account - Allows employees enrolled in the Regence HSA plan to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for vision and dental exp