Transit System Safety Officer

Salary : $83,200.00 - $104,000.00 Annually
Location : Bakersfield
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 09/30/2026

Description

Under general supervision, the Transit Safety Officer performs a variety of difficult and complex safety and regulatory compliance tasks including, but not limited to, program development, audit review, inspection, coordination, investigation and evaluation of tasks in the areas of bus operations.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
The Transit Safety Officer classification is responsible to develop plans and manage the safety and security compliance programs for the District. The Transit Safety Officer is responsible for the development, administration and implementation of the District's safety and security programs to ensure compliance with applicable District policies and local, state, and federal regulations. Positions assigned to this class are characterized by their independence, autonomy, broad-range of responsibility and accountability for completion of complex and difficult assignments, projects and special studies related to multiple safety-related programs at various District facilities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
This classification reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
This classification does not directly supervise, but may function as a project team lead as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Technical Expertise in Functional Area: Advanced knowledge of transit-system safety regulations and compliance requirements.
• Effective Communication: Effectively communicating with internal and external stakeholders, orally and in writing.
• Project and Program Coordination Support: Coordination and support regarding assigned projects and programs from concept to completion consistent with District policies, procedures, practices, plans and regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration: Working collaboratively alongside a variety of internal and external agency stakeholders to effectively achieve District goals and objectives.
• Ethical Public Service: Upholding ethical standards, promoting transparency, and ensuring adherence to workplace ethics, conflict of interest policies, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Examples of Duties

The functions and duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is related. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

• Monitor, review, evaluate and ensure compliance with GET's policies, procedures, local, state and federal rules, and regulations as they pertain to Safety requirements.
• Develop, implement and maintain the federally mandated Agency Safety Plan; conduct elements of plan.
• Develop, evaluate, implement and manage the District's Emergency Response Plans; Illness and Injury Prevention Plan, Workplace Violence Prevention (WVPP) and Security and Safety Training Programs.
• Oversees the development, management and implementation of a variety of safety programs to ensure regulatory compliance as mandated by local, state, and federal agencies including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Cal-OSHA, Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), and Department of Transportation (DOT).
• Maintains records and files reports as required by law and regulatory requirements including OSHA, Cal-OSHA, Hazardous Materials and Fire codes.
• Performs safety audits, inspections, and testing in the areas of fire safety, safety certifications, and transit operations on GET's facilities, operating divisions, work practices, equipment and safety devices. Oversees the development of fire prevention programs for incorporation into the operational policies of the District.
• Promotes the reduction or elimination of occupational accidents, injuries and financial losses. Advises management of safety operational requirements and obtains concurrence from management to meet regulatory safety compliance and reduce accidents and losses.
• Oversees the response to an investigation of reports of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions; reviews recommendations and/or takes appropriate action in order to mitigate potential safety, health, and environmental risks.
• Oversees the development, implementation and management of the District's security programs to ensure GET's employees, customers and facilities are adequately protected from natural and man-made threats.
• Oversees development, implementation and management of the District's emergency response plans.
• Conducts monthly safety meetings and develops/monitors action plans to resolve or mitigate any issues that are identified.
• Conducts emergency response teams and the development of exercises, drills and tabletops to ensure the District's safety, security and emergency preparedness.
• Conducts random safety inspections and periodic compliance audits.
• Conducts necessary statistical and trend analysis on associated safety and security activities and occurrences. Provides written monthly safety and security reports to senior management.
• Keeps current on new proposed legislation.
• Coordinates safety compliance reviews and inspections by outside agencies.
• Acts as a liaison with GET departments, labor and insurance representatives, legal counsel, contractors/consultants and various outside agencies, including safety technical professionals, to provide technical assistance and to ensure accurate accident/injury report and current applicable rules and regulations.
• Prepares and presents complex technical reports, including observations and recommendations for control and correction of hazards.
• Formulates and participates in the formation of departmental safety policies and procedures and ensures their implementation.
• Maintain communication with city, county and state officials of the fire, FBI, police, sheriff, emergency services, hazmat and all other related departments as required to ensure the security and safety of the District's employees', customers and physical properties.
• Develop, prepare, administer and monitor annual Safety and Training budget. Assist in the development of capital expenditures as related to environmental, health and safety programs; develop and justify budget requests.
• Monitor training methods, materials, effectiveness and results.
• Ensures the proper maintenance of employee records and department statistics related to safety, security and compliance activities.
• Develops and coordinates special projects related to the Department's goals from inception to completion ensuring project finalization on time within project scope and budget.
• Coordinates, develops and conducts safety education orientation for new employees and continuing safety education for all staff and serves as the primary trainer.
• Performs other related work duties as required or assigned.
• Reports to work as scheduled.
• May be required to work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule including nights, weekends and/or holidays.
• Must be available to respond to any crisis/emergency response incident.

Typical Qualifications

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the classification is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities is as follows:

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Public Administration, Occupational Safety and Health or a related field.
AND
Three (3) to five (5) years of full-time work experience relevant to successful completion of assigned job duties and requirements related to workplace safety.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Associate Safety Professional (ASP) preferred.
Experience with Safety Management Systems (SMS), or other industry recognized systems safety methodologies and practices highly desirable.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATES:
Possession of a valid California driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the District required at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Revocation of license during employment may result in administrative corrective action.

REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS:

• Theories, principles, and practices of transit operations system safety, risk management, and disaster preparedness and emergency response.
• Applicable local, state, and federal safety laws and regulations governing facilities, bus operations as well as special projects, including those promulgated by CPUC, FTA, FED OSHA, CAL OSHA, CA/FED EPA and local fire department.
• Fire, accident, heat illness, and noise control prevention techniques, equipment and practices.
• Principles of accident investigation.
• Regulatory agency administrative, reporting and record keeping requirements.
• Knowledge in the use of basic computer programs (i.e. Windows, WORD, EXCEL etc.) and related safety and training programs.
• Knowledge of and experience with Safety Management Systems (SMS), or other industry recognized systems safety methodologies and practices.
• Concepts, practices, procedures, methods, and techniques used in planning, coordinating, and implementing programs, projects, strategies, and activities for internal and external audiences.
• Public speaking techniques and practices.
• Methods of maintaining information in digital and/or hard copy files.
• Technical methods of researching, gathering, organizing, and reporting data.
• Methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing work including effective time and project management techniques.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, community partners and individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and cultural groups.
• Modern office practices, equipment, and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• Requisite reading, mathematical, written language and verbal skills in order to perform the essential functions of the job as listed herein.
• Strong computer skills.
• Report writing and presentation.
• Knowledge of proper English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Applicable software for use in graphic design and presentations at the intermediate level of proficiency.
• Operation of and proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet and database applications, including standard business software (e.g. MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Access/Outlook) and Adobe's graphic design programs.

REQUISITE ABILITIES:

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Administer day-to-day aspects of an Agency Safety Plan and Occupational Injury and Illness Prevention Program in a public transportation environment.
• Design, write, prepare, produce, and deliver accurate and effective communications; and compose correspondence, reports, and other written materials independently or from brief instructions.
• Maintain compliance with federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to safety and environmental health.
• Analyze, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and contracts.
• Monitor compliance with hazardous materials training, labeling and handling storage removal and disposal requirements.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of Golden Empire Transit and of outside agencies to successfully complete assigned responsibilities.
• Create, develop and implement training programs.
• Interact professionally with various levels of management, union representatives, employees and regulatory agency personnel.
• Maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
• Safely operate a vehicle to perform assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, vendors, community partners,agencies, and the public.
• Ability to develop and maintain record keeping systems and procedures. Ability to formulate policy, develop and implement new safety training strategies and procedures.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops. Posses skills to develop accident-prevention and loss-control systems; Posses skills in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and enforce safety programs and protocols.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, organize work, and meet frequently changing deadlines.
• Ability to use computer skills in day-to-day work.
• Ability to analyze a wide variety of data and prepare well organized written and oral reports and presentations;
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with other agencies, co-workers, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Research, compile, and analyze information, develop and evaluate alternatives, reach valid conclusions; prepare reports and supporting recommendations.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, files and databases.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to effectively represent the District to the community.
• Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
• Ability to work early mornings, late evenings, holidays, and/or weekend assignments, travel to various locations for off-site meetings and events when required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: The physical and mental demands descr