Safety & Training Specialist - 0624

Job Summary

Under regular direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, plans and executes all training activities for employees of the Public Transportation department. Coordinates with other divisions to facilitate training activities for employees. Creates weekly work schedules for all employees in training and maintains accurate records of employee work hours. Develops presentations and conducts classroom, as well as behind-the-wheel training sessions. Leads accident/incident investigations, processes all related paperwork, and ensures all information is sent to the appropriate authorities. Supervises employee performance for all Bus Operators in Training and delivers coaching or disciplinary actions as required. Assists the Transit Operations Manager with hiring by conducting skills evaluations for transit operator applicants. Participates in Greenlink's Accident Review Committee. Coordinates accident/incident reviews, and documents Committee preventability recommendations. Participates in Greenlink's Safety Committee as a subject matter expert. Ensures compliance with safety policies and regulations by conducting inspections of vehicles and work sites and monitoring Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) housekeeping standards within the public transit maintenance facility and equipment storage sites. As directed, occasionally fills in for the Safety & Training Manager.

Essential Functions

• Supervise Operator Training: Monitor training programs within the Greenlink organization and training progress for all new employees. Provide department orientation for new operators. Conduct classroom and behind-the-wheel training for operators and department personnel to ensure proficiency in and understanding of policies and regulations, service area and routes, vehicle and related systems operations, accident and emergency procedures, pre-/post-trip inspections, passenger and operator safety, conflict resolution and de-escalation, and safe driving techniques, as well as other topics and areas as assigned. Design testing and evaluation processes for operators and ensure compliance. Perform initial and subsequent forklift training, blood-borne pathogens training, or other related OSHA compliance training. Coordinate with operation and maintenance managers on education and training relative to safety trends and indicators. Develop and implement trainings designed to decrease the probability of future safety-related occurrences using accident/incident data. Review all training and evaluation documentation for accuracy and completeness. Maintain records of all training. Generate reports for training. Conduct ride-along evaluations for new Operators at regular intervals following the completion of training. Meet with operators to provide feedback and offer tips for improvement. Interact with and observe all employees in the performance of their duties to evaluate efficacy of safety program and training. Draft disciplinary documents and advise on disciplinary matters as it relates to safety and training when needed.

50%

• Monitor Operational Safety Compliance: Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Safety Management System (SMS) processes and activities. Actively participate in the reporting and documentation of safety issues or concerns that are observed during essential job functions. Provide department safety orientation once a month for new operators. Assist the Safety & Training Manager in the planning and execution of monthly safety meetings for all operations, maintenance, and administrative employees and staff. Monitor environmental factors that may affect employee health and safety with a focus on current site hazards, exposures, and industrial hygiene in compliance with OSHA standards. Document identified safety hazards in accordance with Greenlink's Agency Safety Plan procedures. Monitor internal safety-related data collection systems for data accuracy and compliance with Greenlink's Agency Safety Plan policies and procedures. Consult with the Safety & Training Manager, Health Clinic Administrator, and Risk Manager regarding any identified work site hazards and/or exposures, coordinate any required follow up action and conduct any required OSHA employee medical surveillance determined to be needed. In compliance with Federal Transit Authority's (FTA) Safety Management System regulations, perpetuate a positive safety culture, analyze, and mitigate risk, and utilize critical safety practices available through SMS integration. Engage in continuous education to remain up to date on all FTA, South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), and City requirements, laws, policies, and required training affecting the public transportation department. Document safety violations and make recommendations to supervisors for corrective disciplinary actions as needed. Provide immediate coaching to employees observed performing work duties in an unsafe manner as necessary and in a manner that perpetuates a positive safety culture. Encourage dialogue with employees to identify the root cause of any observed unsafe behavior or condition. Accurately document any personal observations of unsafe work practices or conditions and send to the appropriate manager for further corrective action as needed.

15%

• Conduct Accident Investigations and Reviews: Investigate complaints and accidents. Monitor accident/incident investigations performed by supervisors or shop foreman. Provide investigative support to supervisors or shop foreman as needed. Ensure documentation of all accidents and incidents are completed thoroughly and in a timely manner. Photograph accident/incident scenes for investigation and insurance claims as necessary. Ensure video recordings of events are archived properly and in a timely manner. Maintain accurate records of any accidents or incidents for analysis. Ensure compliance with DOT post-accident Drug & Alcohol requirements. Ensure that all accidents and incidents are scheduled for review by Greenlink's Accident Review Committee in a timely manner. Complete all documentation for the Accident Review Committee. As directed, communicate accepted recommendations from the committee to affected employees. 

15%

• Perform Operations and Administrative Duties: Support recruitment efforts by conducting skills assessments for all transit operator positions. Review camera surveillance systems as necessary. Assist supervisors in responding to and managing emergencies as needed. Assist supervisors and shop foreman in the documentation of reported safety issues or concerns. Provide dispatch, supervisory or other operational assistance as required. Fill in as Bus Operator as needed.

10%

• Act as Third Party Tester for SC Department of Motor Vehicles: In accordance with state and federal law, conduct Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Skills Testing for Class B applicants as directed and on behalf of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Complete all required documentation for an SCDMV CDL skills test. Maintain complete and accurate skills testing files. Participate in SCDMV audits as needed. Maintain cooperative relationships with City departments in need of CDL Class B skills testing. Coordinate skills testing appointments with City departments using shared calendar(s) or email to avoid conflicts utilizing shared resources. Advise City departments on state and federal licensing requirements as needed.

5%

• Conduct Work Site, Garage, and Storage Site Inspections: Ensure the safety compliance of all work sites through frequent visitation and make corrective action decisions as needed to improve worker and workplace safety. Maintain a quarterly safety inspection schedule for the fleet maintenance facility and fleet yard, the Greenlink Transit Center, and revenue service vehicles. Ensure good housekeeping and safety procedures are being followed in compliance with state and federal regulations. Confirm emergency equipment in revenue service vehicles is in good condition and fully stocked. Document inspections to include identified deficiencies, relevant compliance information, and recommendations for corrective actions. Send completed inspection reports to relevant parties in a timely fashion. Work closely with all managers to advise on matters related to safety and compliance as needed. 

5%

Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Over four(4) years of experience operating a passenger bus.

• City of Greenville Fork Lift Operator within six (6) months of hire date.

• SMS Awareness, SMS Principles of Transit, Transit Industrial Safety Management, Instructors Course for Transit Trainers, Fundamentals of Bus Collision Investigation, Reasonable Suspicion, and Fork Lift Train The Trainer within three (3) years of hire date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct public transit experience as a CDL or Bus Operator Instructor

Driver's License Requirements

• Valid South Carolina Class B CDL with no air brake restriction and passenger endorsement.

Performance Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of safety program administration.

• OSHA regulations, legal processes, liability, and risk assessment, pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including all FTA safety and security regulations.

• Requirements for the commercial operation of buses and heavy equipment.

• Principles, practices, and techniques of comprehensive industrial and transit system safety programs.

• Basic knowledge for Federal Medical Certification Requirements for CDL holders.

• Commercial Driver's License training requirements for public transit vehicles (Class B, passenger-carrying, air-brakes equipped).

• Emergency management techniques and best practices.

• Traffic rules, regulations and laws for the commercial operation of commercial vehicles and heavy equipment.

• Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements for public transportation fixed route and paratransit services.

• Geography and roadways of an assigned route and of the entire service area.

• Investigation techniques, complaint resolution, analyzing situations and identifying problems exercising sound judgment in making decisions

• Organizational development techniques and methods as related to curriculum development and training programs for Bus and Paratransit Operators.

• Federal requirements for daily vehicles inspections.

• Advanced defensive driving skills and driver monitoring techniques.

• Interview and screening techniques for employee hiring

• FTA Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements.

• Federal requirement for CDL training, testing, and recordkeeping.

Ability to:

• Work independently and within groups as required.

• Effectively design, develop, implement and administer a comprehensive safety training and injury prevention program.

• Read, analyze and interpret laws and regulations.

• Analyze records and develop recommendations; prioritize risks.

• Foresee accident-causing conditions and develop proactive prevention measures.

• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing program priorities, present ideas, manage conflict, and gain agreement.

• Investigate accident, scenes, analyze events and draw sound conclusions.

• Define problem areas, evaluate, recommend and implement solutions to complex issues and problems

• Be available to work a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, working split shifts, and a reasonable amount of overtime.

• Coordinate complex work scheduling for new operators in training and coordinate scheduling with Transit Shift Supervisors to accommodate mandatory activities for front-line staff, such as various meetings and skills training.

• Develop and facilitate on-going safety meetings for front-line employees.

• Analyze and interpret safety-related data to influence ongoing safety and training activities.

• Document, investigate, and analyze reported safety hazards and make recommendations regarding mitigation strategies for confirmed hazards.

• Retrieve and successfully store video footage from various on-board video monitoring platforms.

• Plan, organize, coordinate, direct, control and manage assigned areas of responsibility.

• Work under stressful conditions and react appropriately using good judgement.

• Remain calm and work effectively with internal and external customers.

• Provide clear and concise direction to new drivers and other employees as required.

• Assume various operational roles in emergency cases to cover deficiencies in staffing and ensure ongoing operational service for customers.

• Assist in the development or modification of training program activities and training materials as required.

• Supervise employee performance (Bus Operator-in-Training) and motivate, train, evaluate, and counsel as required.

• Read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical journals and procedures, financial reports, legal documents, and governmental regulations as well as literature, books, reviews, reports, and abstracts.

• Deal with a system of real numbers; and practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.

• Write reports, prepare business letters, summaries, meeting minutes, and emails using proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

• Use coin counter, mobile radio system, smart tablets, security cameras, telephone, computer and related software, Microsoft Office Suite, Android operating systems, and Apple operating systems.

Working Conditions

Primary Work Location:  Office Environment, transportation facilities, maintenance facilities, storage facilities, and outdoors (along bus routes, parking lots, or designated driver training course facilities).

Protective Equipment Required:         Safety vest, sun protection, sunglasses or eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, or other personal protective equipment as required by departmental safety policies.

Environmental/Health and Safety Factors:  Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work. Daily exposure to extreme temperature, wetness and/or humidity, respiratory hazards, noise and vibration, and physical hazards. Constant exposure to mechanical hazards. Occasional exposure to chemical hazards, electrical hazards, fire hazards, and physical danger or abuse. Rare exposure to explosives and communicable diseases.

Physical Demands:  Continuously requires walking, vision, hearing, and talking. Frequently requires standing and handling. Occasionally requires fine dexterity, lifting, carrying, sitting, reaching, foot controls, balancing, and twisting. Occasionally requires kneeling, pushing/pulling, climbing, bending, and crouching. Medium strength demands include exerting 20-50 pounds occasionally, 10-25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly. Ability to stand continuously for several hours on an occasional basis required.

Mental Demands:  Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, and noisy/distracting environment. Occasionally requires emergency situations, irregular schedule/overtime, and tedious or exacting work.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

The City of Greenville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.