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General The Manager, Rail Safety & Regulatory Compliance reports to the Chief Safety Officer and is responsible for strategic oversight and governance of Caltrain's safety and security programs. This role serves as a key safety leader for the agency, integrating safety risk management across operations, infrastructure, capital programs, and contractor activities for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain). Essential Functions & Duties Examples of Essential Functions: Responsible for the oversight of rail system safety, regulatory compliance, enterprise risk management, contract operator oversight, construction safety, emergency management, and safety culture initiatives.

Direct FRA regulatory compliance and safety oversight of commuter rail operations including oversight of the railroad contract operator and adherence to applicable FRA regulations System Safety Program Plan (SSPP), Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness Program (PTEPP), and Caltrain safety requirements. Manage the department work plan, including establishing priorities, performance metrics, and alignment with agency strategic goals. Evaluate safety performance trends, regulatory compliance status, and program effectiveness to recommend corrective and preventive actions.

Oversee development, implementation, and maintenance of the System Safety Program Plan (SSPP), and security programs. Direct and oversee the Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness Program (PTEPP) and emergency exercise program. Lead implementation and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System (SMS), including safety risk management, safety assurance, safety promotion, and safety policy.

Provide leadership and oversight for enterprise risk management programs, including hazard identification, risk evaluation, mitigation strategies, and corrective action governance. Supervise staff. Hire, mentor, and take appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action.

Ensure equal employment opportunities (EEO) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and procedures are followed. Participate in selection of staff. Coordinate staff training and professional development.

Establish performance objectives. Monitor and evaluate employee performance. Examples of Essential Duties: Enforce contract operator compliance with federal and state rail safety regulations and Caltrain safety standards.

Manage safety-related contracts, including scope development, performance monitoring, compliance oversight, and coordination with Procurement and Legal. Ensure Caltrain safety programs comply with applicable FRA, FTA, TSA, CPUC, OSHA, and DOT regulations and standards. Serve as the agency's subject matter expert and advisor on rail system safety, providing technical guidance to Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, Capital Projects and contractor partners.

Lead and oversee safety risk assessments, hazard analyses, root cause investigations, and safety performance evaluations. Oversee safety documentation controls, regulatory filings, and required reporting to federal and state oversight agencies. Maintain the Safety Risk Register and enterprise corrective action management systems, ensuring timely tracking and resolution of safety findings.

Direct internal and external safety audits and inspections, ensuring effective coordination and satisfactory closure of findings. Chair the Caltrain Fire and Life Safety Committee, coordinating participation across departments and external partners. Coordinate with fire departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and regional emergency management partners to support emergency preparedness and response activities.

Integrate safety and risk requirements into the planning, design and construction of capital improvement projects. Support development and administration of the Caltrain Safety Department budget and safety program funding. Lead development and promotion of safety culture initiatives and safety communication strategies across the organization and contract partners.

Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect one's self, fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to: Bachelor's degree in business administration, Transportation Planning, Operations Analysis, or related field.

Five (5) years of full-time experience in commuter rail safety, and compliance Two (2) years of experience managing or directly supervising staff, including consultants. Must be able to respond to service and operational emergencies on and around the active railroad 24/7 and in a variety of weather and road conditions. Valid California driver license with safe driving record, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations including FRA, CPUC, Cal/OSHA, and DOT standards Familiarity with Safety Management System (SMS) frameworks and PTASP requirements National Incident Management System (NIMS) or Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) certification Experience with safety certification for rail capital projects or system modifications Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and safety management or compliance tracking software Knowledge in the use of the SharePoint Platform is helpful Effective written, verbal, and presentation skills The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.

How to Apply Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date. Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information). The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.