Chief Safety Officer

The Chief Safety Officer (CSO) for the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District,a passenger rail also known as the South Shore Line Railroad, is responsible for thestrategic leadership, development, implementation, and oversight of all safety, regulatorycompliance, environmental, and risk management programs for the South Shore Linepassenger railroad. The CSO ensures compliance with all applicable Federal RailroadAdministration (FRA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Occupational Safety andHealth Administration (OSHA), and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations whilepromoting a proactive culture of safety throughout the organization.The Chief Safety Officer serves as a key member of executive leadership and workscollaboratively with all departments to reduce risk, improve operational safetyperformance, and ensure the protection of employees, passengers, contractors, and thepublic.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:• Provide executive leadership for all railroad safety initiatives, policies, andcompliance programs.• Develop and maintain a comprehensive System Safety Program Plan (SSPP).• Ensure compliance with FRA, FTA, OSHA, DOT, and other applicable federal and stateregulations.• Lead accident, incident, and injury investigations and ensure corrective actions areimplemented.• Analyze safety trends, operational risks, and performance metrics to identify areasfor improvement.• Oversee railroad operational safety audits, field inspections, and regulatory reviews.• Coordinate emergency preparedness planning and response activities with local,state, and federal agencies.• Develop and administer employee safety training and education programs.• Promote a positive safety culture through leadership engagement and employeeaccountability.• Serve as primary liaison with regulatory agencies regarding safety compliancematters.• Prepare and present safety performance reports to executive leadership and Boardof Trustees.• Oversee contractor safety compliance for capital projects and railroad operations.• Collaborate with Transportation, Mechanical, Engineering, Human Resources, andRisk Management departments to ensure organizational safety objectives areachieved.• Manage departmental budget, staffing, and strategic safety initiatives.• Recommend policies and operational changes to improve safety performance andreduce organizational risk.Minimum Qualifications:• Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Transportation, Industrial Engineering,Business Administration, or related field preferred.• Minimum of 10 years of railroad, transit, transportation, or industrial safetyexperience.• Minimum of 5 years of progressive management or executive leadership experience.• Extensive knowledge of FRA, FTA, OSHA, and DOT regulations.• Experience conducting accident investigations and root cause analysis.• Strong knowledge of passenger railroad operations and operating practices preferred.• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and analytical skills.• Ability to work effectively with labor unions, regulatory agencies, executiveleadership, and frontline employees.• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and safety management systems.• Valid driver’s license required.Preferred Qualifications:• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.• Experience in commuter or passenger rail operations.• Knowledge of Positive Train Control (PTC), roadway worker protection, and railroadoperating rules.• Experience managing emergency response and crisis management programs.Working Conditions:• Combination of office and field environment.• Subject to on-call responsibilities for emergency response situations.• Occasional travel required.• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as operational needs requireSalary and Benefits:• Competitive executive salary• Railroad Retirement benefits• Medical, dental, and vision insurance• Paid vacation and holidays• Retirement savings options• Supplemental Pension PlansThe starting salary is $155,000. Health care, dental care, vacation, holidays,supplemental pension plans, Railroad Retirement Board benefits, and comp time aresome of the benefits available. Credit for time served in other railroad employment,including approved military leaves, will be applied in determining vacation dayentitlements.How to Apply:You must visit our jobs page to apply here: https://mysouthshoreline.com/careersFrom there, submit a written resume outlining education, training, experience, and workhistory. A cover letter outlining the reasons why you are interested and why you believeyou are best qualified is encouraged but not required. Contact Joseph Cieniawski, Directorof Human Resources & Labor Relations, at (219) 874-4221, ext. 268, if you have questionsabout this opportunity or notice.All interested employees must submit resumes by 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 26th, 2026.Apply early for best chance for consideration; the District reserves the option to closethis position prior to the stated application deadline. Late or lost applications will notbe accepted by the District.Apply early for the best chance for consideration; the District reserves the option toclose this position at any time.NICTD is an Equal Opportunity Employer