Full-Time

Vice President

Safety & Health

Posted on 8/21/2025

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

1,001-5,000 employees

Operates regional public transit network

Compensation Overview

$153.4k - $208.9k/yr

New York, NY, USA

Hybrid

Eligible for telework one day per week.

Category
Legal & Compliance (1)
Requirements
  • Bachelor's in Occupational Safety and Health Management, Safety Management, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or Environmental Management, preferred.
  • Must have a minimum of sixteen (16) years’ related experience, including at least ten (10) years in a management or supervisory role in a large, multi-faceted organization.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and document management software.
  • Substantial experience leading and managing a unionized workforce and/or consultant/contractor/vendor staff.
  • Expert knowledge of safety, health and industrial hygiene regulations/standards such as OSHA and PESH regulations.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability with building relationships and working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a high-profile, high-pressure environment.
  • Must have focus and ability to deliver on results, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
  • Must be a proven leader as a change agent and creative/innovative thinker with the ability to align business goals with solutions to drive process improvements.
  • Must possess excellent team building, listening, problem solving, and prioritization skills.
  • Ability to be on call 24/7 and report to any of MTA Bridges & Tunnels seven bridges and two tunnel locations as needed.
  • Unrestricted driver's license in New York State.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement comprehensive policies, strategies, and governance frameworks for safety and health initiatives.
  • Establish unit goals and ensure alignment with the agency's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
  • Lead strategic risk analysis to proactively identify and mitigate safety and health risks across operations.
  • Provide leadership in resource allocation, staffing, and budgetary decisions to optimize unit performance.
  • Oversee the development and execution of safety protocols, programs, and practices to ensure the well-being of employees, contractors, and the public.
  • Identify and mitigate risks related to environmental hazards, workplace safety, and operational incidents.
  • Lead the investigation of safety-related incidents, ensuring root cause analysis and preventive measures are implemented.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety and health regulations, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) program requirements.
  • Develop and implement health and wellness programs to promote employee well-being and reduce occupational health risks.
  • Establish emergency response protocols for environmental, health, and safety incidents.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure readiness for crises, including natural disasters and hazardous material spills.
  • Conduct regular drills and training to improve incident response capabilities.
  • Direct the preparation and submission of mandatory safety and health compliance reports.
  • Collaborate with regulatory agencies to maintain compliance and address audit findings effectively.
  • Monitor changes in regulations and implement necessary adjustments to policies and procedures.
  • Actively contributes to defining project scopes, planning, and design phases to ensure alignment with agency priorities, operational needs, and safety and health standards.
  • Work closely with MTA C&D to facilitate the smooth execution of capital projects, ensuring adherence to schedules, budgets, quality, and safety standards.
  • Develop and implement strategies to mitigate disruptions to operations and customer experiences during project execution.
  • Ensure comprehensive safety and health measures are in place and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Ensure contractor compliance with all applicable safety and health standards and contractual obligations.
  • Set and enforce performance standards for vendors engaged in safety and health work.
  • Lead the development and implementation of safety and health training programs for staff and contractors.
  • Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility throughout the agency.
  • Establish and track metrics for evaluating safety and health program performance.
  • Provide regular reporting to executive leadership on compliance, risks, and operational outcomes.
  • Represent the agency in meetings with elected officials, regulators, industry partners, and peer agencies.
  • Build relationships and share best practices to enhance agency-wide safety and health performance.
  • Lead staff training initiatives to promote safety and health awareness and compliance.
  • Oversee performance monitoring, ensuring teams align with agency goals, safety standards, and operational excellence.
  • Identify high-potential employees within operational areas and develop strategies for their growth into leadership roles.
Desired Qualifications
  • Certified Safety Professional, Certified Industrial Hygienist or similar certification
  • Significant experience in program management for large government agencies or businesses with highly complex systems.
  • Proven track record of managing and leading safety programs across multiple sites or facilities.
  • Experience working in high-risk environments (e.g., construction, transportation, industrial operations), preferably within the transportation or public infrastructure sectors.
  • In-depth knowledge of health, safety and industrial hygiene regulations, including OSHA, PESH, DOT regulations, and other relevant federal and state laws.
  • Experience in developing training programs focused on safety, health, and compliance, including ongoing staff development.
  • Knowledge of contractor safety management and ensuring third-party safety standards are upheld.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

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MTA runs North America’s largest public transit network, serving about 15.3 million people across New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut through six agencies: NYC Transit, MTA Bus, LIRR, Metro-North, Bridges and Tunnels, and Construction & Development. It moves roughly 2.6 billion trips each year using subways, buses, commuter rails, bridges and tunnels, and related facilities. It differentiates itself by operating multiple transit modes under one umbrella, providing integrated services across districts and modes with extensive infrastructure. Its goal is to provide safe, clean, efficient public transportation that serves as the region’s lifeline and mobility backbone while supporting staff with solid benefits.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1834

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • $68 billion 2025-2029 Capital Plan funds 2,390 new subway cars.
  • Congestion pricing revenues accelerate signal upgrades and accessibility.
  • Board approves 435 R211 cars and 44 LIRR locomotives in 2025.

What critics are saying

  • $51 billion plan underfunds subway signals, causing delays in 6-12 months.
  • Federal freeze withholds $3.5 billion over emissions in 12-18 months.
  • TWU lawsuit triggers strike, halting operations in 6-12 months.

What makes Metropolitan Transportation Authority unique

  • MTA serves 11 million daily passengers across 12 counties.
  • MTA manages seven toll bridges and two tunnels daily.
  • Janno Lieber leads modernization since January 2022 appointment.

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Benefits

Remote Work Options

Flexible Work Hours

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