Assistant Director - Tunnel Environmental Health & Safety

Job Title:Assistant DirectorTunnel Environmental Health & Safety

Resume Date:Open Until Filled

If you have previously applied for this position your application is still under consideration

Department:Environmental Health & Safety

Work Location:Randall’s Island

Job Family/ Grade:SAS 007

Earnings Potential:$112,908-$141,134

MTA Bridges and Tunnels reserves the right to remove this posting before the application deadline

MTA Bridges and Tunnels operates the largest bridge and tunnel network in New York City, managing nine crossings that include seven bridges and two tunnels. Serving more than 336 million vehicle crossings each year, this network connects communities across the five boroughs and supports regional mobility. In addition, MTA Bridges and Tunnels oversees the Congestion Relief Zone, working to ensure safe, efficient travel and a more sustainable urban environment. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.


Telework:
This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Tunnel Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS)reporting to the Vice President of Safety and Health is responsible for leading and overseeing environmental, health, and safety programs across TBTA tunnel operations. This position provides strategic and technical leadership to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, MTA/TBTA policies, and industry standards. The Assistant Director develops, implements, and evaluates EHS strategies, risk management programs, regulatory compliance initiatives, emergency preparedness activities, and operational safety improvements supporting TBTA's tunnel facilities. The position partners with tunnel operations, maintenance, engineering, contractors, and regulatory agencies to identify hazards, mitigate risks, improve safety performance, and maintain reliable and compliant tunnel operations. The role serves as a subject matter expert and advisor to leadership on tunnel-related environmental, occupational health, and safety matters, including regulatory compliance, incident prevention, audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Tunnel EHS Program Leadership and Site Coordination:

• Lead and oversee environmental, health, safety, and industrial hygiene programs across TBTA tunnel operations to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, MTA/TBTA policies, and industry standards.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to tunnel operations, maintenance, engineering, and support teams to integrate EHS requirements into daily operations, maintenance activities, and capital initiatives.
• Establish program priorities, monitor performance, support resource planning, and ensure effective implementation of EHS initiatives across tunnel facilities.

Risk Assessment and Hazard Mitigation:

• Direct risk assessments, hazard evaluations, and environmental compliance reviews to identify workplace hazards, operational vulnerabilities, and potential impacts to tunnel operations.
• Oversee the development and implementation of corrective actions, mitigation strategies, and control measures to reduce employee exposure, environmental impacts, and operational risks.

Regulatory Compliance, Inspections, and Audit Management:

• Lead regulatory compliance activities, inspections, audits, regulatory reviews, documentation requirements, and corrective action programs associated with OSHA, EPA, NYSDEC, NYCDEP, and other applicable regulatory agencies. Evaluate compliance risks, provide recommendations to leadership, and ensure timely resolution of findings and deficiencies.

EHS Policy Development and Program Improvement:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate EHS policies, procedures, standards, and control strategies to improve tunnel safety, environmental performance, and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze EHS trends and operational risks to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Emergency Preparedness, Training, and Safety Culture Development:

• Develop and oversee EHS training programs, emergency response readiness activities, employee awareness initiatives, and emergency drills.
• Provide technical guidance on safety standards, environmental requirements, emergency procedures, and risk mitigation practices to promote a proactive safety culture.

Compliance Reporting and Performance Management:

• Maintain regulatory documentation, compliance records, performance metrics, inspection findings, and executive-level reports.
• Analyze EHS performance data and prepare dashboards, recommendations, and updates regarding tunnel safety performance, compliance status, and operational risks.

Stakeholder and Contractor Coordination:

• Collaborate with tunnel operations, engineering, maintenance, contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies to support EHS objectives.
• Oversee contractor compliance activities, review performance and corrective actions, and partner with procurement and contract management teams to establish EHS requirements for contracts and projects.

• Perform other duties as assigned
• Comply with all policies and standards
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
• Observe the work performed by contractors, as applicable
• Review invoices and approve them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
• Address performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
• Escalate issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in arts/sciences (BA/BS) in Environmental Health, Occupational Safety, Safety Management, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, Public Health, or a related field.

An equivalentcombination of education and experience may be considered.

Minimum 8 years of progressive experience managing environmental, health, and safety programs within a complex operational environment, such as transportation, infrastructure, industrial, construction, or public-sector operations.

Minimum 4 years of leadership, supervisory, or program management experience overseeing EHS initiatives, regulatory compliance programs, audits, inspections, and risk mitigation activities.

Knowledge of EHS principles, compliance programs, safety management systems, and industry best practices.

Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, NYSDEC, NYCDEP, and other applicable federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations.

Ability to identify hazards, assess operational risks, and develop effective mitigation strategies to improve safety performance.

Experience with conducting and managing safety inspections, compliance audits, regulatory reviews, and corrective action processes.

Knowledge of workplace exposure hazards, industrial hygiene principles, occupational health standards, and exposure control measures.

Knowledge of emergency response planning, hazardous materials response, incident investigation processes, and emergency management practices.

Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and improve EHS policies, procedures, and operational programs.

Ability to develop and deliver EHS training programs and provide technical guidance to employees, supervisors, and contractors.

Experience with managing contractor compliance, reviewing safety performance, and ensuring adherence to contractual and regulatory requirements.

Ability to analyze EHS metrics, identify trends, and prepare reports, dashboards, and recommendations for senior leadership.

Ability to provide technical leadership, influence stakeholders, and collaborate effectively with operations, engineering, maintenance, contractors, and regulatory agencies

Ability to be on call 24/7 and respond to any MTA Bridges and Tunnels facility as operational needs require.

Unrestricted driver's license in New York State.

Preferred:

Master’s degree in arts/sciences (MA/MS) Occupational Health, Environmental Health, Safety Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Health, or related discipline.

Experience managing safety and environmental programs within tunnel operations, transportation systems, large facilities, or critical infrastructure environments

Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, and cross-functional operational teams.

Ability to manage complex EHS initiatives, coordinate cross-functional teams, and achieve program objectives.

Familiarity with MTA policies and procedures and/or New York State environmental regulatory frameworks.

Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) or equivalent environmental certification

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

Additional Information:
This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

Other Information:
Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.

To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.

Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

MTA Bridges and Tunnels is governed by the Civil Service Rules and Regulations administered by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).

How to Apply:

For Internal Applicants:Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.

For External Applicants:Visitwww.mta.info, click the “Careers” link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on “See All Open MTA Positions”. Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.

Comprehensive Benefits & Total Rewards Package:

Transportation & Financial Benefits

• Commuting Made Easy – Enjoy a complimentary MTA transportation pass, plus access to tax-advantaged commuter benefits to maximize your savings.
• Premium Health Coverage at Low Cost – Access high-quality individual, family and domestic partner healthcare, dental, vision and life insurance plans.
• Secure Your Future – Build long-term financial security through pension plans and retirement savings accounts designed for eligible employees.

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous Time Away – Recharge with substantial paid time off and comprehensive holiday schedules that support your personal and family commitments.
• Holistic Support Services – Access our dedicated Work Life Services team and Office of the Chaplains unit for personal guidance and support when you need it most.

Professional Growth & Development

• Learning & Development Program – Advance your career through structured professional development opportunities, skills training, and leadership programs tailored to support your growth within the organization.
• Educational Investment – Pursue your career goals with in-house training and professional development, tuition reimbursement support, and partnerships with educational institutions.

Employee Experience & Community

• Employee Assistance Programs – Comprehensive support services to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence and resources.
• Discounts & Perks – Take advantage of MTA employee discount programs offering savings on products and services.
• Connect & Belong – Join our vibrant Employee Resource Groups to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.