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Job Description
Marketing Statement
Ride BART to a satisfying career that lets you both: 1) make a difference to Bay Area residents, and 2) enjoy excellent pay, benefits, and employment stability. BART is looking for people who like to be challenged, work in a fast-paced environment, and have a passion for connecting riders to work, school and other places they need to go. BART offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and the CalPERS retirement program.
Job Summary
Pay Rate
AFSCME Payband A13
Annual Salary: $123,364.80 (Step 1) - $149,947.20 (Step 5)
This job classification has moved to a salary step structure as of January 1, 2025. Individuals hired into the classification will typically be appointed at step 1 of the salary range. They will advance to step 2 after working in the position for six (6) months, to step 3 one year from the hire date, and to steps 4 and 5 at one-year intervals thereafter. Each salary step progression will provide a 5% increase to the employee’s base salary until step 5 is reached.
*The negotiable salary offer will be $123,364.80 (Step 1) to commensurate with experience and education
Reports To:
Manager of Employee/Patron Safety
Current Assignment
This position will work the graveyard shift: 2200 - 0645.
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is currently seeking an experienced Senior Safety Specialist to join our dynamic and dedicated System Safety Department. This is an exciting opportunity for a safety professional who thrives on tackling complex safety challenges and has a strong background in occupational health and safety program development, implementation, and compliance.
In this advanced journey-level role, this position will play a key role in shaping and enhancing the District’s safety culture, work on high-impact projects, lead critical safety initiatives, and collaborate across multiple departments to ensure our facilities and operations meet or exceed regulatory safety standards. This includes conducting comprehensive accident investigations and safety audits, to developing targeted training programs and emergency preparedness strategies, your work will directly contribute to the health and well-being of both employees and the public.
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications:- Technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of Cal/OSHA and other relevant regulations
- Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills
- Public Transit / Transportation subject matter expertise preferred
This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Applications will be screened to assure that minimum qualifications are met. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will then be referred to the hiring department for the completion of further selection processes. The selection process for this position may include a skills/performance demonstration, a written examination, and/or an individual or panel interview.
The successful candidate must have an employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability; provide copies of certificates, diplomas or other documents as required by law, including those establishing his/her right to work in the U. S.; pass a pre-employment medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screen, and which is specific to the essential job functions and requirements. Pre-employment processing will also include a background check. (Does not apply to current full-time District employees unless specific job requires additional evaluations).
The selection process for this position will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Application Process
External applicants may only apply online, at www.bart.gov/jobs. Applicants needing assistance with the online application process may receive additional information by calling (510) 464-6112.
Current employees are strongly encouraged to apply online, either at www.bart.gov/jobs, or on EmployeeConnect. Current employees may also apply using a BART paper application by delivering the completed form to the Human Resources Department, or by mailing it to P. O. Box 12688, Oakland, CA 94604-2688.
All applicants are asked to complete the application in full, indicating dates of employment, all positions held, hours worked, and a full description of duties. Online applicants are invited to electronically attach a resume to the application form to provide supplemental information, but should not consider the resume a substitute for the application form itself.
Examples of Duties
Participates in the more complex work of staff responsible for the design, analysis, review, administration, and implementation of District occupational health and safety programs including facility inspections, accident investigations, and emergency planning operations; monitors program compliance with mandated laws, rules, and regulations.
Monitors and inspects new and planned District facilities for compliance with environmental requirements including noise, equipment layout, air quality, and related health and safety issues.
Administers Illness and Injury Prevention program; reviews Cal/OSHA, Public Utility Commission, and other safety regulatory standards; observes District operations to assess potentially unsafe working practices and conditions; develops code of practices to address these issues.
Administers a variety of programs addressing occupational health and safety issues including cumulative trauma, blood-borne pathogen, hearing conservation, and emergency preparedness programs; evaluates program goals and objectives; determines training or other support requirements; makes recommendations on program implementation.
Functions as liaison between System Safety Department and other departments and between District and regulatory agencies; participates on a variety of District-wide safety-related committees; communicates safety concerns and integrates safety concerns into goals, objectives, priorities, and project plans.
Investigates employee and patron accidents, complaints from employees, and all unusual occurrence reports or near-miss incidents; participates in non-criminal accident/incident investigations; responds to scene; gathers evidence and other information; writes report of findings.
Trains District employees in safety-related work practices, procedures, and techniques; conducts training, drills, and communication checks with District and local fire protection services; ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
Maintains records and develops reports on new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness; prepares statistical reports as required.
Develops safety education and safety training programs; evaluates training needs; develops materials and conducts training sessions to meet District safety objectives.
Provides technical safety information and compliance requirements to District management staff, employees, and contractors; conducts health and safety audits and inspections at District locations; determines liability and compliance concerns, documents findings, and tracks findings closure.
Reviews safety accident investigation reports of employee injuries; determines cause and recommends preventive measures.
Oversees and administers the District's defensive driving program; schedules and teaches classes; maintains participant database.
Recommends personal protective equipment for District employees; creates specifications for procurement staff to purchase personal protective equipment for the organization.
Maintains awareness of new developments in the field of industrial safety; incorporates new developments as appropriate into programs.
Minimum Qualifications
Education :
Possession of a bachelor’s degree with major course work in safety engineering, industrial engineering, industrial hygiene, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience :
Three (3) years of (full-time equivalent) verifiable occupational health and safety program experience.
Other Requirements :- Must be physically able to access the BART operating right-of-way; climb on and off rail equipment, climb ladders, walk on uneven surfaces, and visit construction sites.
- Must be able to respond to after-hours incidents and perform after-hours assignments for the District’s various work shifts.
- Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
- Must be able to wear respiratory protective equipment during the performance of assigned duties in accordance with the District Respirator Program and applicable Cal-OSHA and Public Utility Commission requirements.
- Conducts building inspections to identify asbestos following AHERA guidance and Cal/OSHA regulations.
Substitution :
Additional professional experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year- for-year basis. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of:- Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive occupational health and safety program
- Principles of lead supervision and training
- Methods and techniques of statistical analysis
- Principles and practices of occupational health and safety programs
- Methods and techniques of work design solutions to health and safety issues
- Tools and equipment used in monitoring and measuring noise and environmental safety factors
- Principles and practices of safety and training program development and implementation
- Methods and techniques of assessing safety hazards and implementing corrective measures
- Methods and techniques of investigating safety related accidents and injuries
- Applicable building and fire safety codes
- Methods and techniques of developing and conducting safety program training sessions
- Recent developments, current literature, and information related to safety rules and regulations
- Current office equipment, including computers
- Related Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and safety regulations
- Related OSHA, Cal OSHA, and Public Utility Commission rules and regulations
Skill in:- Performing a variety of occupational health and safety duties
- Leading, organizing, and reviewing the work of staff
- Developing and conducting safety training programs
- Monitoring safety program performance and recommending adjustments
- Identifying safety training needs
- Evaluating operational area safety requirements
- Investigating accidents and developing solutions to avoid future accidents
- Interpreting and explaining District policies and procedures
- Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public
Equal Employment Opportunity GroupBox1
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and above), religion, national origin (including language use restrictions), disability (mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), ancestry, marital status, military status, veteran status, medical condition (cancer/genetic characteristics and information), or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
The BART Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities or for religious reasons. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any special needs in advance of the examination by emailing at least 5 days before your examination date at employment@bart.gov .
Qualified veterans may be eligible to obtain additional veteran's credit in the selection process for this recruitment (effective Jan. 1, 2013). To obtain the credit, veterans must attach to the application a DD214 discharge document or proof of disability and complete/submit the Veteran's Preference Application no later than the closing date of the posting. For more information about this credit please go to the Veteran's Preference Policy and Application link at www.bart.gov/jobs .
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) prides itself in offering best in class benefits packages to employees of the District. Currently, the following benefits may be available to employees in this job classification.
Highlights- Medical Coverage (or $350/month if opted out)
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Insurance (Basic and Enhanced Plans Available)
- Retirement Plan through the CA Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
- 2% @ 55 (Classic Members)
- 2% @ 62 (PEPRA Members)
- Reciprocity available for existing members of many other public retirement systems (see BART website and/or CalPERS website for details)
- Money Purchase Pension Plan (in-lieu of participating in Social Security tax)
- 6.65% employer contribution up to annual maximum of $1,868.65
- Deferred Compensation & Roth 457
- Sick Leave Accruals (12 days per year)
- Vacation Accruals (3-6 weeks based on time worked w/ the District)
- Holidays: 9 observed holidays and 4 floating holidays
- Life Insurance w/ ability to obtain additional coverage
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Survivor Benefits through BART
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and Dependent Care
- Commuter Benefits
- Free BART Passes for BART employees and eligible family members.
Closing Date/Time: 9/22/2025 11:59 PM Pacific - Technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of Cal/OSHA and other relevant regulations
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Show moreThe BART story began in 1946. It began not by governmental fiat, but as a concept gradually evolving at informal gatherings of business and civic leaders on both sides of the San Francisco Bay. Facing a heavy post-war migration to the area and its consequent automobile boom, these people discussed ways of easing the mounting congestion that was clogging the bridges spanning the Bay. In 1947, a joint Army-Navy review Board concluded that another connecting link between San Francisco and Oakland would be needed in the years ahead to prevent intolerable congestion on the Bay Bridge. The link? An underwater tube devoted exclusively to high-speed electric trains.
Since 1911, visionaries had periodically brought up this Jules Verne concept. But now, pressure for a traffic solution increased with the population. In 1951, the State Legislature created the 26-member San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Commission, comprised of representatives from each of the nine counties which touch the Bay. The Commission's charge was to study the Bay Area's long range transportation needs in the context of environmental problems and then recommend the best solution.
The Commission advised, in its final report in 1957, that any transportation plan must be coordinated with the area's total plan for future development. Since no development plan existed, the Commission prepared one itself. The result of their thoroughness is a master plan which did much to bring about coordinated planning in the Bay Area, and which was adopted a decade later by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).
The BART Concept is Born
The Commission's least-cost solution to traffic tie-ups was to recommend forming a five-county rapid transit district, whose mandate would be to build and operate a high-speed rapid rail network linking major commercial centers with suburban sub-centers.The Commission stated that, "If the Bay Area is to be preserved as a fine place to live and work, a regional rapid transit system is essential to prevent total dependence on automobiles and freeways."
Thus was born the environmental concept underlying BART. Acting on the Commission's recommendations, in 1957, the Legislature formed the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, comprising the five counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo. At this time, the District was granted a taxing power of five cents per $100 of assessed valuation. It also had authority to levy property taxes to support a general obligation bond issue, if approved by District voters. The State Legislature lowered the requirement for voter approval from 66 percent to 60 percent.
Between 1957 and 1962, engineering plans were developed for a system that would usher in a new era in rapid transit. Electric trains would run on grade-separated right-of-ways, reaching maximum speeds of 75-80 mph, averaging perhaps 45 mph, including station stops. Advanced transit cars, with sophisticated suspensions, braking and propulsion systems, and luxurious interiors, would be strong competition to "King Car " in the Bay Area. Stations would be pleasant, conveniently located, and striking architectural enhancements to their respective on-line communities.
BART employees in the 1970s.
Hundreds of meetings were held in the District communities to encourage local citizen participation in the development of routes and station locations. By midsummer, 1961, the final plan was submitted to the supervisors of the five District counties for approval. San Mateo County Supervisors were cool to the plan. Citing the high costs of a new system-plus adequate existing service from Southern Pacific commuter trains - they voted to withdraw their county from the District in December 1961.
With the District-wide tax base thus weakened by the withdrawal of San Mateo County, Marin County was forced to withdraw in early 1962 because its marginal tax base could not adequately absorb its share of BART's projected cost. Another important factor in Marin's withdrawal was an engineering controversy over the feasibility of carrying trains across the Golden Gate Bridge.
BART had started with a 16-member governing Board of Directors apportioned on county population size: four from Alameda and San Francisco Counties, three from Contra Costa and San Mateo, and two from Marin. When the District was reduced to three counties, the Board was reduced to 11 members: four from San Francisco and Alameda, and three from Contra Costa. Subsequently, in 1965, the District's enabling legislation was changed to apportion the BART Board with four Directors from each county, thus giving Contra Costa its fourth member on a 12-person Board. Two directors from each county, hence forth, were appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The other two directors were appointed by committees of mayors of each county (with the exception of the City and County of San Francisco, whose sole mayor made these appointments).
The five-county plan was quickly revised to a three-county plan emphasizing rapid transit between San Francisco and the East Bay cities and suburbs of Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The new plan, elaborately detailed and presented as the "BART Composite Report, " was approved by supervisors of the three counties in July 1962, and placed on the ballot for the following November general election.
The plan required approval of 60 percent of the District's voters. It narrowly passed with a 61.2 percent vote District-wide, much to the surprise of many political experts who were confident it would fail. Indeed, one influential executive was reported to have said: "If I'd known the damn thing would have passed, I'd never have supported it. "
The voters approved a $792 million bond issue to finance a 71.5 mile high-speed transit system, consisting of 33 stations serving 17 communities in the three counties. The proposal also included another needed transit project: rebuilding 3.5 miles of the San Francisco Municipal Railway. The new line would link muni streetcar lines directly with BART and Market Street stations, and four new Muni stations would be built.
The additional cost of the transbay tube -- estimated at $133 million -- was to come from bonds issued by the California Toll Bridge Authority and secured by future Bay Area Bridge revenues. The additional cost of rolling stock, estimated at $71 million, was to be funded primarily from bonds issued against future operating revenues. Thus, the total cost of the system, as of 1962, was projected at $996 million. It would be the largest single public works project ever undertaken in the U.S. by the local citizenry.
After the election, engineers immediately started work on the final system designs, only to be halted by a taxpayer's suit filed against the District a month later. The validity of the bond election, and the legality of the District itself, were challenged. While the court ruled in favor of the District on both counts, six months of litigation cost $12 million in construction delays. This would be the first of many delays from litigation and time-consuming negotiations involving 166 separate agreements reached with on-line cities, counties, and other special districts. The democratic processes of building a new transit system would prove to be major cost factors that, however necessary, were not foreseen.
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