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Vice President, Safety & Health

Job ID: 11616

Business Unit: Bridges and Tunnels

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Department: H&S/Health and Safety

Date Posted: Apr 30, 2025

Description

JOB INFORMATION

Resume Due Date: May 14, 2025

Functional Job Title: Vice President, Safety & Health

Department/Division: Environmental, Safety & Health

Work Location: Randalls Island, NY

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.

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

COMPENSATION

Earnings Potential: $153,413 - $208,864

Hay Points: 1312

Overtime Eligibility: Not eligible for paid overtime in accordance with FLSA

RESPONSIBILITIES

MTA Bridges and Tunnels manages and operates nine inter-borough crossings (seven bridges and two tunnels) in the NYC Region and Manhattan's Central Business District Congestion Relief Zone. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Environmental, Safety, and Health, the Vice President of Safety and Health is a senior-level position with significant decision-making authority for department policy, strategy, governance, staffing, budget, and expenditures. This role is responsible for overseeing all phases of the safety and health program/division, with a focus on occupational safety and health matters for TBTA and CBDTP. The VP ensures agency input into the capital project scope and coordinates with Construction & Design (C&D) to ensure successful project completion, while minimizing impacts to operations and customers and ensuring the safety and security of facilities. The VP also works with MTA HQ consolidated partners to ensure seamless agency operations. Additionally, the VP manages special projects at the request of TBTA leadership and represents the agency before elected officials, MTA/TBTA Board members, bridge/tunnel/tolling industry partners, federal and state regulatory entities, and peer agencies. The VP has delegated authority from COO/COS/EVP/SVPs in their absence and oversees vendor contracts.

The Vice President of Safety and Health oversees all aspects of the safety and health program, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational safety, and risk mitigation across nine inter-borough crossings (seven bridges and two tunnels) and Manhattan's Central Business District Congestion Relief Zone.

Core Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategy:

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.

Safety and Risk Management:

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.

Occupational Safety and Health Program Compliance:

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.

Health and Wellness Programs:

Develop and implement health and wellness programs to promote employee well-being and reduce occupational health risks. Oversee programs related to workplace ergonomics, employee health screenings, and wellness initiatives.

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response:

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.

Regulatory and Audit Oversight:

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.

Capital Project Coordination:

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.

Contractor and Vendor Oversight:

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.

Training and Awareness:

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.

Performance Measurement and Reporting:

Establish and track metrics for evaluating safety and health program performance. Provide regular reporting to executive leadership on compliance, risks, and operational outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

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.

Staff Development and Oversight:

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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

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.

Preferred:

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.

OTHER INFORMATION

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

Also, 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”).

HOW TO APPLY

MTA employees must apply via My MTA Portal. You can submit an online application by logging into My MTA Portal, clicking the My Job Search ribbon, and selecting the “Careers” link.

Logging in through My MTA Portal will link your BSC ID number to your job application to identify you as an internal applicant.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

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.