Transit Safety Officer

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Salary: $123,630.12 - $150,248.84 Annually
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-CK-02400
Closing: 2/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Location: CA 95134-1927, CA
Department: Transit System Safety
Division: System Safety & Security

Job Description


Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is seeking a dedicated Transit System Safety Officer to help ensure the safety and reliability of public transportation throughout Silicon Valley. This role sits within VTA's System Safety & Security Division and plays a key part in protecting employees, passengers, facilities, and construction projects across bus, rail, and transit operations. If you're driven by public service and take pride in building safer systems, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community.

In this position, you'll lead and support in compliance activities while partnering closely with internal teams, contractors, and regulatory agencies. You'll conduct accident/incident investigations, analyze data for trends, assist with audits, and recommend corrective actions to reduce risk and improve operational safety.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in transportation, construction, or industrial safety. Candidates are expected to be comfortable working in dynamic operational environments and to have a certain level of self-autonomy.

If you're ready to help shape the future of transit safety and advance your career in public transportation, we encourage you to apply.
Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a safety professional with strong analytical and investigative skills who thrives in a regulated transit or construction environment. This individual demonstrates sound judgment, works independently, learns new skill sets quickly, and is comfortable responding to emergencies and leading safety initiatives across diverse operational settings.

The successful candidate will bring experience in construction, industrial, or transportation safety; the ability to analyze safety data and trends; and excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with employees, leadership, contractors, union representatives, and regulatory agencies. A strong commitment to advancing safety culture, continuous self-improvement, and regulatory compliance is essential.

Possession of relevant certifications, such as the Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP), the Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP), the Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or the Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST), is highly desirable.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Experience conducting safety audits and regulatory compliance inspections
• Knowledge of FTA, FRA, CPUC, DOT, CAL/OSHA, and related safety regulations
• Experience investigating bus/rail accidents and employee injuries
• Strong hazard identification and risk mitigation skills
• Experience developing and delivering safety training programs
• Ability to analyze safety data and perform trend analysis
• Experience working with emergency response teams and emergency operations planning
• Professional certifications (TSSP, PTSCTP, CHST, OHST, ASP, CSP)

Definition
Under direction, the Transit Security team provides VTA employees, contractors, and customers with a variety of security services.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This class is distinguished from the classification of Transit System Safety Supervisor in that the latter class has full supervisory authority and responsibility for program development, coordination, and implementation. The Transit Safety Officer performs an array of duties in the development, administration, implementation, and enforcement of VTA safety programs.


About VTA

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region.

VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express.

As the county's congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for countywide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit-oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County.

As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit: https://www.vta.org/VTAForward

Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP)

The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families.

Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance.

Essential Job Functions


Typical Tasks

• Performs internal and external safety auditing;
• Conducts Fire Life & Safety planning and coordination as part of VTA's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP);
• Participates in the Safety Certification process and serves as a conduit for communication between agency and regulatory entities;
• Conducts construction safety inspections including walkthroughs of active construction sites and coordination with VTA and contracted personnel;
• Participates in transit system planning and construction review including review of engineering drawings, plans, and schematics;
• Performs safety and regulatory compliance inspections;
• Prepares required reports and correspondence;
• Participates in various safety committees; engages in hazard identification, investigation and mitigation;
• Analyzes safety data and performs trend analyses;
• Participates in the development and promotion of VTA's safety culture;
• Communicates regulatory changes affecting agency business operations;
• Coordinates VTA's Emergency Response Team (ERT) and performs other emergency management duties;
• Responds to and investigates accidents, injuries, and losses to identify causal factors;
• Evaluates and participates in Request for Proposal (RFP) processes as assigned;
• Develops and implements various safety programs;
• Conducts and coordinates safety training as assigned;
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications


Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the above tasks and possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in a related field, and three (3) years of experience in construction safety, industrial safety, transportation management, transportation safety, public safety services, and/or emergency management.

Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP), Public Transportation Safety Certification Training Program (PTSCTP), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) or Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST) certificates are desirable.

Note: A Transportation Supervisor or Technical Trainer with five (5) years of experience meets the minimum qualifications for the class of Transit Safety Officer provided that the experience has included performing event response and investigation, safety and compliance inspections, and development of agency policies and procedures.

Possession of a valid California Class C license is required.

Special Conditions
Frequent exposure to weather, mechanical, electrical, and physical hazards.

Rotating on-call duties for twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day periods for emergency response.

May process accident scenes involving objectionable content.

Supplemental Information


Knowledge of:

• Theories, principles, and practices of general industry and/or construction safety, transportation safety, transit operations, disaster preparedness, and emergency response;
• Applicable local, state, and federal safety laws and regulations governing facilities, bus and rail operations, and construction projects, including those promulgated by CPUC, FTA, FED OSHA, CAL OSHA, CA/FED EPA, and FRA;
• Strategies for hazard identification and mitigation;
• Principles of event investigations;
• Reporting and recordkeeping practices to ensure regulatory compliance;
• Operation of common office equipment including personal computers and common software applications.

Ability to:

• Perform thorough event investigations;
• Develop and implement safety program plans and procedures;
• Perform safety-related duties on an operational transit system, at active construction sites, and in maintenance work areas;
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations pertaining to transportation and workplace safety;
• Analyze, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and contracts;
• Work independently;
• Develop and implement training programs;
• Interact professionally with various levels of management, union representatives, employees, and regulatory agency personnel;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Learn technical skills and concepts regarding various skilled trades;
• Exercise judgement and creativity in making decisions;
• Manage safety projects from conception to culmination;
• Analyze complex situations, identify problems, and recommend appropriate solutions;
• Attain and maintain accreditations required by regulatory or legislative bodies.

General Application Instructions

Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills. You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success.

Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment. We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application.

Communication & Contact Information
All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address. Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account. For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays.

Application Review & Processing
All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable. Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications.

While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (), Transportation Authority Engineers and Architects Association ( Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union.

Tentative Examinations:

Oral Panel: March 2026

Conditions of Employment

Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.

For sensitive positions, VT requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location.

Eligibility List

The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur. Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years. Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations

VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or email Personnel@vta.org at least five business days before the test.

Equal Employment Opportunity

VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employee son the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.



To apply, please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/vtasantaclara/jobs/5203745/transit-safety-officer








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