Safety & Security Certification Manager

Job Description

Under the general direction of the Deputy Program Safety and Security Director, the Safety & Security Certification Manager (SSCM) is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the safety and security certification program for California High-Speed Rail (HSR). The incumbent ensures compliance with federal, state, and local safety and security standards, supports implementation of Safety Management System (SMS) principles, and oversees certification activities associated with design, construction, testing, commissioning, and operations.

The incumbent provides program-level oversight of hazard management, risk mitigation, safety assurance, emergency preparedness, and security protocols across all phases of infrastructure development. The Safety & Security Certification Manager serves as a subject-matter expert, supporting construction delivery teams and contractors in building a culture of safety and security across all phases of infrastructure development.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor the HSR Safety and Security Certification program
• Provide program-level oversight and guidance to construction, systems, testing, commissioning, and operational teams to ensure consistent application of safety and security certification activities across all project phases
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, railroad partners, and internal teams to ensure compliance with a standardized process for safety and security certification activities
• Develop certification documents and packages internally for any contractor or third party who is not contractually obligated to provide Safety and Security Certification
• Maintain, support, and refine the Certifiable Elements List, Hazard Logs, Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), Threat and Vulnerability Assessment (TVA), and other applicable documentation for each phase of the program
• Conduct technical reviews of safety and security certification packages
• Conduct audits and risk assessments to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) requirements and Authority safety and security requirements
• Develop and deliver safety and security certification training to associated contractors and HSR staff and support awareness programs for staff, contractors, consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Track applicable performance trends and provide recommendations for continuous improvement
• Prepare and present technical reports, executive briefings, certification updates, and program recommendations to HSR leadership, stakeholders, and oversight bodies regarding safety and security certification and associated activities
• Support integration of safety and security considerations into project schedules, budgets, and risk management activities
• Lead process improvements to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency in safety and security certification across the program. Support implementation of Safety Management System (SMS) principles including hazard management, safety assurance, risk-based decision making, and continuous improvement activities.
• Serve as a liaison with regulatory agencies and oversight partners regarding certification activities, audit responses, corrective action tracking, and program compliance matters
• Other related duties may be assigned

Basic Job Requirements

• Accredited four (4) year degree in Safety Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Public Safety, or a related field or global equivalent in applicable field of study and ten (10) years of work-related experience
• Ability to communicate effectively with audiences that include but are not limited to management, coworkers, clients, vendors, contractors, and visitors
• Job related technical knowledge necessary to complete the job
• Ability to learn and apply knowledge of applicable local, state/province, and federal/national statutes and guidelines
• Ability to attend to detail and work in a time-conscious and time-effective manner

Other Job Requirements

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in safety and security certification within large-scale infrastructure, transit, or construction programs
• Strong knowledge of applicable safety and security regulations (OSHA, FRA, Cal/OSHA, and other relevant codes)
• Experience conducting risk assessments, audits, and inspections
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver clear reports, safety performance metrics, and recommendations
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to travel up to 50%, mostly local within the state and possibly national

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional safety certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)
• Project Management Professional certification (PMP) preferred
• Experience with transit or rail infrastructure safety and security programs
• Familiarity with Homeland Security requirements, security management practices, and emergency response planning
• Proficiency with safety management systems, data analysis tools, and reporting platforms
• Master’s degree in a related field