Transportation Investigation Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Marketing Statement

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA's) Office of Bus Transportation is seeking a Transportation Investigation & Safety Improvement Specialist to support consistent bus collision investigation practices and application of preventability ratings, conduct root cause analyses, proactively identify and collaborate cross-functionally to address safety trends.

The ideal candidate is detail oriented and has the ability to ask probing questions and effectively communicate with employees to impact behavior change. This position may require evening and weekend work, including during inclement weather. Travel to different WMATA locations is required.

The Transportation Investigations & Safety Improvement Specialist leads in-depth investigations of transit bus collisions and rates each event as preventable or non-preventable. The incumbent compiles factual reports in the Safety Universal Data System (SUDS), recommends corrective actions, and supports operational decision-making. Leveraging formal methodologies (five whys, fault tree analysis), this role partners with operations, maintenance, and regulatory entities to recommend corrective actions, submit timely reports, and drive continuous safety improvements across metrobus. The incumbent also assists Bus Operations Managers with safety performance monitoring, customer complaint resolution, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders to drive a data-informed safety culture.

Principal Job Duties

• Applies structured root?cause analysis techniques to identify contributing factors such as human performance, fatigue, mechanical defects, route design, and weather to determine preventability per WMATA criteria.
• Presents findings, preventability determinations, and performance metrics to Bus Operations Management, Office of Labor Relations, Department of Safety, and executive leadership.
• Advises Bus Division Superintendents on performance impacts stemming from accidents, recommends route or schedule adjustments, and assists with customer complaint resolution related to collision events.
• Recommends administrative actions based on investigation outcomes, support grievance procedures, and accident appeals, including providing expert testimony.
• Facilitates coaching of bus operators using onboard vehicle video recordings triggered by driving events.
• Supports overall administration of the Performance Behavior Analysis program.
• Uses onboard vehicle video for standardized random assessments of bus operator compliance with safety rules.
• Manages and supports implementation of departmental safety initiatives that impact front-line employee safety behaviors, including messaging campaigns and discussion forums.
• Conducts multi-source data trending and analyses, incorporating training records, past incident logs, maintenance histories, and field observations to spot emerging hazards.
• Actively engages Division, Facility, and Department Safety Committee meetings to identify and proactively mitigate safety hazards.

Other Duties

• Contributes to cross-departmental safety initiatives, special projects, and workshops to enhance WMATA's overall safety culture and operational resilience.
• Supports supplemental operations during special events and service disruptions.
• Encourages close-call reporting, promote safety awareness campaigns, and mentors staff on investigative protocols and just culture principles.
• Maintains mandatory training and certifications as required.
• Works various shifts (evenings, overnights, weekends, holidays) as needed, including for special events.
• Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Knowledge

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of collision investigation and root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of transit bus operations, scheduling practices, collective bargaining agreements, and regulatory standards.
• Knowledge of preventability rating methodologies and reporting protocols.
• Demonstrated competency rating accidents for preventability and managing complex incident caseloads.

Skills

• Advanced investigative techniques, evidence gathering, and interview facilitation skills.
• Strong analytical reasoning and logical problem-solving skills, under time pressure to address complex accident scenarios.
• Proficient in preparing clear, concise investigation reports and presentations.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills at all organizational levels.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Abilities

• Apply general investigation guidelines to novel situations and develop sound conclusions.
• Listen attentively and convey information accurately, both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain objectivity under pressure and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple investigations and meet stringent deadlines.

Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required

• Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Various software, to include Trapeze or comparable transit operations software, CRM, Safety Universal Data System, DriveCam, Documentum, Enterprise Learning Management System.
• Personal Protective Equipment, including safety vest.

Supervisory Responsibility
Not responsible for supervising others.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate (GED)

Minimum Experience

• Minimum of four (4) years of investigation experience within public transportation or industrial environment.

Minimum Certification/Licensure

• Valid driver's license and maintenance of a satisfactory driving record.
• Completion of prescribed training and/or certifications for Transportation Investigations and Safety Improvement Specialists within first year of appointment.
• Completion of prescribed training and/or certifications for accident raters within first year of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Transportation, Business Administration or a related field.
• Transit Safety and Security Program (TSSP) Certificate.
• The USDOT Transportation Institute Transit (TSI) Safety and Security Program (TSSP-Rail and/or TSSP-Bus) certificate.
• World Safety Organization Certified Safety Specialist or certification as a Certified Safety Professional is preferred
• Certification in Accident Reconstruction.
• Experience with bus technology systems and advanced driver assistance technologies.

ABOUT US

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region's leading public transportation provider. Serving a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction, Metro operates six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and Metro Access, a shared-ride paratransit service. As one of the nation's busiest transit systems, Metro connects communities, supports economic growth, and provides safe, reliable transportation.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.