Transit Training & Safety Specialist (Full-Time)

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Supervisor – Operations & Standards, develops, facilitates, and implements training programs for the Division. The position is also responsible for training new operational staff, for continuing education/refresher training of existing staff, for managing staff performance and development; and for providing counsel and guidance in accordance with policies, procedures, customer service standards, safety and regulatory compliance requirements including Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration and transit industry standards.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develops, leads, and manages an on-going training program for Division staff, focusing on employee safety, competency and efficiency, staff development and the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
2. Keeps updated on industry best practices, legislative and regulatory requirements (Health & Safety, Highway Traffic Act, AODA), including the Commercial Vehicle Operators Registration (CVOR) program; identifies changes for the Division, and evaluates the impact on training and quality assurance, recommends changes to achieve compliance, and communicates changes.
3. Oversees and coordinates all training programs, including planning, developing, coordinating, and facilitating, content development, program delivery and evaluation of effectiveness for new and existing Conventional and Specialized Transit Operators and employees.
4. Creates, implements and maintains the Division's manual and electronic training matrices, documents, files and records and ensures all are kept up-to-date and accessible.
5. Conducts, participates in, and/or reviews incident and workplace investigations related to Operator driving, behavior skills, safety concerns; gathers evidence, conducts interviews, analyzes data and collaborates with relevant stakeholders. Determines incident cause and contributing factors and provides continuous improvement recommendations to prevent reoccurrences.
6. Supervises and coordinates the activities of ATU Driver/Trainers, ensuring training quality, adherence to standards and alignment with operational needs.
7. Monitors and evaluates policies, procedures, techniques, and equipment and develops and maintains safe standard operating procedures.
8. Leads risk assessment processes, identifies risks/gaps and proactively develops training programs to minimize exposure.
9. Coordinates, prepares, and documents monthly safety talks for all employees and ensures accurate record keeping.
10. Participates as a Joint Health & Safety Committee member; attends meetings and conducts inspections.
11. Assists Supervisors on matters relating to recruitment, staff development, probationary tracking and reporting, coaching/mentoring, health and safety, regulatory compliance and corrective actions including disciplinary decisions.
12. Assists with monitoring the performance of operations staff, including on-board vehicle operations, to ensure that a high level of program delivery is maintained.
13. Provides reports as required, including verbal and written presentations.
14. Maintains and provides statistical overviews of training and safety-related data.
15. Works closely with safety, fleet and operations teams to identify trending of incidents and collisions for the purpose of improving procedures and complying with established guidelines.
16. Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

1. Degree in human resources, occupational health & safety, science or related safety/occupational health field, along with three years directly related experience performing duties related to the major responsibilities; or
2. Diploma in human resources, occupational health & safety, science or related safety/occupational health field, along with five years directly related experience performing duties related to the major responsibilities.
3. Experience working in a unionized environment.

Skills/Abilities:

1. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety management, Highway Traffic Act and professional driver and vehicle safety standards and practices including CVOR program requirements.
2. Demonstrated experience working with internal clients to identify needs and recommend health and safety strategies.
3. Superior ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing, with the ability to make presentations and deliver training to a variety of audiences.
4. Superior ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with administration, union executives, superiors, co-workers, employees, and the general public.
5. Excellent observational skills and investigative skills.
6. Proven negotiation, conflict management, and mediation skills.
7. Strong research, project/time management, analytical/critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
8. Proven ability to function and contribute as an effective team member and to work independently.
9. Must be proficient in the use of computers and current related software.
10. Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health & Safety Act.

Assets:

1. Knowledge and understanding of industry-related legislation, principles and information technologies applicable to the public transit/public transportation environment.
2. Knowledge of contemporary adult education principles and practices.
3. Knowledge of/ability to manage and interpret performance statistics, quality control principles and key performance indicators.
4. A valid Ontario Class "C" driver’s licence with a "Z" endorsement.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Will be required to travel to various work locations and provide own transportation.
2. Must work and attend meetings outside of regular work hours.
3. Must undergo a successful Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC).
4. Must sign and abide by Employee Confidentiality Statement.

General Information: As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.