Accident Investigator
Job ID: 13326
Business Unit: Metro-North Railroad
Location: Various, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: Safety Department
Date Posted: Oct 10, 2025
Description
Job Title: Accident Investigator
Department: Office of System Safety
MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad
Primary Location(s): Various
Salary Range: $ 94,665 -$ 1 18,331
Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Non-DOT Regulated/ Safety Sensitive
Union Affiliation: Non- a greement
Closing Date (if applicable): Until Filled
Shift (if applicable):
Title 55-a (yes or no): No
Other: Telework eligible
JOB SUMMARY
Promote a safe workplace and safe, efficient transportation for customers by performing incident investigations, in-depth analyses, and conformance audits to identify and resolve causal factors and hazards. Establish a collaborative approach with MNR operating departments to enhance employee, customer and operational safety. This includes but is not limited to: Respond systemwide 24/7 as assigned to conduct on-site investigations of major and critical incidents including, but not limited to, employee and customer fatalities, derailments, collisions, fire-related events, near miss events, and unusual occurrences involving MNR, contractor, and/or tenant railroad equipment, customers, personnel and/or property. Lead interdepartmental investigation committees and drive thorough analyses to determine root causes and contributing factors and recommend corrective actions to eliminate or reduce the potential for future accidents/incidents. Prepare comprehensive accident/incident investigation reports and verify the implementation of corrective actions. Lead/drive the implementation of corrective actions as required. Direct and/or participate in conformance audits to ensure system-wide compliance with safety regulations, policies and procedures, Operating Rules, and training requirements. Oversee recordkeeping and reporting on incidents, injuries, investigative findings, audit/inspection findings, and corrective actions, in collaboration with other OSS teams. Coordinate with external regulatory agencies and stakeholders as required. Analyze accident/incident trends and produce and deliver reports to senior management on investigative findings, trends, and corrective actions. Coordinate with the Field Safety team and lead/mentor OSS Field Safety and Compliance managers participating in investigations and joint analyses/safety initiatives. Develop, implement, monitor effectiveness of major programs to achieve accident/incident reductions and safety compliance to address trends and findings from operational incident investigations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Investigate operational incidents in accordance with MNR policy, including, but not limited to, employee and customer fatalities, derailments, collisions, fire-related events, near miss events, and unusual occurrences involving MNR, contractor, and/or tenant railroad equipment, customers, personnel and/or property.
Respond on-site on a 24/7 basis as assigned. Secure and analyze incident scenes in collaboration with responding operating departments. Coordinate and conduct witness interviews and statements, evidence collection and examination, and other investigative actions as required. Recommend, retain and coordinate outside experts/contractors as required. Coordinate and manage chain of custody documentation and processes.
Provide timely notifications to the FRA, PTSB, NTSB, OSHA and other agencies as required. Ensure appropriate recordkeeping and reporting in collaboration with other OSS teams to ensure adherence to regulatory and MTA/MNR requirements.
Lead interdepartmental investigation committees. Drive comprehensive analyses to determine root causes and contributing factors and to recommend corrective actions and other improvement plans based on findings, to eliminate or reduce the potential for future accidents/incidents. Provide regular and timely updates to operations staff regarding ongoing investigations to maintain engagement.
Coordinate in-depth incident reviews with the applicable departments to share findings and knowledge from open investigations. Formally distribute findings and action items.
Prepare comprehensive accident/incident investigation reports addressing root causes, contributing factors, and corrective actions. Present results to executive and senior staff as required. Serve as an expert witness as required.
Lead/mentor MNR OSS Field Safety, Compliance, and/or other staff supporting/participating in investigations.
Develop and monitor corrective actions; develop, monitor, and/or support other programs, policies, and initiatives to enhance safety of customers, employees, and overall operations
Develop corrective actions/improvements including policies, procedures, training, new technologies, partnerships, and other strategies as appropriate to address findings from investigations, audits, inspections, safety concerns or challenges, safety data analysis and trends, and other initiatives and issues. Maintain a log of pending actions in collaboration with other Investigators and OSS staff. Monitor/track status and follow up as required to ensure implementation, evaluate effectiveness, and recommend changes as appropriate.
Direct and/or participate in conformance audits to ensure system-wide compliance with safety regulations, policies and procedures, Operating Rules, and training requirements, including to verify the implementation of corrective actions identified through investigations, audits, and other findings.
Represent the Office of System Safety on the Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) Peer Review Team (PRT). Review cases that meet the program criteria, develop causes, highlight trends, and prepare corrective actions to present to the senior staff for implementation.
Monitor progress of safety-related recommendations provided by external agencies such as the FRA, FTA and NTSB as assigned and provide status reports. Represent MNR at PTSB Board Meetings and interact with PTSB staff as required.
Collaborate with other OSS teams and MNR operating departments to establish the framework and focus for departmental Safety Action Plans, based on the review and analysis of departmental and agencywide data trends.
Conduct audits, inspections, and data analyses in collaboration with other MNR OSS staff to identify and monitor safety trends. Monitor MNR accident and injury reports, safety concerns, and safety challenges; take the lead on addressing issues as required. Participate in customer and community safety outreach events. Support departments in planning and conducting employee safety outreach including Safety Focus events, stand-downs, and the like.
Maintain operations and professional qualifications, safety certifications, and other continuing education requirements; remain current with state-of-the-art investigation methods, techniques, and technology.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Demonstrated understanding of rail industry, equipment, technical standards, operations and organization;
demonstrated understanding of these factors for another complex operating/industrial environment may be considered
Strong crisis management skills with the ability to react effectively to emergency and other stressful situations
Knowledge and ability to review incidents and develop corresponding root causes, contributing factors, and corrective actions
Ability to develop, implement, and monitor the effectiveness of safety programs and initiatives.
Demonstrated excellent oral and written presentation and communication skills
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to assimilate, organize, and convey pertinent information
Excellent project, team, and self-management skills, with the ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams as required, managing multiple projects while adhering to rapidly changing deadlines
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and communicate effectively with all departments and all levels of management Metro-North, other MTA agencies, and external stakeholders, including executive leadership
Excellent leadership skills with the ability to foster teamwork and effective working relationships, resolve conflicts, lead multidisciplinary teams, and make effective decisions in a fast-paced and demanding environment
Ability to oversee safety compliance and exercise the authority to stop work or rail operations if deem imminent hazard to life or property exists; ability to take responsibility to initiate and terminate an investigation, including approving movement of equipment so recovery efforts can begin
Demonstrated ability to foster cooperation among diverse groups in a complex operating environment
Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion
Demonstrated knowledge of audit/inspection principles and ability to establish audit/inspection plans. Ability to respond to incidents and emergencies 24/7, including working evenings and weekends as a normal course of business
Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Outlook) or equivalent
Must be available and able to respond to emergencies 24/7 and available for coverage basis via cell phone.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel to various work locations 24/7 .
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Associate degree in Business Administration, Safety, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education and/or technical credentials to include an additional two years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the transportation industry related to the responsibilities of the position, at least two (2) years of which entail experience in one or more of the following: Transportation (train operations), Maintenance of Equipment, Maintenance of Way (Track, Structures, Communications & Signals, Power) and/or conducting safety-related investigations. Experience in another complex operating/industrial environment may be considered in lieu of experience in the transportation industry.
Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) certification (or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire)
Rail Accident Investigation training/certification (or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire)
Qualification in MNR Roadway Worker Protection/Supervisor Roadway Worker Protection, Operating Rules, and Blue Signal Protection (or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire) .
The following is/are preferred :
Background in the practical application of accident/incident investigation techniques, procedures and/or policies
Knowledge of applicable regulations and practices including FRA, OSHA, EPA, NYS and/or NYC Health, or equivalent.
Experience in railroad operations
Master's Degree in Safety , Emergency Management, Business, Engineering or related field.
Knowledge of and experience with FRA and NTSB investigation methodologies and procedures.
Experience managing staff, projects, and/or processes
NIMS 100, 200, and/or 700
Safety Certification: CSP, SMS, WSO-CSS, WSO-CSSD, and/or TSI-TSSP
Current qualification in MNR Roadway Worker Protection, Supervisor Roadway Worker Protection, Operating Rules, and/or Blue Signal Protection
BENEFITS
Commuter Assistance - based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA's jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)
Low Premium - High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)
Pension Plans and Retirement Savings Accounts for eligible employees
Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.
Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees
Employee Assistance Programs
MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs
Work Life Services team
Employee Resource Groups
Managerial Benefits
OTHER INFORMATION
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").
Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company's discretion.
Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to License Monitoring and must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
Current employee applicants should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.
