New

Director of Rail Safety and Audits (DOT Executive VI)

Maryland Department of Transportation
$118,937.00 - $185,523.00 Annually
dental insurance, long term disability
United States, Maryland, Annapolis
Mar 10, 2026
Description OPEN RECRUITMENT Executive Service Position (This position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.) If you have ever taken a flight from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport; renewed your Maryland driver's license; traveled to an Orioles game on the Light Rail; embarked on a cruise from the Port of Baltimore; received roadside assistance from CHART Emergency Patrol; or reduced your commute time by using one of Maryland's toll roads, then you have experienced some of the superb services provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). MDOT has various careers for people of all experiences, backgrounds, and abilities who come together to contribute to one mission-connecting our customers to life's opportunities. Join us in serving our Maryland residents, visitors, and businesses! The Maryland Department of Transportation, The Secretary's Office (MDOT TSO), is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director of Rail Safety and Audits (DOT Executive VI). This executive-level position will provide leadership and oversight of rail transit safety programs, audits, and enterprise risk management functions across MDOT modal administrations to ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements and alignment with departmental safety and operational goals. The Director of Rail Safety and Audits is responsible for overseeing the audit function at the Secretary's Office (TSO) and providing strategic guidance and oversight to audit offices across MDOT modes, including Maryland Aviation Administration, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland Transportation Authority, Motor Vehicle Administration, and State Highway Administration Key responsibilities include: Directing the implementation of risk-based inspections and safety assurance activities required by the Federal Transit Administration. Developing and maintaining a comprehensive risk-based audit plan and rail safety oversight strategy. Managing professional staff and consultants supporting the Office of Audits and Rail Safety. Establishing and maintaining standardized audit methodologies aligned with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) International Professional Practices Framework. Overseeing investigations of fraud, waste, and abuse, including those received via hotlines or anonymous sources. Coordinating with federal, state, and local stakeholders regarding audit, compliance and oversight activities. This position is designated as Emergency Essential and may require availability for duty outside normal work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays in support of MDOT's emergency response or operational needs The selected candidate may be required to participate in an on-call rotation to receive and document transit agency reports of safety or security incidents. The current vacancy exists at MDOT TSO in the Office of Audits and Rail Safety, which is located in Hanover, MD. (Anne Arundel County). This position may allow a hybrid work schedule, including telework and on-site work hours. MDOT offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn about our amazing benefits here: MDOT Benefits Qualifications PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in transportation management, engineering, public administration, safety management, business administration, or a related field. Experience: Seven (7) years of professional transportation experience in rail transit operations, auditing, compliance, quality management, or transportation safety/security oversight. Four (4) of the required years must have involved supervising other employees or exercising responsibility for program development. The ideal candidate will possess the following: Knowledge of federal and state rail safety regulations and oversight requirements. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate risk and implement corrective actions. Public Transportation Safety Certification (PTSCP). Experience developing policies, procedures, or safety improvement initiatives. Experience conducting/overseeing audits, inspections, risk management or related activities. Current or past audit and/or safety oversight training or certifications. Effective written and verbal communication skills, including preparing reports and presenting findings to executive leadership and external stakeholders. The ability to collaborate with federal, state, local, and industry partners to support safe and reliable transportation operations. Consideration for employment may be based solely on the contents of your application. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information. Please include all relevant experience on your application. This includes, but is not limited to, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other experience that is relevant to the position for which you are applying. If you have held more than one position at the same employer, please list each position that you held and the length of time that you held each position. Licenses & Certifications Employees in this position may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland. Employees may be required to travel statewide. Additional Information TO APPLY: You must complete an MDOT employment application (DTS-1) online to be considered for this recruitment. RESUMES CANNOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE MDOT EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION. No paper applications will be accepted. Selected candidates may be subject to background and reference checks. You may apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mdotmd. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on 3/23/2026. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for qualified individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Please notify in advance. MD Relay Service Number (711). Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. The Maryland Department of Transportation is not sponsoring new employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B at this time due to budgetary constraints. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Federal regulations prohibit H-1B Visa candidates from paying sponsorship fees; all sponsorship fees must be assumed by the potential employer. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. will be required to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( http://www.naces.org ) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation ( https://www.wes.org/ ) . The incumbent in this position will not be a member of a covered bargaining unit. WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. MDOT does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, or sexual orientation. Issued Date: 03/09/2026 The purpose of the supplemental questions listed below is to evaluate your experience and education further to determine your eligibility for this job classification. Answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described in detail in the Work History section of this application. If you cite experience in your response that is not included in the Work History section of this application, your application may be considered incomplete, and you may not receive further consideration for this position. Questions with text answers require you to include the name of the employer/organization and dates of the specific experience.