Transportation Rail Officer

Position Overview

Transportation Rail Officer 2 within the Bureau of Public Transportation located in New Haven, CT.

Provides safety oversight, regulatory compliance, and team leadership in the rail transportation environment. Works in the Office of Rail – Safety and Security Unit at the Component Change Out building (CCO) in New Haven, CT.

• Lead implementation of 49 CFR Part 270 Program focusing on Risk Based Hazard Analysis, Safety Assurance, Change and Configuration Management, and Safety Certification for capital rail projects and operational changes.
• Collaborate with FRA, FTA, other departments, host railroads and government partners during planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of rail-related projects.
• Support planning and execution of 49 CFR Part 239 emergency exercises and training.
• Provide safety and security support and oversight of passenger and freight operators statewide.
• Perform inspections and Diagnostic Team Reviews of at‑grade highway‑rail crossings.
• Oversee Transit Security Program and Homeless Outreach across rail and CTfastrak systems.
• Interact with security and law‑enforcement partners.
• Interpret, implement, and participate in FRA, FTA, FHWA, TSA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Oversight of implementation of 49 CFR Part 270 SSPP, System Security Plans, Cyber Security, and other regulatory responsibilities.
• Liaise between railroads and CTDOT Engineering for compliance with Change Management, Configuration Management, and Risk Based Hazard Analysis.
• Coordinate with other Department offices, transportation providers, and municipalities during planning, construction, and maintenance of related properties and projects.
• Conduct safety outreach using Operation Lifesaver and internal safety messaging.
• Participate in trainings, industry groups, conferences.
• Participate in rail operational exercises and post‑incident safety investigations.
• Perform investigations and provide testimony for rail regulatory hearings.

• Seven (7) years of experience in a professional or technical capacity in a railroad or railroad‑related organization.
• At least one (1) year of the general experience must involve responsibility for planning and execution of large, complex rail transportation projects or programs.
• College training may be substituted for up to four (4) years of experience with a bachelor's degree (15 semester hours per half year).

• Experience in the transportation construction environment.
• Experience and knowledge of 49 CFR 270 regulations.
• Experience with contract or project management.
• Experience with utility construction and permitting processes.
• Experience with railroad passenger and freight operations in Connecticut.
• Experience developing stakeholder relationships.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Experience reviewing engineering reports, plans, and specifications.
• Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and face‑to‑face.
• Experience presenting to large audiences.
• Experience prioritizing work assignments and meeting deadlines.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Proficiency with COMPASS, Project Wise Explorer, MS Office Suite (Excel, SharePoint, Teams, Outlook).

• Must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
• Travel required as necessary.

Exposure to potential danger of injury or physical harm from railroad or construction environments; exposure to year‑round weather conditions.

Full‑time, 40 hours per week;
Monday‑Friday; first shift; located in New Haven, CT. Telework possible after a successful test period.

The State of Connecticut is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative‑action employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.