COLLISION INVESTIGATIONS SPECIALIST

  • Los Angeles Metro
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Apr 27, 2024
Full Time Public Safety

Job Description

Basic Function
Investigates serious injury-producing collisions involving Los Angeles Metro Bus, Rail, and non-revenue fleet vehicles, using leading edge collision investigative tools and techniques; provides written and verbal investigation results to management and senior-level executives; and assists in recommending corrective action that reduces accidents, liabilities, and risks.

Example Of Duties
  • Plans, organizes, and conducts complex in-depth investigations of serious collisions involving Metro vehicles
  • Responds to major collision scenes, takes scene photographs, and conducts interviews of drivers and witnesses
  • Coordinates with other staff involved in conducting complex investigations
  • Works closely with local and state law enforcement to address issues at collision scenes; acts as liaison with law enforcement agencies
  • Performs or provides technical leadership in accident reconstructions, safety reviews, audits, inspections, and testing in the areas of collision investigation, traffic safety, best work practices, equipment, and safety devices
  • Prepares detailed accident reports including facts and evidence gathered during the course of investigations
  • Presents investigation findings, both orally and in writing, to Metro departments involved, senior executive management, and other stakeholders, as required
  • Advises management of operational safety requirements based on evaluations/audits of Operators′ compliance with rules/procedures
  • Makes recommendations to department management on findings, equipment, methods, or procedures to correct unsafe conditions
  • Represents Metro in external and internal safety meetings and committees to provide comprehensive technical advice and assistance, and to identify and resolve collision causation issues
  • Ensures accuracy of accident/injury report and compliance with current or new applicable laws and regulations
  • Reviews collision investigation reports prepared by Bus and Rail Operations field staff and recommends areas of improvement
  • Reviews and analyzes data relating to collisions and injuries, identifies trends, and provides recommendations, including innovative ideas for programs to mitigate recurrences and increase traffic safety
  • Participates in the post-accident equipment testing and inspection of all vehicle braking systems to determine functionality and compliance with specifications
  • Evaluates existing policies, procedures and techniques currently in use for bus and rail collision investigations and makes recommendations
  • Formulates or participates in the development of bus and rail operations safety rules, policies, and procedures and ensures their implementation
  • Conducts training for field staff in accident investigations
  • Evaluates existing operator training programs and recommends improvements; develops and implements newer, best practice collision prevention and safety programs that can be incorporated into Metro′s comprehensive accident reduction and traffic safety plans
  • Provides assistance to other departments, e.g., County Counsel, Workers′ Compensation, etc., as needed
  • Testifies at accident hearings and court cases by providing information regarding the accident or collision investigation findings, or as an expert witness
  • Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out
    May be required to perform other related job duties


Positions in this job classification are considered safety sensitive and subject to drug and alcohol testing, including random testing, under Federal Transportation Administration(FTA) drug and alcohol regulations.
Requirements For Employment
A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:

Education
  • Bachelor′s Degree in Engineering, Criminal Justice, Law, Business, Public Administration, Accident Investigation, Forensics, Safety, or a related field

Experience
  • Five years of relevant experience in law enforcement traffic or collision investigation; some positions in this class may require specialized experience in area of assignment

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements
  • A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions
  • Successfully completed training as a collision reconstruction expert by one of the nationally recognized schools in the field of Collision Reconstruction, e.g., Northwestern University's Center for Public Safety, University of North Florida's Institute of Police Technology and Management, or Texas A&M's Texas Engineering Extension Service, etc., or an accredited school with equivalent courses of training
  • Certification in Collision Investigations provided by either the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstructionists (ACTAR) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration preferred
  • Positions in this classification are considered safety sensitive under Federal Transit Administration (FTA) drug and alcohol regulations


Knowledge:
  • Theories, principles, and practices of collision investigation, accident reconstruction, vehicle dynamics, collision causation, pedestrian/bicycle collisions, and rail collisions
  • Nine-Cell (Haddon) Matrix and how it applies to causation analysis
  • Interviewing techniques
  • System safety, transit safety, and risk management
  • Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing bus, rail, and vehicle operations
  • Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing vehicle maintenance
  • Theories, principles, and practices of fleet maintenance
  • Departmental policies and procedures
  • Specialized software programs used in industry for accident reconstruction, such as AutoCAD (Computer-Aided Design), 3D Scanner, Total Station, and Visual Statements
  • Applicable business software applications

Skills:
  • Conducting complex and thorough collision investigations and reconstructions of collisions and safety-related incidents
  • Collision scene safety
  • Identifying, developing, and helping implement safety program plans and procedures
  • Analyzing statistics, recognizing trends, and suggesting creative solutions
  • Exercising sound judgment and executing appropriate administrative investigative action based on investigative developments
  • Communicating effectively orally and in writing
  • Interacting professionally with all levels of Metro team members, upper management, outside representatives, and stakeholders
  • Utilizing applicable business software applications, including Visio


Abilities:
  • Conduct an investigation within a major injury related scene and or including death investigations where deceased bodies may be present
  • Use and apply software-based collision reconstruction programs to support investigation reports
  • Present the physical data and completed findings in litigation or to an arbitrator
  • Manage time and meet deadlines
  • Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and labor/management agreements
  • Prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence
  • Compile and analyze complex data
  • Travel to accident scenes or offsite locations
  • Read, write, speak, and understand English


Selection Procedure
Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.
Application Procedure
To apply, visit Metro's website at www.metro.net and complete an online Employment Application.

Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro location:

METRO Headquarters, Employment Office
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Telephone: (213) 922-6217 or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro.

All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. (AW)
*Open to the public and all Metro employeesThis job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.

Closing Date/Time: 10-MAY-24

Job Address

Los Angeles, California United States View Map