About the role
Position Summary
The Transit Safety Consultant provides on-site consultation services for transit agencies throughout the state of Florida. This position performs bus system maintenance and safety reviews in accordance with Chapter 14-90, Florida Administration Code to identify areas of non-compliance or those needing improvement and provides industry specific guidance, training, and technical assistance in resolution of transit safety, security, and operational issues at transit agencies across the state.
Special Requirements
This position may be required to interact with state officials, equipment vendors and transit system leadership teams. The employee assigned in this function will be required to travel extensively across the state to visit transit agencies for the purpose of conducting agency operational reviews, compliance audits, and to provide technical assistance.
30% - Reviews historical records, operational files, and standing operational procedures to assess compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. Conducts data analysis and prepares reports for agency personnel and the Florida Department of Transportation.
25% - Schedules, prepares, travels and provides on-site consultation services and inspection/audit of transit agency's across the state. Interviews employees and management to formulate and appraise the agencies safety, security, and operational practices. Provides formal and informal instruction on how to ensure compliance and improve operational practices.
20% - Provides on-site technical assistance and guidance to Florida's transit agencies during compliance reviews and any associated follow-up assistance. Guides agencies in developing and implementing agency specific processes to improve maintenance operations, public safety, and ensure compliance.
15% - Develops techniques to improve maintenance operations and creates training and education programs for transit agencies across the state. Delivers presentations and participates on various local and state committee to improve transit operations across the state and the country.
10% - Coordinate the conduct of reviews with FDOT Central Office and District Office personnel, Substance Abuse Management Oversight and Technical Assistance Program staff. Reviewer will become subject matter expert on the Federal- PTASP regulations. FDOT has totally revised Rule Chapter 14-90, Reviewer will become an expert on the updated state state regulations. Reviewer will continue to train on Battery Electric Buses, Autonomous vehicles training, - for Maintenance and safety requirements. Reviewer will become familiar with Micro Transit training and safety regulations dealing with Mobility management and Transit Network companies.
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a Physical science, Engineering or related field, with one year experience in a safety and health consultation or inspection-related position. Relevant experience in safety and health consultation and/or inspections, and/or industrial hygiene may substitute on a year for year basis for the required degree.
FLSB1310 Equivalency:
4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.
6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.
Preferred Qualifications:
Six years of professional working experience in transportation/transit system safety and/or experience working in a transit agency's safety program with a responsibility for reviewing safety and security programs, to include conducting safety and security compliance review functions.
Additional Information for Applicants:
This position is funded by non-recurring funds and is conditioned upon the continuation of those funds.
****This job is subject to Foreign Influence Screening: During the 2021 Florida legislative session, House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”) was passed and later signed into law by Governor DeSantis. The new law modifies a variety of Florida Statutes to address concerns regarding improper foreign influence. With regard to employment at major research institutions like the University of South Florida, the new law requires thorough review of certain applicants for positions involving research.
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.