Safety Specialist

Position Summary
The Safety Specialist is responsible for District wide injury investigation, analysis, and detailed inspections of District property and procedures, to ensure compliance with the District's policies and procedures for employee safety, public safety, and business resiliency. The Safety Specialist serves as an advisor to the District's Safety Committee and provides assistance to the Manager, Safety in achieving the safety goals defined by the Vice President, Safety and Security. Responsibilities also include developing and implementing requirements for proper and safe operation, and maintenance and use of various types of equipment used by District employees. The Safety Specialist may also deliver or coordinate training programs for the District's required safety training needs, as determined.

Education

• Required - Bachelor's Degree in safety management, loss prevention, risk management, or a related field of study

Minimum Requirements

• Required - Minimum of 4 years of experience in the field of industrial, construction, and general workplace safety. and
• Required - Experience as a trainer in the classroom and in the field, preferably training within Occupational Safety & Health (example: Confined Space, Excavation, Fall Protection, CPR, Stop The Bleed etc.) Must have the ability to obtain trainer level certifications within eighteen (18) months of being place in the position.

Licenses, Certifications and/or Testing

• Required - Have and maintain a valid driver’s license Upon Hire
• Required - Employee(s) in this position are covered under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol testing provisions. This includes post-offer, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, follow-up, and return to duty testing. Upon Hire
• Required - Pre-employment Background Check & Drug Screen Upon Hire
• Required - Successful completion of HAZWOPER and maintain: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response; OSHA standard 29 CFR Part 1910.120 certification, and become Hazardous Materials Technician certified in order to serve as a Hazardous Materials Incident Safety Officer in an emergency. within 1 Year
• Required - Board certification in Occupational Safety within 1 Year

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Previous knowledge of heavy construction equipment and specialized tools preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with public speaking; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions in large and small group environments. (Entry proficiency)
• Strong writing and communication skills, specific to policy and procedure development with attention to detail, organization, accuracy, and analytical abilities.
• Proficiency with personal computers, tablets, and/or other electronic devices to include familiarity with, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word) and enterprise wide software (e.g., SAP). (Advanced proficiency)
• Ability to learn new or upgraded computer software as required.
• Efficient written and verbal communication skills, in English, to assist internal and external customers, co-workers and management professionally, regardless of provocation.
• Ability to manage own workload with minimum supervision.
• Reside within the District's service area for minimal response time in emergencies preferred.
• Ability to respond to emergency incidents and inspect all work locations in a variety of weather and terrain conditions.

Essential Functions

• Conduct frequent inspections of job sites in the field and of all District facilities for the purpose of performing hazard assessments, risk analysis, and to identify deficiencies in safety equipment and procedures.
• Prepare timely written summaries of findings and recommendations to eliminate hazards, risks and deficiencies identified during periodic inspections. Communicate these findings and recommendations to the Vice President, Safety and Security, and appropriate management; undertake the follow-up necessary to ensure corrective action is taken.
• Investigate all safety incidents and near-miss events and serve as a back-up for investigations of vehicle accidents. Recommend changes in procedures and practices based upon the results of these investigations.
• Develop, administer and conduct training programs by both building and maintaining a library of resource material for training, continuing education and professional development.
• Research maintenance and operating manuals for the development of classroom, one-on-one and field instruction of heavy construction equipment, vehicles and processes.
• Oversee safe operating practices by conducting review sessions for operators; illustrate and explain the proper maintenance, methods and safe operation of heavy construction equipment under normal and emergency conditions. Recommend machine alterations or modifications to improve operation procedures which promote and support the safety of the operator and co-workers.
• Schedule, administer and perform respiratory fit testing and screening, and maintain accurate records.
• Serve as a safety advisor during all Safety Committee-related meetings and provide safety related written and verbal communications for division supervisors, Safety Committee members and other staff members as appropriate.
• Record and monitor all emergency incidents or critical procedures utilizing the Incident Command System with a mastery of Incident Management strategies and functions.
• Drive District vehicles and operate a variety of heavy and specialized motor equipment safely and competently.
• Serve as the designated Agency Representative (AREP) within the Incident Command System for emergencies at the District or other incidents as needed. Remain as District AREP at the emergency scene until relieved, or a “made safe” declaration has been made, or when AREP duties are delegated to other operations staff remaining on scene.
• Fulfill responsibilities common to all Supervisory, Professional, and Administrative positions as stated.

Required for All Jobs

• Perform a variety of other duties as assigned
• Understand and comply with all District policies and procedures

In contributing to the objectives of the District, this role is responsible for the initiation, cultivation, and maintenance of strong relationships of a business and professional nature. This position requires good communication skills and tact in order to maintain professional relationships with the following, but not limited to:

-Board of Directors
-All levels of District
-Internal and external customers
-Federal, State, and local agencies
-Community organizations and partners
-Consultants, contractors and other third-party organizations that fall within the scope of this role
-Professional, industry, trade, and civic associations

Physical Demands

• Stationary Position - Constantly
• Move/Traverse - Constantly
• Stationary Position/Seated - Rarely
• Transport/Lifting - Frequently
• Transport/Carrying - Frequently
• Exerting Force/Pushing - Occasionally
• Exerting Force/Pulling - Occasionally
• Ascend/Descend - Occasionally
• Balancing - Occasionally
• Position Self/Stooping - Frequently
• Position Self/Kneeling - Frequently
• Position Self/Crouching - Frequently
• Position Self/Crawling - Occasionally
• Reaching - Frequently
• Handling - Frequently
• Grasping - Frequently
• Feeling - Constantly
• Communicate/Talking - Constantly
• Communicate/Hearing - Constantly
• Repetitive Motions - Constantly
• Coordination - Constantly

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Combination: Work is primarily performed in an office setting amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, office lighting and noises, but field/plant visits may be required when needed.

Hybrid Flexible Work Arrangement
Job may be eligible for a hybrid in-office and work from home flexible work arrangement.

*Please ensure the application is filled out thoroughly to be considered for this position

An Equal Opportunity Employer “Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation"