Safety Specialist

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Manager, Risk

Manager, Security

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs moderately complex (journey-level) safety and health program work related to occupational safety and health. Work involves developing safety policies and procedures, participating in the safety training and education of staff, inspecting work areas and activities for hazards, and investigating accidents. The Safety Specialist is responsible for the administration and execution of activities assigned under the Authority-wide comprehensive safety plans to ensure local, state, and federal legal/regulatory compliance of the occupational safety and health programs of the Authority and the life safety of the employees.

May provide guidance to others. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts safety inspections of facilities, work areas, equipment, and materials; recommends and reports corrective action to ensure appropriate measures have been taken; monitors site conditions, practices, and procedures for compliance with Authority safety policies and procedures. Conducts job safety analyses, identifies problems, and recommends corrective action. Recommends the type of protective equipment to be used and conducts utilization spot checks.

2. Administer proactive accident prevention programs. Conducts in-depth accident/injury investigations to determine causation and identify steps to prevent future occurrences. Coordinate the incident reporting process and maintain required records related to workplace issues and incidents.

3. Ensure compliance with Authority occupational safety and health programs in accordance with industry standards and regulations to include but not limited to the electrical safety program, confined space, chemical safety/Hazcom, industrial hygiene, respiratory protection, Hazmat/Hazwoper, first aid/CPR, fall protection, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fire protection, heavy equipment and forklift safety, trenching/shoring/excavations, driver safety, laboratory safety.

4. Communicate and engage with employees at all levels to identify and mitigate risk while optimizing worker health and safety.

5. Identify and track departmental safety training needs, coordinate scheduling of courses, and conduct training when needed. Partner with the Organizational Development division to develop and implement ongoing needs assessments, development, implementation, and evaluation of safety-related training.

6. Reviews, evaluates, maintains, and ensures updates to the facility's Risk Management Plans (RMP).

7. Essential personnel are required to report to work when scheduled during departmental and/or emergency situations, including, but not limited to, extended periods of inclement weather when travel may be difficult. This position is essential because, in the absence of sufficient personnel, the plant cannot operate safely.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Reviews, analyzes, and assists in the preparation of an annual budget related to emergency-related operating supplies, security equipment systems, and services.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Occupational Safety, risk management, process safety engineering, chemical safety engineering, industrial hygiene, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience, training, or education.

EXPERIENCE

Five years of progressively responsible experience with specific experience in a local, State, or Federal agency preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

OSHA 10/30 Hour General Industry is required;
Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO), or similar professional certification pertinent to a specific safety specialty is required within 18 months of employment in this role. Must have a valid Texas driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws related to occupational safety and health. Knowledge of safety and health rules, regulations, and standards. Knowledge of research and analysis methods. Knowledge of water/wastewater utility operations is preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Skill in communicating conceptual or informative ideas and information both orally and in writing. Skill in planning, designing, and preparing professional presentations, reports, and recommendations.

Skill in data analysis, problem solving, and reporting.

Skill to prepare and maintain accurate records, files, and reports.

Skill in identifying root causes of accidents/injuries and making recommendations to prevent future losses.

Skill in communicating with other Authority employees, officials, and the public by oral and written means.

Skill in the use of computers and related software applications.

Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate safety and health programs; to…