Occupational Health Safety Specialist

Job Description - Occupational Health Safety Specialist )

Position Title:

Occupational Health Safety Specialist - (  )

Every Montana worker deserves to go home safe at the end of the day. As the Safety, Security and Continuity Coordinator, you'll be the driving force behind a workplace where safety isn't a checklist—it's a culture. You'll build and manage comprehensive safety programs, conduct ergonomic assessments that directly improve how people work, and deliver training that turns regulations into real, everyday habits.

When the unexpected strikes, you'll help employees be prepared by strengthening our disaster readiness and continuity planning so the Department stands resilient. You will present new-hire safety orientations, provide job-specific training, perform hazard assessments, lead active safety committees, and foster a culture of continuous improvement that reaches every corner of the organization.

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLIhere.

The Safety, Security and Continuity Coordinator manages the Department of Labor & Industry’s safety program, including ergonomics, workers’ compensation, and disaster preparedness activities. This position leads efforts to prevent injuries, promote safe work practices, and ensure continuity of operations in the event of emergencies. The role serves as a key resource for employees and managers statewide, providing guidance, training, and support on safety, security, and early return-to-work programs.

By coordinating safety committees and continuity planning, this position helps protect employees, facilities, and services that support communities across Montana.

• Meaningful impact on employee safety:
  Help protect state employees and the public by strengthening safety, security, and disaster preparedness across the Department.
• Broad, statewide reach:
  Provide ergonomic assessments, training, and safety guidance to employees in a wide range of roles and locations.
• Professional growth in risk management:
  Build expertise in workers’ compensation, loss control, continuity planning, and occupational safety regulations.
• Collaborative, service oriented environment:
  Work closely with managers, employees, and external partners to promote a culture of safety, wellness, and accountability.
• Opportunities to lead initiatives:
  Chair safety committees, coordinate emergency response planning, and shape department wide safety and continuity practices.

• Lead safety and wellness programs: Manages the Department’s safety and wellness initiatives, including ergonomics and injury prevention efforts, to reduce risk and promote a safe work environment.
• Administer workers’ compensation and return to work: Oversees workers’ compensation and Early Return to Work programs, manages claims, reviews risk management plans, and ensures timely processing and monitoring of first reports and ongoing claims.
• Provide ergonomic assessments and training: Conducts ergonomic evaluations for employees statewide and delivers training designed to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses.
• Coordinate safety committees: Chairs the Department Safety Committee and supports Regional Safety Committees to ensure consistent safety practices and collaborative problem solving across the organization.
• Plan for disaster response and continuity: Implements response and recovery phases of disaster and emergency processes, coordinating with division representatives to develop and integrate continuity of government and operations plans.
• Maintain facility and employee security: Oversees security measures for state employees and facilities, monitors potential threats, and works with leadership to address security concerns.
• Partner with external risk entities: Acts as a liaison with State Fund, Risk Management & Tort Defense, and other partners to align department safety practices with statewide risk management expectations.

Can…