Department Safety Officer

Overview

The City of Long Beach is looking to fill two vacancies, one in the Human Resources Department and one in the Utilities Department. The Department Safety Officer is an unclassified, at‑will management position that reports to the City’s Safety Manager (Human Resources) or the Senior Director of Administration (Utilities). The role interfaces with field and office staff to ensure a safe working environment across the City’s diverse public service functions.

The Human Resources Department provides a full range of human resources support services to 22 departments throughout the City. Services include labor and employee relations, benefits, training, salary and classification administration, HRIS administration, occupational health, risk management, safety compliance, and EEO compliance.

Long Beach Utilities delivers safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water, gas, and sewer services to over 500,000 customers. The department’s operations include water treatment, natural gas distribution, and sewer maintenance.

The Department Safety Officer administers the occupational safety programs at various departments within the City. Responsibilities include developing emergency management plans, analyzing injury trends, designing corrective programs, providing training, maintaining Cal/OSHA compliance, and acting as the department's liaison with regulatory agencies such as Cal/OSHA, Fed/OSHA, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

• Ensure workplace safety and compliance with California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) standards.
• Provide occupational safety training and work closely with managers to ensure Cal/OSHA compliance.
• Develop and implement safety programs, perform hazard assessments, and coordinate training needs.
• Conduct Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) reviews and update with workgroup managers.
• Analyze incident data, report findings, and recommend corrective actions.
• Organize safety meetings, monitor training effectiveness, and represent the department at Citywide safety functions.
• Respond to serious employee incidents and be on call for occupational safety emergencies.
• Communicate orally and in writing with staff regarding safety legislation and act as liaison with Cal/OSHA, DOT, and other agencies.
• Maintain Cal/OSHA record keeping and promote safety through meetings, training, and site visits.
• Establish required safety training programs for water, gas, and sewer employees and coordinate scheduling.
• Develop and conduct relevant safety training classes in-house or with external vendors.
• Recommend corrective actions and collaborate with the Citywide Safety Officer to ensure compliance with Citywide programs.
• Interface with the Utilities Department’s Personnel Division for injury reporting and investigations.
• Update safety policies and conduct employee trainings as policies change.
• Support Department Managers with investigations, documentation, and compliance.
• Serve as a liaison with regulatory agency representatives.
• Communicate with vendors, contractors, and other City Departments to coordinate activities and resolve issues.
• Assist in preparing the annual occupational safety budget, control and authorize expenditures.
• Conduct meetings and interact with managers and supervisors across departments.
• Provide consultation to administrators and staff.
• Maintain knowledge of budgeting, accounting, and reporting principles.
• Keep senior leadership informed on open issues.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required; experience may substitute on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in safety operations and program oversight.
• One (1) year of full‑time supervisory or lead experience.

• Coursework in occupational safety.
• Certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (e.g., ASP, CSP, CHST).
• Five years of experience managing a utilities, industrial, or commercial safety program in California.

• Strong leadership and organizational skills; customer‑service…