Health and Safety Specialist

The City of Richmond, Department of Public Utilities is seeking a qualified Health and Safety Specialist to ensure a safe and compliant work environment by identifying potential hazards, conducting risk assessments, and recommending effective control measures. The incumbent will develop, implement, and maintain health and safety policies and procedures in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA standards. This position leads workplace inspections, incident investigations, and compliance audits, ensuring that all findings are documented, and corrective actions are taken.

The incumbent will also design and deliver employee training programs to promote safety awareness and ensure staff understand proper protocols. In addition, the Health and Safety Specialist plays a key role in emergency preparedness by coordinating response plans, conducting drills, and training employees on emergency procedures. By collaborating across departments and promoting a culture of safety, the Health and Safety Specialist will help minimize workplace injuries and illnesses while enhancing overall organizational performance.

This position also involves maintaining accurate safety records, tracking key performance metrics, and staying informed on emerging regulations and best practices in occupational health and safety.

• Conducting regular workplace inspections and hazard/risk assessments to identify and control potential safety issues
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining health and safety policies, procedures, and programs in compliance with OSHA and other regulatory standards
• Leading investigations into workplace incidents, accidents, and near-misses, including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions
• Coordinating and delivering health and safety training sessions and onboarding programs for employees at all levels
• Maintaining accurate records related to incidents, training, inspections, audits, and regulatory compliance
• Assisting in the development and execution of emergency response plans, including organizing drills and training staff on emergency procedures
• Collaborating with management, supervisors, and employees to foster a strong safety culture throughout the organization
• Monitoring safety performance indicators and recommending continuous improvements based on data and trends
• Staying up to date with changes in health and safety regulations, standards, and industry best practices
• Supporting internal and external audits, inspections, and regulatory visits

Essential position, which requires the selected candidate to report to work for an emergency and on call duty in response to inclement weather/natural disaster.

The selected candidate will be required to work 24 hours on call, weekend and holiday call duty as scheduled.

• Bachelor's degree in occupational safety, safety management, environmental management, or a related field
• 2 years' experience in the occupational safety field
• May require additional training such as Workers Compensation, 40-hour HAZWOPER training courses, etc.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

• A valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, and acquisition of a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire (position specific)

• Occupational and general safety principles, processes, and procedures
• OSHA regulations and compliance, such as the use and placement of gas monitors, lanyards and harnesses, respirators, and fall protection equipment
• Risk management and process safety management guidelines
• OSHA 300 log, including understanding of recordable, lost workday, and lost time injuries
• Health and occupational safety machines, tools, and equipment such as hard hats, confined space permits, fall protection equipment, automated external defibrillators (AED's), and hemostatic dressings
• OSHA reporting procedures

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Oral and written communication
• Public speaking/presentations and training
• Project management

• Work on multiple projects at a time
• Recognize an IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health) condition and address the situation with authorized and affected personnel
• Follow directions
• Function independently with minimal supervision
• Pay attention to detail in writing and proofreading
• Manage timelines and deadlines
• Problem-solve

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical…