Safety Specialist

Salary Range7,339.

Job Summary With a fabulous waterfront, vibrant downtown, great parks, neighborhoods and public spaces, a commitment to smart growth, excellent service delivery and community engagement, Vancouver, Washington is all grown up, and we need excellent talent to keep us going (and growing) strong!

We’re currently recruiting for a Safety Specialist. The primary responsibilities for the job are to serve as the Public Works department’s subject matter expert (SME) on safety and health programs, practices, and regulatory compliance, collaborating with City Risk and Safety Division to advance the maturity and effectiveness of the Public Works safety culture through the planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of comprehensive and compliant safety and health programs.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm.

Open until filled. First review - August 19, 2026.Compensation philosophy:
At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to paying our employees fairly, equitably, and competitively. City salaries are structured so that the midpoint of the salary range approximates the amount typically paid for the job in this geographic area. Candidates with experience supporting their ability to come in and hit the ground running may receive a starting salary around the midpoint of the listed salary range.

Actual salary at offer is influenced by a host of factors, including a candidate’s relevant experience, education, licensure, certifications, and internal equity. The higher end of the listed pay range indicates the salary growth potential of the position.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

Coordinate with the City Risk and Safety Division to ensure alignment with citywide safety programs, policies, and initiatives. Conduct program assessments and develop reports to support program effectiveness and continuity.

Conduct systematic safety inspections to identify hazards, unsafe conditions, and non-compliance; recommend and follow up on corrective actions. Evaluate and recommend safety equipment; ensure appropriate safety devices are implemented in work areas. Identify and recommend opportunities for continuous improvement in safety programs and practices.

Research and evaluate regulatory updates, industry standards, and best practices to inform program development and implementation. Provide technical guidance and consultation to staff, supervisors, and management on regulatory requirements, safety programs, and project safety considerations.

Communicate and disseminate safety program requirements to field crews and work groups. Develop, coordinate, and deliver safety training; prepare program materials, manuals, and presentations.

Investigate incidents, accidents, and injuries; determine root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions. Track and analyze incident data to identify trends and prioritize prevention strategies. Communicate findings, trends, and recommendations to leadership and management.

Facilitate and participate in departmental safety committee meetings.

Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation as required.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Experience and Education Three (3) years of related experience

Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Management, or related field.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications Possession of Certification as an Occupational Safety Specialist, Certified Health and Safety Technician, Associate Safety Professional, and/or Certified Safety and Health Specialist preferred.

Knowledge Federal and Washington State occupational safety and health regulations (OSHA/WISHA)
Applicable codes and standards (e.g., National Fire Protection Association, building codes, NEC)
Safety program administration, hazard identification, and risk control methodologies

Industrial insurance (workers’ compensation) regulations and practices

Safety training principles and adult learning methodologies

Resea…