Description

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.

Requirements

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 communicate effectively; and to provide guidance to others.

Ability to use evaluative methods, analyze data, and prepare reports. Ability to make independent judgments.

Ability to effectively deal with multiple priorities.

Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and make fine discriminations in sound.

Ability to work inside and outside, around machines with moving parts and moving objects, work around moving objects or vehicles, radiant and electrical energy, work closely with others, work alone, work protracted or irregular hours, excessive heat, cold, humidity, dampness and chill, excessive or intermittent noise, constant noise, dust, fumes, smoke, gases, grease, oils, solvents, silica, asbestos, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working at heights, working on ladders or scaffolding, vibration,

 GUIDANCE RECEIVED 

Receives general direction about results to be attained: Typically receives general direction about assignments and work results to be attained. Requires judgment to determine which methods apply and what data/information should be considered. Position must think through how issues can be addressed within existing policies and procedures, and may assist others with more complex work methods and problems.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires passing a physical and a physical ability assessment specific to this position. 

 WORKING CONDITIONS 

Working conditions include exposure to extreme weather, odor, noise, chemical hazards, gases and dust, standing for prolonged periods of time, walking up and down several flights of stairs, climbing and descending ladders, working at heights, and working in tight or confined spaces. 

 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

General office equipment to include computers, copiers, scanners, calculators, etc., safety sampling meters, respirators, SCBAs, safety equipment, and PPE.