Safety & Risk Specialist

One City. Building a Culture of Safety Together.

Safety is more than policies and procedures—it's a shared commitment. As the Safety and Risk Specialist, you'll help shape a culture where employees are empowered with the knowledge, training, and resources to work safely every day. By leading safety programs, managing compliance efforts, and promoting continuous improvement, you'll make a meaningful difference for employees across the organization while helping the City deliver exceptional service to the community.

Why this role matters:
The work you do protects our most valuable resource—our people. By preventing injuries, reducing organizational risk, and ensuring employees have the training and resources to perform their jobs safely, you'll help keep City operations running efficiently while safeguarding the employees who serve our community every day. Your efforts directly support a healthier workforce, stronger public services, and a safer future.

Safety Program Development & Risk Management

· Develop, implement, and continuously improve department safety, accident prevention, and risk management programs that align with City-wide safety goals and operational procedures.

· Identify and assess workplace hazards, evaluate risks, recommend corrective and preventive actions, and monitor the effectiveness of implemented safety controls.

· Analyze safety trends, maintain records, and recommend process improvements to strengthen compliance, accountability, and organizational performance.

· Collaborate with department leadership and employees to foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Training & Employee Development

· Assess employee training needs and coordinate safety training programs with the Safety and Risk Management Department and external training providers.

· Develop, coordinate, and deliver classroom and hands-on training on topics such as OSHA compliance, hazard recognition, PPE, emergency procedures, and other safety initiatives.

· Monitor employee training progress, evaluate third-party training effectiveness, and maintain training records to ensure compliance and achievement of organizational objectives.

· Assist with developing departmental training budgets and purchasing training programs and related materials consistent with City guidelines.

Incident Investigation & Continuous Improvement

· Coordinate accident and incident investigations with supervisors and managers to identify root causes and develop corrective and preventive actions.

· Monitor corrective actions through completion, communicate investigation findings to leadership, and apply lessons learned to improve training, procedures, and overall workplace safety.

· Track safety metrics and accident trends to identify opportunities for proactive risk reduction and improved safety performance.

Safety Inspections & Regulatory Compliance

· Conduct or oversee facility and worksite safety inspections to identify hazards and ensure compliance with OSHA and other applicable regulations.

· Document inspection findings, coordinate corrective actions with department leadership, verify the effectiveness of implemented controls, and maintain inspection records.

· Serve as the department's backup liaison with regulatory agencies such as OSHA and the EPA, as needed.

Return-to-Work & Employee Support

· Coordinate temporary light-duty assignments and return-to-work plans for injured employees in collaboration with supervisors, managers, and employees.

· Monitor employee progress, coordinate workplace accommodations, ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations, and maintain communication throughout the return-to-work process.

Communication & Reporting

· Prepare reports on safety performance, training activities, compliance, and workforce development initiatives for department leadership.

· Communicate safety initiatives, policy updates, and program changes through regular safety meetings and ongoing collaboration with departments.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or higher in a related field

Experience:

Five (5) years of related experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training sufficient to effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Other Requirements:

Valid Class C Driver's License

Preferred, but not required (must obtain within 1 year of hire):

NIMS 100, 200, 300, 400 and 700

Completion of the OSHA 30-hour general industry program, OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) or MESH (Manger of Environmental, Safety, and Health) certification from an accredited organization such as NCCA or CESB or nationally recognized accrediting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Office Work: Primarily sedentary, involving prolonged sitting, computer use, telephone and office equipment operation, and standard office tasks. Requires visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity for reviewing documents, analyzing data, and completing administrative responsibilities.

Field Work: May require standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting or carrying objects up to 10 pounds occasionally. Employees may encounter uneven terrain, traffic and outdoor weather conditions and must use appropriate personal protective equipment.

General Requirements: The position involves occasional travel to meetings, events, or weather-related response. Often handles multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and maintains situational awareness. All work is performed in compliance with applicable State and Federal OSHA regulations, including hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and slip, trip, and fall prevention.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with frequent use of standard office equipment and computers. The position requires occasional travel to City facilities, construction sites, and public rights-of-way to assess accessibility, monitor compliance, and conduct inspections. The incumbent may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, construction environments, and varying levels of accessibility challenges, and may be required to walk, stand, or navigate uneven surfaces for extended periods.

The position may require evening or weekend work to attend meetings, public hearings, or training sessions, and occasional lifting or carrying of materials. The incumbent must handle sensitive and confidential information related to disability accommodations and accessibility complaints, communicate effectively with employees, management, elected officials, and the public, and may participate in emergency operations and disaster-recovery activities as assigned.