Safety and Environmental Specialist

Description

Seeking an experienced and qualified candidate to oversee their safety programs and ensure a safe and healthy work environment while complying with relevant regulations. Duties include:

• Enforcing city-wide and departmental safety policies and practices, working with the Department's management.  
• Planning, organizing, implementing and coordinating training activities.  
• Serving as the Department liaison regarding the city-wide emergency services response plan

 

Essential Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

• Coordinates and develops all aspects of the department's safety program, including practices, procedures, and policies related to the safety programs and aligning the program with Risk Management;
• Develops and delivers safety training programs for employees at all levels to ensure they understand and adhere to safety protocols;
• Maintaining accurate records of safety training, inspections, incidents, and other relevant data;
• Regularly inspects workplaces and equipment to identify potential hazards, assess risks, and ensure compliance with safety standards and recommends necessary improvements;  
• Conducts quarterly storm water inspections; 
• Conducts new hire safety orientation for full-time, hourly, and part-time employees;
• Assists with regulatory inspections, prepares and coordinates corrective actions that might need to be taken if citations are issued;
• Keeps abreast of new safety technologies, regulations, and best practices to continually improve the organization's safety program;
• Investigates auto accidents, injuries, liability incidents involving Department staff/operations, and follows up with appropriate reporting and maintains accident records; 
• Analyzes Worker's Compensation and various accident reports to identify trends and adjust training needs as appropriate;
• Responsible for the OSHA 300-form documentation, record keeping, and reporting;
• Coordinates the cleanup and removal of hazardous waste; ensures environmental compliance for the department;
• Updates and maintains the Hazard Communication Program and ensures all required Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are filed, available, and current;
• Updates and maintains the Department Emergency Response Plan. Assist in the maintenance and updates of the Department's portion of the City's Emergency Operations Plan;
• Maintains appropriate records and prepares reports using computer software and other databases as required;
• Serves as liaison with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and Virginia State Police, addressing safety requirements;
• Coordinates specific training such as First Aid/CPR, Forklift, Work Zone, etc..
• Develops and monitors safety budget, safety materials, equipment, and supplies;
• Receives and responds to citizens’ complaints and requests as necessary;
• Participates and supports snow and other weather-related emergency response initiatives; 
• Works with Department Administration to keep them informed about safety concerns and possible solutions;

ADDITIONAL DUTIES
 • Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.
 • When unusual situations occur and /or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.
 
 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
 This job will oversee the Public Works Safety Trainer.

 

Minimum Education and Experience Required

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
 Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school with major work in public safety management/technology or related field, and one to two years' experience in the field of construction or industrial safety; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements

Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and an acceptable driving record based on specified criteria.
 
 Certification to conduct OSHA courses is desirable.
 
 Must successfully complete IS 100 and IS 700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training, within 90 days of employment.  May also be required to complete a higher level of NIMS training as determined appropriate for this position.
 
 May be required to obtain and maintain a variety of specialized certifications as determined appropriate.