What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Health and Safety Specialist position at Frederick County Government, Maryland?
JOB INFORMATION
Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; full-benefits
This position designs and implements Frederick County environmental safety and health training programs. The training programs specialize in safety instruction on the federal, state, and local policies and procedures related to potentially hazardous workplace environments. Conducts training programs for employees and managers in a Division on relevant Federal, State, and Local safety laws, rules and regulations. Provides routine site visits, inspections, audits to ensure adherence to County safety training procedures and programs.
NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
Total Compensation Package
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.
Essential Duties And Job Responsibilities
Qualifications And Requirements
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:
Retirement Plan
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.
Educational Reimbursement Program
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.
Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.
Holidays
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, you will not be considered further.
Which best describes your level of education?
If you have obtained a college degree, was it in environmental science, public administration, or a related field?
How many years of work experience in environmental health and safety programs or a related field do you have?
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
06
Do you have work experience conducting safety training classes?
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
08
Please select all current certifications that you possess (select all that apply): Please note, proof of current certification will be required at the time of the interview
Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; full-benefits
This position designs and implements Frederick County environmental safety and health training programs. The training programs specialize in safety instruction on the federal, state, and local policies and procedures related to potentially hazardous workplace environments. Conducts training programs for employees and managers in a Division on relevant Federal, State, and Local safety laws, rules and regulations. Provides routine site visits, inspections, audits to ensure adherence to County safety training procedures and programs.
NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
Total Compensation Package
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
- 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
- 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
- Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
- Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
- 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
- County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 5 years of service
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
- Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.
Essential Duties And Job Responsibilities
- Develop, design, and update safety training programs
- Publish and manage training programs on the county web-based computer system (FCG Learn)
- Incorporate new online training classes and continuously update existing training
- Implement classroom-based trainings
- Develop, design, and manage the TRaiLs computer-based training-tracking program and collaborate with County safety personnel on system improvements
- Conduct site safety inspections, safety maintenance operations, and incident and accident investigations
- Investigate incidents and accidents
- Represent the division in safety audits and workers’ compensation cases and manage corrective actions in coordination with risk management and industrial hygiene personnel
- Manage Division's security identification badge system
- Manage and supervise audible security systems and visual camera systems for all DWSU facilities and maintain related software and hardware
- Enroll and educate employees in Everbridge Communication System, Safety Data Sheets, and Right-to-Know Policies
- Issue safety equipment specific to job positions, make assignments to required training classes, and enroll employees into vaccination programs
- Manage compliance programs and documentation
- Manage the Safety Data Sheet system and Right-to-Know compliance for all DWSU products and chemicals
- Perform and update Job Hazard Analyses and manage the division’s respiratory protection program
- Monitor and record evacuation logs for drills and emergencies
- Maintain and inspect safety equipment including AEDs, SCBAs, first-aid kits, detection meters, and other emergency devices and maintain safety recordkeeping in Cartegraph
- Conduct continuous weather monitoring
- Broadcast information via the internet and phone texting through the Frederick County Emergency Communication System with Everbridge
- Manage and update Everbridge communications for emergency and non-emergency notifications using calibrated weather-monitoring equipment
- Act as the safety representative to the Director for the Frederick County Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and a contact representative on the 24/7 alarm monitoring call list
- Manage the Life Safety contract for all fire and security alarms
- Document, record-keep, and create written Standard Operating Procedures
- Manage contracts, agreements, and licenses
- Edit and publish information on department SharePoint site
- Maintain all department training records
- Serve as the DUSWM safety representative for Frederick County Safety Committee
- Serve as Chairman of the DWSU Employee Safety Committee
- Manage and approve employee medical examinations, DOT/CDL medical exams, immunizations, and vaccinations and serve as the division’s Certified Drug Manager
- Perform engineering safety reviews for construction and renovation projects including blueprint and specification review and ensure contractor compliance with DWSU safety protocols
- Serve as Building Manager for DWSU facilities by conducting audits and inspections, initiating maintenance tasks in Cartegraph, and managing elevators, boilers, compressors, hoists, and cranes for compliance
- Serve as the Department Safety Contact for the Environmental Laboratory and participate in the Chemical Hygiene Plan
- Perform other related duties as required
Qualifications And Requirements
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, public administration, or a related field
- Minimum of 3 years of work experience in environmental health and safety programs or a related field
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:
- Knowledge of training principles in hazardous environments
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to safety
- Knowledge of adult education techniques
- Knowledge of database and information management systems
- Knowledge of current training technology software, programs, and applications
- Skilled in managing, evaluating, and recommending improvements to programs
- Skilled in site safety inspections, safety maintenance operations, and incident and accident investigations
- Skilled in developing and maintaining an effective safety training program
- Ability to administer training programs, sessions, and modules
- Ability to evaluate training programs
- Ability to manage multiple safety systems
- Ability to design comprehensive safety programs
- Ability to conduct objective investigations
- Work experience conducting safety training classes
- OSHA Authorized 10- and 30- hour trainer
- Associate Safety Professional Certification
- Certified Safety Professional Certification
- Authorized Flagger Trainer
- While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, lift up to 20 pounds and drive; and occasionally walk
- While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors
- Available for varied workdays and hours as needed for meetings, special events and emergency situations
- Ability to maintain required certifications during tenure of employment
- An evaluation of training and experience
- One or more interviews
Retirement Plan
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.
Educational Reimbursement Program
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.
Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.
Holidays
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, you will not be considered further.
- I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.
Which best describes your level of education?
- Less than an Associates degree received
- Associate's degree received
- Bachelor's degree received
- Advanced degree received
If you have obtained a college degree, was it in environmental science, public administration, or a related field?
- Yes
- No
How many years of work experience in environmental health and safety programs or a related field do you have?
- Less than 1 year of work experience
- 1 year of work experience
- 2 years of work experience
- 3 or more years of work experience
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
06
Do you have work experience conducting safety training classes?
- Yes
- No
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
08
Please select all current certifications that you possess (select all that apply): Please note, proof of current certification will be required at the time of the interview
- OSHA Authorized 10- and 30- hour trainer
- Associate Safety Professional Certification
- Certified Safety Professional Certification
- Authorized Flagger Trainer
- I do not possess any of the above certifications
- Required Question
Salary : $3,400