Safety Specialist

POSITION: Safety Specialist

SUPERVISOR: Sr. Director, Human Resources & IDEA

STATUS:Salary/Exempt

PAY RANGE: $75,000.00 - $87,000.00 Annually

The base pay offered will consider internal equity and may vary based on the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other factors.

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK

The mission of the Food Bank is to mobilize resources to fight hunger in our community.  To fulfill our mission, we source and acquire nutritious food and other products and distribute them to people experiencing nutrition insecurity through our partner agency network and directly through programs; energize the community to get involved and support hunger relief; and conduct hunger and nutrition education and awareness campaigns and advocate for public policies that benefit the people we serve.  Food Bank employees are hired because of their unique skills, diverse perspective, and their commitment to our mission. This means that each of us, working together, will do all that we can to fulfill our vision that no one goes hungry in Los Angeles County. Our core values include: Respect, Stewardship & Accountability, Collaboration, Urgency, Service, Integrity and Diversity. Our organization is committed to maintaining a positive and engaging workplace for all employees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Safety Specialist is responsible for supporting the Food Bank’s internal safety structure in collaboration with Operations, Compliance, and Human Resources as well as developing and maintaining environmental health & safety training and improvement plans; coordinating and developing identified training and exercise needs to support planning initiatives and operational activities; collaborating with internal and external stakeholders; representing LARFB on a variety of workgroups; and monitoring and documenting compliance with local, state, and federal statutes.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Safety & Emergency Program Development & Oversight: Collaborate with leadership to strategize and develop organization-wide safety and environmental health planning programs. Coordinate with teams to maintain and implement organization-wide safety and emergency response policies, including the Injury and Illness Prevention Program, Emergency Action Plan, and Disaster Response Plan. Develop, review, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and Work Instructions in accordance with best practices. Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and leading/lagging indicators related to quality, safety, occupational health, and environmental performance. Assist in the planning and execution of special projects and events.

Training, Exercises & Safety Readiness: Ensure that safety and environmental health training and documentation meet organizational and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with management and department heads to establish and maintain comprehensive safety training programs for all employees, including topics like Bloodborne Pathogens, Fire Protection, and Emergency Evacuation. Facilitate toolbox talks, safety briefings, and QSHE training programs to drive workforce compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) policies. Perform administrative-related functions related to training, drills, and preparedness initiatives, including tracking reports and inventorying emergency supplies.

Incident Response, Monitoring & Community Resilience: Perform comprehensive safety inspections, risk assessments, and incident investigations to proactively identify hazards and implement effective corrective actions in compliance with Cal/OSHA standards. Lead incident management and root cause analysis (RCA) using structured methodologies to prevent recurrence and improve operational safety. Drive continuous safety improvements by auditing work areas, reviewing incident reports, and recommending enhancements to minimize risk. Conduct unannounced worksite safety inspections across all distribution sites and facilities. Review, develop, and update safety and preparedness outreach material as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree with major coursework in occupational safety, industrial safety technologies, emergency management, public or business administration, or a related field; or a combination of education and experience.

• Good working knowledge of OSHA CFRs and federal, state, and local regulatory standards applicable to general industry.

• Polished presentation skills in making verbal and written presentations and communicating effectively with others.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal relationship skills. 

• Good problem-solving and project management skills to track initiatives

• Comfortable taking the lead with training initiatives, virtual meetings, and collaborative projects

• The ability to shift gears quickly and work in a fast-paced environment

• Organizational and project planning skills, including attention to detail, follow-through, and flexibility.  Must be efficient and have a sense of urgency.

• Must be organized and meet deadlines, preferably with some experience in Project Management tracking tools.

• Possess a valid California Driver’s License and a reliable, insured vehicle. Must be able to travel throughout Los Angeles County as required. Work assignments may include various facilities and hubs across Los Angeles County, including locations in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and the City of Industry, CA. Flexibility to commute between Food Bank facilities as needed is essential.

• Passion for the Food Bank’s mission and commitment to the values of the organization: collaboration, inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, respect, service, stewardship & accountability.

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical: Employee HMO coverage as little as $10 per bi-weekly paycheck and access to Nonstop Health funds

• Dental: Employee HMO coverage available at no cost

• Vision: Comprehensive vision insurance with generous allowances for examinations and material costs 

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability

• Optional Long-Term Care Insurance

• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with expanded Mental Health 

• Employee recognition programs

• Growth & career development support for professional certifications and additional training resources

• Vacation: Two weeks annually for the first three years

• Holiday: Nine paid holidays; eligible upon date of hire

• Sick Leave Time available

As a part of the Food Bank’s pre-employment screening process, all potential employees are subject to a Criminal Background Check.

In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all of its employees may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is proud to be an “Equal Opportunity Employer.” Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Food Bank fosters an organizational culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, and serve in a rapidly changing world. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.