Safety Specialist

Spotsylvania County is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace. Employees are prohibited from manufacturing, distributing, possessing or using controlled substances such as marijuana. A positive drug test result, confirmed use or impairment can be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination in accordance with our personnel policies.

A positive pre-employment drug test will also disqualify a candidate for hire.

General Statement of Job

Under general supervision, performs professional administrative and technical work, coordinating the development, implementation, and administration of programs, policies, job safety analysis, and safe work procedures supporting the Environmental, Health, and Safety Program for the Spotsylvania County Community Operations Department. Work involves developing programs, policies, and procedures, monitoring compliance with health/safety regulations, performing and documenting inspections, investigating accidents, implementing training programs, providing training, and preparing related documentation. Work is performed with a high degree of accuracy and independence. Reports to the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety.

Special Duties & Responsibilities

• Use and optimize Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) software platforms, including but not limited to Novera Flex, SDS Online, CalAmp, NeoGov, and related systems supporting compliance and operational reporting.
• Ensures compliance with requirements of applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; monitors work environments and use of safety equipment to ensure the safety of employees and other individuals; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
• Identifies and analyzes potential risks; makes recommendations to eliminate, control, or minimize risks.
• Coordinates departmental and intradepartmental compliance and training activities involving health and safety issues.
• Implements, coordinates, and tracks Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and DMV requirements for commercial drivers and vehicles.
• Investigates accidents and incidents; prepares and/or reviews “near misses”/accident/incident reports; evaluates situations, reaches conclusions, and makes recommendations; completes related reports.
• Participates in and supports the Spotsylvania Community Operations Safety Committee(s).
• Develops and implements initial and ongoing commercial driver, light, and heavy equipment training programs. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, heavy trucks, bucket trucks, forklifts, excavators, loaders, vacuum trucks, jet trucks, trailers, etc. Provides training to other departments within the County as necessary.
• Ensure continued compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Training Provider Registry.
• Assists in preparing and administering the safety budget, scheduling, and execution of training across the Department.
• Generates, receives, and maintains confidential and sensitive files, information, and reports, and ensures the security of files. Coordinates annual review of VA DMV CDL, DOT cards, and all related training records to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and County policy.
• Compiles and/or monitors various statistical data; maintains computer databases of accident data, incident data, training data, and inspection data; performs research as needed; makes applicable calculations; analyzes data and identifies trends; calculates accident rates; prepares/generates reports; maintains records.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, training protocols, training manuals, technical reports, emergency plans, accident reports, incident reports, accident/incident evaluations, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, accident reports, incident reports, technical reports, engineering plans/specifications, training manuals, U.S. Federal Register, Virginia Register, state/federal codes and regulations, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data; verifies the accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, geographical information system (GIS), or other software programs.
• Attends various meetings, serves on committees, and makes presentations as needed.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Employee shall have strong proficiency in preparing and conducting safety training to all department divisions in areas including, but not limited to: OSHA / VOSH, DEQ, and FMCSA.
• Perform operation-specific safety compliance audits.
• Periodically performs driver road checks and on-board evaluations.
• Assists other employees or departments, as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.
  
  

Minimum Training & Experience

Associate’s Degree in a related industry is required. Minimum three (3) years of responsible experience related to occupational/safety/health program administration, development of oral and written safety programs and inspections, or related field.

Experience working for a municipality and/or training provider preferred. Experience with online training management tools preferred.

Must possess and maintain a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license.

Employee Shall Complete The Following Minimum Trainings

• OSHA 30 within 60 days of hire.
• First aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
  
  

Special Requirements

• Knowledge of FMCSA, DOT, DMV, DEQ, and OSHA regulations and the practices and techniques relating to safety.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards involved and proper safety precautions necessary for the operation of varied construction, manufacturing, and maintenance equipment.
• Knowledge of effective training practices and procedures, particularly involving training in commercial driving, heavy equipment, occupational safety, and risk management.
• Ability to conduct effective safety inspections and accident/incident investigations, and to present written findings and corrective recommendations.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
• Ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments, or directions from superiors.
• Ability to read plans, drawings, manuals, ordinances, reports, etc.
• Ability to prepare reports, plans, etc., using prescribed formats.
• Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate efficiently in English and must be able to use and understand hand signals used in the construction industry.
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages.
• Must be adaptable to performing under stress and maintain composure during stressful and/or emergency situations.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and think creatively.
• Strong organizational, computer, and interpersonal skills.
• Occasional work outside normal work hours or on weekends as necessary may be required.
  
  

Physical Requirements

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines, tools, and equipment, such as a computer, printer, general office equipment, gas detection meters, and safety equipment. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in light to medium work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials of lightweight (10-20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Position may involve outside work during adverse weather conditions. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using automated office equipment and job-related equipment. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motions while coordinating the other hand with different activities. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds by ear).

Benefits

The following programs offered by Spotsylvania County provide our employees with benefits that promote employee health, well-being and financial stability, now and in the future. The County's variety of comprehensive and competitive benefit programs* include:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Life Insurance

Opt-Out Program

Paid Holidays

Paid Leave

Sick Leave Bank

Supplemental Insurance Plans

Tuition Assistance Program

Retirement Plan

Deferred Compensation - 457 Plans

• Some benefits are exclusive to full-time employees. To learn more, please contact the Department of Human Resources.