What are the responsibilities and job description for the L&I DOSH Safety Specialist – Explosives (OSHPRO 3) position at Washington State Department of Labor & Industries?
Description
Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!
Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability
PLUS
King County Premium Pay - If assigned to a permanent duty station in King County, employees will receive 5% Premium Pay calculated from their base salary.
AND IF BILINGUAL
If hired as bilingual (not required), after passing an assessment of your ability to write and speak fluently. We do not use translating software. Employees with bilingual responsibilities receive a 5% increase in pay.
AND
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for this position will be provided by L&I DOSH as specified in WAC 296-800-16020 .
Technical Oversight for Regulated Explosives Operations
At the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), our mission is simple but powerful: Keep Washington Safe and Working. The Division of Occupational Safety (DOSH) safety specialists are at the heart of that mission stepping into a wide range of workplaces, uncovering hazards, preventing injuries and fatalities, and helping employers and employees build safer work cultures across the state.
As a Safety Specialist – Explosives, you step into environments where precision isn’t optional and mistakes don’t get second chances. You’ll inspect, investigate, and enforce safety standards across some of the most dangerous worksites in Washington. When you’re on-site, your judgment helps ensure people go home safe at the end of the day.
Why This Role Stands Apart
This is a role defined by consequence and trust. You operate where the stakes are highest, working independently in the field with the authority and judgment to make critical calls. Your decisions don’t just impact a single site; they influence safety practices across Washington State. And at its core, this work goes beyond enforcement; it’s about preventing disasters before they happen.
When this job is done right, nothing happens….and that’s the goal.
This position offers a 4/10 schedule. Teleworking is permitted on occasion dependent upon business needs and supervisor approval. The assigned duty station can be any of the following Western, WA L&I offices: Seattle, Tukwila, Tacoma, Silverdale, Tumwater, Kelso, or Vancouver.
Learn more about DOSH here: 50 Years of DOSH
Duties
What You’re Walking Into:You won’t be observing from the sidelines. You’ll be:
Must be physically capable of walking through a variety of workplaces such as large manufacturing plants with metal stairways, catwalks, ladders, and walking through rough terrain. Must also be able to be exposed to weather (wearing appropriate weather gear) for long durations.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
See all of our current L&I DOSH position openings here: Current L&I DOSH open positions
Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated using an intentional equity lens.
Supplemental Information
Things You Need To Know
State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more.
At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.
Application process
We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.
Please Include The Following Documents With Your Application
Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.
Other Information
Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.
In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3 million workers.
Veterans Preference
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I’s Jobs@lni.wa.gov .
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contributes to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest source of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
For more Information
If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact the recruiter, Lori Hensin (she/her/hers) at lori.hensin@lni.wa.gov .
Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!
Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability
- In addition to the base salary above**
PLUS
King County Premium Pay - If assigned to a permanent duty station in King County, employees will receive 5% Premium Pay calculated from their base salary.
AND IF BILINGUAL
If hired as bilingual (not required), after passing an assessment of your ability to write and speak fluently. We do not use translating software. Employees with bilingual responsibilities receive a 5% increase in pay.
AND
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for this position will be provided by L&I DOSH as specified in WAC 296-800-16020 .
Technical Oversight for Regulated Explosives Operations
At the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), our mission is simple but powerful: Keep Washington Safe and Working. The Division of Occupational Safety (DOSH) safety specialists are at the heart of that mission stepping into a wide range of workplaces, uncovering hazards, preventing injuries and fatalities, and helping employers and employees build safer work cultures across the state.
As a Safety Specialist – Explosives, you step into environments where precision isn’t optional and mistakes don’t get second chances. You’ll inspect, investigate, and enforce safety standards across some of the most dangerous worksites in Washington. When you’re on-site, your judgment helps ensure people go home safe at the end of the day.
Why This Role Stands Apart
This is a role defined by consequence and trust. You operate where the stakes are highest, working independently in the field with the authority and judgment to make critical calls. Your decisions don’t just impact a single site; they influence safety practices across Washington State. And at its core, this work goes beyond enforcement; it’s about preventing disasters before they happen.
When this job is done right, nothing happens….and that’s the goal.
This position offers a 4/10 schedule. Teleworking is permitted on occasion dependent upon business needs and supervisor approval. The assigned duty station can be any of the following Western, WA L&I offices: Seattle, Tukwila, Tacoma, Silverdale, Tumwater, Kelso, or Vancouver.
Learn more about DOSH here: 50 Years of DOSH
Duties
What You’re Walking Into:You won’t be observing from the sidelines. You’ll be:
- Leading complex explosives inspections Independently conduct inspections of explosives magazines, manufacturing sites, and other high-hazard operations to evaluate compliance with WAC 296-52 . and related safety standards. Identify risks, assess controls, and determine appropriate corrective actions.
- Making the call when it matters Identify violations, assess risk, and exercise sound professional judgment to determine and implement appropriate enforcement actions, ensuring unsafe conditions are addressed before work continues.
- Investigating incidents and complaints Conduct thorough investigations of incidents, complaints, and near misses. Analyze findings to determine root causes and contribute to strategies that prevent recurrence.
- Providing technical guidance to industry partners Serve as a subject matter expert to explosives licensees and collaborate with external partners, including federal and state agencies such as ATF and MSHA , to support compliance and safe operational practices.
- Translating regulations into practice Interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements, translating them into clear, practical guidance that supports effective safety and health programs in the field.
- And much more!
Must be physically capable of walking through a variety of workplaces such as large manufacturing plants with metal stairways, catwalks, ladders, and walking through rough terrain. Must also be able to be exposed to weather (wearing appropriate weather gear) for long durations.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
- Must currently hold or be able to obtain a Washington State Blaster’s License . ( Be prepared to provide your license at time of interview.)
- A valid and unrestricted driver's license
- Willingness to be in the field 90% of the time
- The ability to take action to learn and grow
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
- Four years of full-time journey level paid occupational/industrial safety related experience in government, military, or public health work environment.
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, or closely related field AND four years of paid occupation/industrial safety related professional experience
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, or closely related field ANDtwo years as an Occupational Safety and Health Professional 2 in DOSH.
- A Master’s Degree from an accredited university in occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, or closely related field AND two years of paid occupation/industrial safety related professional experience.
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Experience in explosives, mining, construction, or similar industries
- Bilingual skills
- Be part of our team ensuring safe, compliant explosives operations across the state -
See all of our current L&I DOSH position openings here: Current L&I DOSH open positions
Research suggests that women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply, and allow us to evaluate your combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrated using an intentional equity lens.
Supplemental Information
Things You Need To Know
State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more.
At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.3 million workers. Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.
Application process
We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.
Please Include The Following Documents With Your Application
- A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
- A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
- A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.
Other Information
- For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
- This position is represented bytheWashington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
- Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
- The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
- Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.
Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.
In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3 million workers.
Veterans Preference
Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I’s Jobs@lni.wa.gov .
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer
L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contributes to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest source of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.
The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
For more Information
If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact the recruiter, Lori Hensin (she/her/hers) at lori.hensin@lni.wa.gov .
Salary : $75,108 - $100,980