Director of Health & Safety, NYS Public Employees Federation

California Faculty Association

About The Position

New York Public Employees Federation (PEF) is a diverse New York State labor union representing over 55,000 professional, scientific, and technical public employees across the state. We are committed to justice, equality, and improving the lives of our members through collective action. As one of the largest public-sector unions in New York, PEF champions fair wages, excellent benefits, and safe working conditions for its members in agencies and facilities statewide. Position Summary: The Director of Health & Safety is responsible for leading and coordinating PEF's occupational health and safety initiatives to protect members. This role oversees the implementation of health and safety programs, supervises departmental staff, and provides expert guidance to union members and leadership on policy development and workplace safety issues. The position represents PEF in legislative and administrative forums, collaborates with field services, coordinates workplace hazard assessments, and oversees health and safety grants. Serving as a key liaison to joint committees, labor relations, and human resources, the role ensures effective advocacy, compliance, and continuous improvement in workplace health and safety across the organization.

Requirements

Master's degree in industrial hygiene or a related field plus a minimum of three (3) years of related experience or a bachelor's degree in a related field and (5) years of experience.
Should have experience working with a labor union, preferably in the public sector.
Experience working with the Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Bureau.
Previous supervisory experience is required.
Successful candidate must demonstrate: Strong leadership skills with a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented mindset.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate (both written and verbal) with staff, union members & elected members, and our executive team.
Highly organized with strong project management skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while juggling multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

Implementation of Health & Safety programs and assignments as set forth by PEF.
Supervise and assign work to professional and administrative staff in the department.
In conjunction with field services representatives, assist PEF Divisions in the area of workplace health and safety.
Advise Statewide Officers, PEF representatives and staff on occupational health and safety issues impacting on and related to development of proposed PEF policies and position papers.
Represent PEF at legislative, public and administrative hearings concerning health and safety matters of vital interest to PEF.
Coordinate workplace surveys and walk-throughs aimed at identifying potential hazards and resolutions for such.
Work with PEF Training Department on the design and delivery of health and safety sessions and informational materials.
Coordinate the development and implementation of a workplace health and safety network.
Function as staff liaison to the joint Health and Safety and Article 13 Committees.
Coordinate the administration and implementation of any health and safety grants (Federal, State or private) that are received by the union.
Coordinate for Labor Relations staff activities related to occupational health and safety matters.
Serve as advisor to PEF Human Resource Office on internal health and safety matters.
Consistent and reliable attendance.