Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Senior, Animal Services

City of Austin • Austin, TX

23d • $33 - $41 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, this position develops, administers, and implements the Animal Services occupational safety program. It delivers safety and occupational training, including workplace violence and injury prevention, defensive driving, emergency and fire drills, and new employee safety orientation. The role investigates accidents and incidents, conducts job hazard analyses, develops corrective action plans, and reports catastrophic events. It also administers the department’s driver safety program; conducts safety and physical security audits; develops written safety policies, plans, and guidelines; analyzes injury and collision trends; and reports recommendations to departmental leadership. The position maintains safety policies and procedures in accordance with regulations, participates in City Occupational Safety and Health Network meetings, and maintains knowledge of OSHA regulations and industry best practices. Other related duties may be assigned.

The specialist inspects or reviews work areas, equipment, processes, and activities for hazards; establishes procedures to support compliance with government regulations and City or departmental policies; conducts safety meetings and training; maintains training materials and program documentation; investigates work-related accidents; audits regulatory compliance; and researches safety methods and equipment. The position collaborates with safety, technical, management, and other stakeholders and may provide leadership, assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

The position is based at Austin Animal Center in Austin, Texas. It is not fully remote and is designated essential; employees may be required to report during City office closures or emergencies and may need to modify their schedule or work at a designated site. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major coursework in a related field, plus two years of experience in the assigned area of specialization; experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four years.
• Valid Texas Driver License; the posting specifies a valid Class C Texas Driver License or ability to acquire one by the hire date.
• Meet the City of Austin Driver Record Evaluation requirements for a driving position.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances; City practices, policies, and procedures; safety and risk management principles; and basic training and learning principles.
• Oral and written communication, task management and prioritization, computer and related software, data analysis, problem-solving, planning, organizing, investigative analysis, and hazard identification skills.
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, uncertain situations, frequent interruptions, and changing priorities; deliver and facilitate training; maintain current occupational health and safety knowledge; and establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• A skills assessment is required.
• External new hires must meet the City of Austin Driver Record Evaluation standards; no more than three moving violations or six total Driver Record Evaluation points within 36 months.

Nice To Haves

• Experience responding to emergencies and assisting with emergency response coordination.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience overseeing investigation and documentation of workplace injuries, vehicle collisions, and near misses in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience developing and implementing safety-related policies and procedures.
• Experience conducting safety audits in an animal sheltering environment or facilities safety.
• Experience with incident reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective action plans.
• Experience conducting safety meetings and presenting training to employees at all levels, in field and classroom settings, and preparing and maintaining related training materials and documentation.
• Experience identifying trends and recommending new or modified safety programs to reduce or prevent workplace injuries.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP), or Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO), or ability to obtain one within six months of hire.
• Licensing for specific disciplines may be required; appropriate certifications may be specified for the assignment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, administer, and implement the Animal Services occupational safety program.
• Inspect or review areas, equipment, work processes, and work activities to identify hazardous conditions.
• Establish standards and procedures to meet government occupational safety regulations, City and departmental policies, and operational needs.
• Deliver safety training, including workplace violence prevention, injury prevention, defensive driving, emergency and fire drills, and new employee safety orientation.
• Conduct safety meetings and present safety topics; prepare and maintain training materials, presentations, and program documentation.
• Train managers and other employees on occupational safety issues as needed.
• Administer, develop, and review departmental occupational safety plans.
• Investigate work-related accidents and incidents, conduct job hazard analyses, develop corrective action plans, and report catastrophic events.
• Administer the Animal Services driver safety program.
• Conduct periodic safety and physical security audits and assist in auditing compliance with Federal, State, and Local occupational safety regulations.
• Develop and write departmental safety policies, procedures, plans, and guidelines.
• Analyze injury and collision trends and recommend new or modified programs to reduce or prevent accidents.
• Coordinate department-wide safety drills, new employee orientations, and other safety program events; maintain communication with internal customers and other agencies.
• Collaborate with safety, technical, management, and other stakeholders.
• Research occupational safety information and methods to help minimize workplace hazards.
• Participate in City Occupational Safety and Health Network meetings and maintain competency in OSHA regulations and industry best practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid leave.
• Competitive retirement plan and access to the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Training opportunities and professional development.
• Work-life balance programs.
• Wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior