Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

City of Austin•Austin, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, administer, and implement the occupational safety program. Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Administers basic safety programs based on specialization including conducting safety meetings; conducting field inspections and incident investigations; conducting field audits; assisting with safety training; inspecting safety equipment; hazardous materials record-keeping; assisting with development of emergency response plans; participating in emergency responses; and coordinating safety events such as drills, basic exams, or new employee orientation. Implements safety programs by inspecting or reviewing areas, equipment, work processes, and work activities for hazardous conditions. Provides assistance in establishing standards and procedures to ensure compliance with required government occupational safety regulations, internal City or Department Safety policies, or operational needs related to specific job conditions. Investigates work-related incidents according to designated procedures. Compiles data and information for the analysis of accident or injury trends and helps prepare recommendations for new or modified occupational safety programs to reduce or prevent accidents. Participates in writing City-wide or department safety policies and procedures. Monitors compliance with Federal, State, and Local occupational safety regulations. Maintains communication with internal customers and other agencies to support the safety function. Participates on teams with safety, technical, management, and other stakeholders. Research occupational safety information to assure the best available methods and equipment are adopted to minimize the hazards in the workplace.

Requirements

Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of safety and risk management principles, policies, and procedures.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritization.
Skill in using computers and related software.
Skill in problem solving.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Skill in investigative analysis.
Skill in identifying safety and risk hazards.
Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priority.
Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in occupational health and safety programs.
Ability to develop and facilitate training sessions.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
Experience in a technical or other appropriate occupation related field may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
Valid Texas Driver License.
Licensing for specific disciplines may be required.
Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
This position requires a Current Commercial Driver License, Minimum Class B License and must obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License and/or required endorsements within 120 days of employment.
City of Austin employees that promote or transfer into driving required positions cannot have more than eight City Driver Points (CDP) within a period of thirty-six (36) months and must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite.
This position requires a Valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date.
External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite.
To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
Job Offer is contingent on having a driving record that meets the City’s Driver Record Evaluation Standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the administration of basic safety programs, conducting field inspections and incident investigations, assisting with safety training, inspecting vehicles and safety equipment, participating in emergency response and coordinating and assisting with safety events.
Strong teamwork-building skills.
Comfortable working with management as well as front-line staff.
Strong communication (both written and oral) skills.
Ability to develop and create solutions in a complex operational, financial, and compliance driven environment.
Bi-lingual in Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

Administers basic safety programs based on specialization including conducting safety meetings; conducting field inspections and incident investigations; conducting field audits; assisting with safety training; inspecting safety equipment; hazardous materials record-keeping; assisting with development of emergency response plans; participating in emergency responses; and coordinating safety events such as drills, basic exams, or new employee orientation.
Implements safety programs by inspecting or reviewing areas, equipment, work processes, and work activities for hazardous conditions.
Provides assistance in establishing standards and procedures to ensure compliance with required government occupational safety regulations, internal City or Department Safety policies, or operational needs related to specific job conditions.
Investigates work-related incidents according to designated procedures.
Compiles data and information for the analysis of accident or injury trends and helps prepare recommendations for new or modified occupational safety programs to reduce or prevent accidents.
Participates in writing City-wide or department safety policies and procedures.
Monitors compliance with Federal, State, and Local occupational safety regulations.
Maintains communication with internal customers and other agencies to support the safety function.
Participates on teams with safety, technical, management, and other stakeholders.
Research occupational safety information to assure the best available methods and equipment are adopted to minimize the hazards in the workplace.