Occupational Health and Safety Specialist - Austin Resource Recovery

City of Austin

16d•$30 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Occupational Health and Safety Specialist administers and implements Austin Resource Recovery’s occupational safety program. The position assists with safety program administration, field inspections, incident investigations, safety training, vehicle and equipment inspections, emergency response, and safety events. It focuses on inspecting, investigating, and reporting work-related incidents and injuries, identifying trends, and recommending new or modified programs to prevent collisions and injuries. The specialist helps establish standards and procedures to comply with government occupational safety regulations, City and Department policies, and operational needs. The role prepares investigative summaries using Microsoft Office products, monitors regulatory compliance, researches workplace safety methods and equipment, and works with management, front-line staff, City employees, agencies, and other stakeholders. This is an essential position requiring attendance during City closures and emergencies. The position is based at 3810 Todd Lane, Austin, Texas, and requires travel between work locations; the employee may need to drive a City vehicle. The regular schedule is Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with one designated day off determined upon hire. After-hours, holiday, weekend, and special-event work may be required as business needs dictate. Physical tasks may include bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or applying force equivalent to lifting up to 20 pounds, as well as prolonged sitting and computer work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field; relevant technical or other appropriate occupational experience may substitute for education, up to a maximum of four years.
Valid Texas Driver License.
Current Commercial Driver License, minimum Class B; must obtain a Class A CDL and/or required endorsements within 120 days of employment, and maintain the required CDL in accordance with Texas and federal requirements.
Must meet applicable City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards, including the Driver Record Evaluation requirements.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances; City practices, policies, and procedures; and safety and risk management principles, policies, and procedures.
Oral and written communication, task prioritization, computer and related software, data analysis, problem-solving, planning, organizing, investigative analysis, and hazard-identification skills.
Ability to present and facilitate training; handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations; work through frequent interruptions and changing priorities; maintain current occupational health and safety knowledge; and build good working relationships with City employees and the public.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to perform physical tasks that may involve bending, lifting, walking, and carrying or applying force equivalent to lifting up to 20 pounds, and to sit for prolonged periods while working at a computer.
Ability to work after hours, holidays, weekends, and special events as business needs require, and to report during City closures or emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Experience evaluating workplace hazards and mitigation techniques and recommending process improvements and efficiencies to reduce safety incidents.
Experience with injury and vehicle incident prevention and investigations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and Excel.
CDL Class B preferred.
Spanish bilingual ability is a plus.
Experience administering basic safety programs, conducting field inspections and incident investigations, assisting with safety training, inspecting vehicles and safety equipment, participating in emergency response, and coordinating or assisting with safety events.
Strong teamwork-building skills and comfort working with management and front-line staff.

Responsibilities

Administer and implement the occupational safety program under direct supervision.
Conduct safety meetings, field inspections, and accident or incident investigations; inspect safety equipment and vehicles.
Assist with safety training, emergency response plan development, and safety events such as drills, basic exams, and new employee orientation.
Inspect or review work areas, equipment, processes, and activities for hazardous conditions.
Assist in establishing standards and procedures to comply with government regulations, City and Department safety policies, and operational needs.
Deliver technical safety and safety-awareness training to department employees.
Review departmental occupational safety plans and investigate work-related accidents according to designated procedures.
Compile and analyze accident and injury data, identify trends, and help prepare recommendations for safety program improvements.
Write investigative summaries using Microsoft Office products and participate in developing City-wide or department safety policies and procedures.
Monitor compliance with Federal, State, and Local occupational safety regulations.
Maintain communication with internal customers and other agencies, and participate on teams with safety, technical, management, and other stakeholders.
Research occupational safety information to support adoption of effective methods and equipment for minimizing workplace hazards.
Travel between locations as part of regular duties and drive a City vehicle when required and eligible.