Occupational Health Safety Specialist

State of Montana•Bozeman, MT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Every Montana worker deserves to go home safe at the end of the day. As the Safety, Security and Continuity Coordinator, you'll be the driving force behind a workplace where safety isn't a checklist—it's a culture. You'll build and manage comprehensive safety programs, conduct ergonomic assessments that directly improve how people work, and deliver training that turns regulations into real, everyday habits. When the unexpected strikes, you'll help employees be prepared by strengthening our disaster readiness and continuity planning so the Department stands resilient. You will present new-hire safety orientations, provide job-specific training, perform hazard assessments, lead active safety committees, and foster a culture of continuous improvement that reaches every corner of the organization. MISSION STATEMENT: Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity. It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here. POSITION OVERVIEW: The Safety, Security and Continuity Coordinator manages the Department of Labor & Industry’s safety program, including ergonomics, workers’ compensation, and disaster preparedness activities. This position leads efforts to prevent injuries, promote safe work practices, and ensure continuity of operations in the event of emergencies. The role serves as a key resource for employees and managers statewide, providing guidance, training, and support on safety, security, and early return-to-work programs. By coordinating safety committees and continuity planning, this position helps protect employees, facilities, and services that support communities across Montana. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU: Meaningful impact on employee safety: Help protect state employees and the public by strengthening safety, security, and disaster preparedness across the Department. Broad, statewide reach: Provide ergonomic assessments, training, and safety guidance to employees in a wide range of roles and locations. Professional growth in risk management: Build expertise in workers’ compensation, loss control, continuity planning, and occupational safety regulations. Collaborative, service oriented environment: Work closely with managers, employees, and external partners to promote a culture of safety, wellness, and accountability. Opportunities to lead initiatives: Chair safety committees, coordinate emergency response planning, and shape department wide safety and continuity practices.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience working in safety, risk management, or related programs that involve assessing hazards, implementing controls, and promoting safe work practices.
Experience interpreting and applying safety laws, regulations, policies, or technical standards in a workplace setting.
Experience coordinating workers’ compensation, early return to work, or similar employee support programs, including documentation and communication with multiple stakeholders.
Experience planning or supporting emergency preparedness, disaster response, or continuity of operations efforts for an organization.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience providing training, guidance, or consultation on safety and security topics to diverse audiences.
Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion and in compliance with privacy and security requirements.

Nice To Haves

A degree in a safety‑related field, occupational health, risk management, or a closely related area may supplement relevant professional experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills and competencies in the areas noted above.

Responsibilities

Lead safety and wellness programs: Manages the Department’s safety and wellness initiatives, including ergonomics and injury prevention efforts, to reduce risk and promote a safe work environment.
Administer workers’ compensation and return to work: Oversees workers’ compensation and Early Return to Work programs, manages claims, reviews risk management plans, and ensures timely processing and monitoring of first reports and ongoing claims.
Provide ergonomic assessments and training: Conducts ergonomic evaluations for employees statewide and delivers training designed to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses.
Coordinate safety committees: Chairs the Department Safety Committee and supports Regional Safety Committees to ensure consistent safety practices and collaborative problem solving across the organization.
Plan for disaster response and continuity: Implements response and recovery phases of disaster and emergency processes, coordinating with division representatives to develop and integrate continuity of government and operations plans.
Maintain facility and employee security: Oversees security measures for state employees and facilities, monitors potential threats, and works with leadership to address security concerns.
Partner with external risk entities: Acts as a liaison with State Fund, Risk Management & Tort Defense, and other partners to align department safety practices with statewide risk management expectations.

Benefits

Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73%25 - 9.07%25 of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness
Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.
This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)