Risk Specialist I

City of Portland•Multiple Locations, OR

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Portland is recruiting to fill current and future Risk Specialist I vacancies across the city. Risk Specialist I may perform work in the following bureaus: Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Bureau of Transportation, and the Bureau of Environmental Services. The current vacancy is with Portland Parks & Recreation. The PP&R Risk Specialist I supports the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Program, which operates in uniquely complex conditions due to the open, public nature of parks, diverse field operations, and a large seasonal workforce. The role requires independent judgment, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to take initiative within established procedures. Across the City, Risk Specialist I positions support bureau safety, compliance, and risk-management functions. While duties vary by operational environment, the role consistently focuses on reducing risk exposure, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting employees through safety-related processes.

Requirements

Knowledge of the policies and methods of risk management, public health, communicable disease transmission, injury prevention and basic OSHA compliance standards
Experience designing, conducting, and evaluating occupational health and safety internal audits, best practices, and conformance/compliance with occupational health/safety regulations
Ability to conduct research on occupational health and safety management systems, including prevention, control issues, evaluate alternatives, and reach conclusions and recommendations for improvement
Experience in analyzing data, identifying program needs, and making recommendations to resolve issues
Experience communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, including developing and delivering end-user training, presenting information, proposals, and recommendations clearly and persuasively

Nice To Haves

Possession of OSHA 30, Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or other recognized occupational health and safety certifications.
Experience supporting, managing, or analyzing workers’ compensation claims, return to work processes, or related employee injury case management.

Responsibilities

Assist with annual evaluation of assigned safety policies, programs, and performance metrics.
Design, conduct, and assess occupational health and safety training for field and office staff.
Track, maintain, and analyze data from internal systems such as incident reports and workers’ compensation records.
Follow up with employees involved in claims, injuries, or accidents.
Perform accident and workplace safety investigations and recommend corrective actions.
Conduct inspections of parks, facilities, and field operations to ensure compliance and identify improvements.
Track ergonomic program activity and assist with office workstation evaluations.
Assist with bureau compliance efforts, including implementing safety programs and preparing regulatory documentation.
Receive, review, and maintain records of incidents and accidents; analyze trends and prepare briefings.
Support claim intake, follow-up, and case documentation.
Research and route general liability claims; maintain legal hold records.
Maintain Learning Management System (LMS) data and notify staff of overdue requirements.
Track commercial driver licensure and medical certification expirations.
Research reported safety issues, evaluate validity, and recommend mitigation strategies.
Report during inclement weather or emergency events; may serve in an ICS role.