Safety Advisor

City of Houston•Houston, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Safety Advisor is an Occupational Safety Advisor assigned to the General Services Department and several other City of Houston departments. The role provides occupational risk management and occupational safety and health support to promote safe operations and compliance with safety standards throughout the City. Its primary responsibility is to develop and implement safety and health programs and direct and coordinate their technical and administrative activities. The position determines operational procedures to protect and improve employee health and safety; designs ergonomic programs; conducts occupational health surveys; advises public, management, labor, and professional representatives; evaluates scientific and statistical data; and prepares reports. It consults with local, state, and federal agencies on regulatory standards, oversees Hazard Communication/Right-To-Know requirements, and monitors current occupational exposure guidance and OSHA developments. The Safety Advisor supervises investigations of incidents involving City property, equipment, or employees; plans and coordinates safety surveys and studies; and oversees safety and health training. The role also prepares and distributes accident and trend data, participates in department safety committees and meetings, and contributes to special projects. Driving to various locations is an essential function and requires a valid Texas driver's license. The position is subject to random drug testing and requires the ability to obtain and maintain security clearances.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health and Occupational Safety, Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; pertinent professional experience may substitute year for year.
Four years of experience in safety administration or a closely related field; a related master's degree may substitute for two years of this experience requirement.
Valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's driving policy.
Ability to obtain and maintain security clearances.
Availability by cellular phone and ability to attend meetings, observe and differentiate details, operate a City vehicle, handle tense situations, respond to emergencies, and stand and walk for extended periods.
During certain emergency situations, willingness and availability to work all shifts, including rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to tolerate work-related conditions including heat, cold, moisture, air pollution, and noise; occasional stooping or bending and very light lifting up to 20 pounds may be required.
If working in field environments, ability to work around extreme temperatures, air/noise pollution, chemical gases and substances, contagious diseases, or short-term disabling physical trauma conditions.
All new hires and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of application information.
Position is subject to random drug testing; promotional candidates must pass an assignment drug test.

Nice To Haves

Some supervisory experience.
Experience with safety management systems, safety program development, project management, and statistical data analysis.
Strong communication skills.
Comprehensive knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office.
Advanced training resulting in certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Safety Management Specialist (SMS), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Associate Risk Manager (ARM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Accredited Professional Statistician (PSTAT), or Certified Analytics Specialist (CAP).
Eligible veteran applicants may receive preference subject to the stated qualifications and selection criteria.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement occupational safety and health programs.
Direct and coordinate technical and administrative activities of Occupational Health and Safety Programs.
Determine procedures for day-to-day operations to protect and improve personnel health and safety.
Design and implement ergonomic programs to mitigate occupational injuries.
Conduct and analyze occupational health surveys.
Advise and consult with public, management, labor, and professional representatives on occupational health activities.
Evaluate scientific and statistical data, interpret results, and prepare reports.
Consult with local, state, and federal agencies concerning regulatory guidelines and standards.
Oversee Hazard Communication/Right-To-Know Act requirements.
Keep current with guidelines, research, and developments concerning occupational exposures and OSHA law.
Supervise the investigation and analysis of incidents involving City property, equipment, or employees.
Plan, develop, and coordinate comprehensive safety surveys and studies.
Oversee safety and health training programs, including first aid, defensive driving, equipment handling, work practices, products, policies, and laws.
Monitor new and existing safety legislation, products, and developments; participate in educational meetings and conferences.
Oversee preparation, analysis, and distribution of accident, trend, and solution reports for City departments.
Conduct or participate in safety meetings and committees in an advisory capacity with department supervisors.
Conduct and participate in special projects.
Drive to various locations as an essential function of the position.