Safety Inspector

Orange County Sanitation District•Fountain Valley, CA

About The Position

The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is hiring a Safety Inspector in its Risk Management division. Under direction of the Safety and Health Manager, the Safety Inspector monitors and enforces compliance on capital improvement program projects and maintenance construction work, ensuring construction activities meet OC San requirements and applicable California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal OSHA) regulations. The position conducts regular safety inspections of construction and maintenance projects managed by the Engineering and Operations and Maintenance Departments. The successful candidate is a construction safety generalist who helps ensure work is performed safely and in compliance with regulations and OC San requirements, while minimizing risk to workers, the public, and OC San. The role requires working independently and collaboratively, prioritizing multiple tasks, using technology, exercising sound judgment, and communicating effectively, including resolving conflicts. The position involves office and frequent field work at OC San sites, projects, and meetings. Employees may be assigned to any OC San location based on business needs, and the assignment may change. Extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, may be required when necessary. All OC San employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and must complete assigned training and return to work as ordered in an emergency. Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of the pre-employment process, including a background investigation and physical examination; a drug screen may also be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D. supplemented by specialized training or coursework in safety, construction inspection, industrial hygiene, environmental engineering, or a related field.
Five years of work experience performing safety inspections on public works construction projects.
Valid California Class C Driver’s License.
Valid Construction Health and Safety Technologist (CHST) Certification, Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST) certification within 12 months from the date of placement in the position.
Ability to work effectively and independently in a team environment, prioritize multiple tasks, use technology, exercise good judgment, and demonstrate strong communication and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to meet the physical demands of office and field work, including walking on uneven or slippery surfaces, climbing and descending ladders, and lifting or carrying materials and objects as described in the posting.
Ability to wear and use proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

Nice To Haves

Direct experience conducting safety inspections, preferably in utility or wastewater sectors, with a deep understanding of the regulatory environment and construction requirements in those industries.
Extensive knowledge of Cal OSHA regulations and standards, especially confined spaces, lockout/tagout, fall protection, excavation, and crane operations.
Knowledge of construction principles and experience working on construction sites, including familiarity with construction methods, equipment, and materials.
Experience conducting thorough incident investigations and developing effective corrective action plans.
Experience identifying workplace hazards through inspections and audits and managing contractors to implement effective control measures.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Proven ability to build positive relationships and foster a culture of safety while enforcing safety standards firmly and diplomatically.

Responsibilities

Continuously inspect and audit construction jobsites and activities for compliance with OC San safety requirements and applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including Cal OSHA.
Provide and track annual contractor safety orientations.
Coordinate with contractors and project teams to ensure consistent application of safety and health rules at project sites.
Serve as liaison to Construction Management and Maintenance teams responsible for safe project implementation in accordance with contract documents.
Review contractor safety-related submittals.
Issue high-hazard work permits, such as hot work, confined space, and crane-lift permits.
Investigate construction near misses, incidents, and accidents.
Track, review, and ensure implementation of contractor corrective actions.
Attend project planning and progress meetings.
Stop work when unsafe work practices or conditions are observed.
Assist with contractor pre-qualification efforts.
Maintain daily safety logs, inspection reports, and meeting minutes documenting contractor oversight and enforcement of safety and health expectations.
Identify opportunities for improvement and recommend enhancements to OC San's contractor safety process.