Safety Officer

City of Alameda•Alameda, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) is seeking a qualified and motivated Safety Officer to help ensure safety remains a top priority across all utility operations. This is a critical, hands-on role that combines technical expertise, field engagement, and relationship-building to strengthen AMP’s safety culture and support reliable, compliant electric service for the community of Alameda. Under direction from the General Manager, the Safety Officer plans and performs work related to environmental and worker safety compliance, hazardous and toxic material management, regulatory compliance, training, and policy administration. The role works closely with all AMP divisions and collaborates with other City departments and external agencies to support safe and compliant operations. This position requires both technical knowledge and the ability to communicate effectively, influence practices, and build trust across the organization, from line crews and field staff to supervisors and leadership.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in environmental science, industrial hygiene, industrial engineer, safety engineer, physical science or related field.
Four years of progressively responsible environmental or safety compliance with construction, maintenance and operations work activities; toxic/hazardous materials and situation experience; electrical power utility and/or telecom, public sector, and worker safety compliance experience is desired.
Knowledge of applicable laws, codes and accepted safety practices relating to electrical and/or telecommunications work, e.g. Toxic Substance Control Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation Liability Act (Superfund), Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act; General Orders 95, 128, and 165, Proposition 65, Right-to-Know Rules, NFPA 70E, California Workers Compensation Laws, and California Administrative Code title 22, Health and Safety Code, and California Code of Regulations Title 8; all aspects of underground and overhead transmission, distribution, and substations; aspects of underground and overhead telecommunication systems; materials and equipment and standard construction practices and procedures; and investigation and record keeping techniques and procedures.
Ability to effectively plan and perform assigned work in connection with environmental and worker safety compliance, hazardous waste disposal, hazardous and toxic material control and safety inspections, training and policy administration; communicate effectively orally and in writing with all levels of the organization, public and outside agencies, contractors, etc.; properly handle confidential information and material; establish and maintain a variety of databases; direct the work of consultants; interpret and apply established City policies, procedures and codes; interpret and analyze information, draw valid conclusions and project consequences of decisions and recommendations; analyze and solve problems using independent and discretionary judgment; prepare studies and reports concerning complex technical matters; establish and maintain accurate records; maintain level of knowledge required for satisfactory job performance; communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audience; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License and satisfactory driving record at the time of appointment is required as a condition of initial and continued employment only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than the employee’s ability to get to/from various work locations in a timely manner, is necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
Respond to after-hours emergencies as required.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in any of the above areas is desirable.
Electrical power utility and/or telecom, public sector, and worker safety compliance experience is desired.
Safety certifications and/or designations such as Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, or Certified Utility Safety Specialist (CUSP) through the Utility Safety & Operations Leadership Network (USOLN) are desirable.

Responsibilities

Monitor federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to safety, hazardous materials, and waste.
Develop, implement, and maintain safety and compliance programs, including the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP).
Conduct safety training and ensure compliance with required programs (including hearing conservation, respiratory protection, PPE, first aid/CPR, and specialized electrical safety).
Perform inspections, audits, and risk assessments across AMP operations.
Investigate accidents and incidents; support root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
Manage hazardous materials, waste disposal, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and related regulatory reporting.
Advise staff and supervisors on practical strategies to minimize safety and health hazards.
Coordinate with City departments (including Fire and Police) on safety protocols and emergency response, including training on electrical system safety.
Support compliance with applicable standards and requirements (e.g., Cal/OSHA, NFPA 70E, General Orders 95/128/165, CERS, HMBP, and related regulations).
Maintain required records and foster employee involvement in continuous safety improvement.
Monitors Federal, State and local laws and regulations related to toxic or hazardous materials and hazardous wastes; arranges proper disposal of hazardous wastes; maintains files of waste disposal and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on toxic and hazardous materials used in the normal course of business; makes appropriate distribution of SDS information.
Assess employee and supervisor needs for safety training in areas of awareness and job safety.
Design, develop, coordinate, and deliver and/or assist in safety programs such as but not limited to AMP’s Physical Security Plan, Share 911, AMP’s Strom Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), etc.
Advise staff on appropriate strategies/tactics for minimizing safety and health hazards and risks.
Write and develop Injury & Illness Prevention Programs plan (IIPP)
Advise on Cal/OSHA serious injury reporting requirements, and serve as the AMP subject matter expert in matters concerning environmental, health, and safety.
Review legislation, perform audits, track reports, and recommend actions.
Assist and provide guidance in the planning and implementation of regulatory compliance programs, e.g., Code of Federal Regulations, NFPA 70E, ANSI Standards, SARA Title III, G.O. 95, 128, and 165, and Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP), California Environmental Reporting System (CERS), Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC), Pesticide and Herbicide reporting, Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP), etc.
Maintain required records such as those required by state and federal worker protection laws.
Assist in compliance inspection and audits.
Assist and support the process with regulatory agencies in permit applications, administrative orders, required reporting, and regulatory compliance issues.
Regularly assess risk and liability and take appropriate action to minimize them.
Analyze different processes and products to determine the existence, severity, probability, and outcome of hazards.
Conduct trend analysis and forecasting.
Conduct Hazardous Material/Waste and Department of Transportation (DOT) required training.
Administer the hearing conservation, respiratory protection, eye, hand, and foot protection, and safety apparel programs.
Provide as needed training to the Alameda Police Department and the Alameda Fire Department on electrical system safety protocols and procedures when supporting AMP operations for emergency calls.
Conducts studies, prepares and presents reports and recommendations.
Oversees work of consultants retained for special audits, studies and projects.
Participate in the investigation of accidents and injuries and in the preparation of reports and evidence for AMP.
Ensure the City’s Risk Manager and Human Resources receive all required documentation including OSHA 5020 and DWC-1.
Coordinate electrical and office safety training in areas such as first aid/CPR and hazardous materials/situations terminology and communication.
Monitor job site activities and participate in planning processes.
Foster AMP employee involvement and work towards maintaining the safety culture at AMP.
Performs related work as required.

Benefits

Four-day, 36-hour work week (typically Monday through Thursday)
CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 formula, 8.868% contribution; New Members 2% @ 62 formula, 8.25% contribution.
Medical: The City contracts with CalPERS to provide comprehensive health coverage to employees. Multiple HMO and PPO plans available, with a generous City contribution towards medical premiums.
Dental: Comprehensive dental coverage provided to employees and their eligible dependents.
Vacation: Starting with 75 hours annually and increasing with years of service.
Management Incentive Leave: 27 hours of management leave per fiscal year.
Holidays: 11 City Holidays
Floating Holidays: 4 days
Sick Leave: 90 hours annually; unused sick leave is converted to service credit at retirement.
Deferred Compensation: Up to 1% 457(b) matching City contribution after 1 year of continuous service.