Safety Specialist (ODOT Only)

State of Oregon•La Grande, NY

2d•$4,519 - $6,904•Hybrid

About The Position

Join ODOT as a safety specialist and play a key role in helping ODOT maintain a safe, healthy environment for employees, contractors and the traveling public. This position reinforces ODOT’s mission by identifying hazards, promoting safe work practices and partnering with crews and leaders to prevent incidents and strengthen safety across the region. It’s an excellent opportunity for someone who values meaningful work, enjoys collaborating with people and wants to make a real difference in communities throughout Oregon. This role requires approximately 50% of time to be spent outside of the office and about 50% in the office. Work outside of the office may involve exposure to difficult terrain, all weather conditions, heavy traffic, construction equipment, construction traffic, unstable slopes requiring fall protection, and other hazardous conditions.

Requirements

Three years experience that included duties working with Workers' Compensation loss prevention, the return to work of injured employees, and/or occupational health and wellness programs; OR A bachelor's degree in industrial hygiene, occupational health and safety, or a related field.
Must be a current Oregon Department of Transportation employee at time of application in a permanent, seasonal, limited duration or temporary position to be eligible for this position.

Nice To Haves

Experience in demonstrating a strong commitment to workplace safety and risk prevention.
Experience in identifying hazards, documenting findings and following established procedures with attention to detail.
Experience in clearly communicating safety expectations, concerns and recommendations.
Experience in building positive working relationships with employees, supervisors and stakeholders.
Experience in using sound judgment to assess risks and develop practical safety solutions.

Responsibilities

Conduct safety training, evaluate program effectiveness and recommend updates or new training as needed.
Participate fully in statewide Safety Assistant meetings and assist ongoing safety program operations.
Assist the region 5 safety officer in analyzing and evaluating accident prevention, loss control, hearing conservation, wellness and employee assistance programs.
Interpret safety laws, rules, policies and procedures and apply them appropriately to routine and non-routine situations.
Advise managers and employees on safety issues and help develop plans to improve overall safety culture.
Monitor work sites, identify safety deficiencies and recommend corrective actions, including updates to traffic control plans.
Support workers’ compensation claim management by helping employees and managers report claims, coordinating information, maintaining data and generating status reports.
Conduct independent inspections of job sites, facilities and equipment, investigate safety complaints and provide basic safety services when the Region 5 Safety Officer is unavailable.