Safety Specialist

City of Vancouver

18d • $7,339 - $11,010 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Vancouver is seeking a Safety Specialist for the Public Works department. This role serves as the subject matter expert on safety and health programs, practices, and regulatory compliance. The specialist will collaborate with the City Risk and Safety Division to enhance the Public Works safety culture by planning, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating comprehensive safety and health programs. This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position with a schedule of Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. The position is open until filled, with a first review date of August 19, 2026. The City of Vancouver is committed to fair, equitable, and competitive compensation, with salaries structured to reflect the local market. Starting salary is influenced by experience, education, licensure, certifications, and internal equity, with the higher end of the range indicating growth potential.

Requirements

• Three (3) years of related experience
• Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Management, or related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Federal and Washington State occupational safety and health regulations (OSHA/WISHA)
• Applicable codes and standards (e.g., National Fire Protection Association, building codes, NEC)
• Safety program administration, hazard identification, and risk control methodologies
• Industrial insurance (workers’ compensation) regulations and practices
• Safety training principles and adult learning methodologies
• Research methods and data analysis techniques
• Inspection and audit practices
• Hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and pollution prevention regulations (Washington State)
• Community Right-to-Know requirements
• City policies, procedures, and administrative regulations
• Occupational hazards and safe work practices relevant to Public Works operations
• Modern office practices, recordkeeping, and documentation standards
• Computer systems and standard business applications
• Develop and deliver effective safety training and presentations
• Prepare clear, concise, and technically accurate reports and documentation
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies
• Analyze safety data and performance metrics to identify trends and drive improvements
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct inspections, audits, and incident investigations
• Utilize computer systems and relevant software applications
• Work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships across departments
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including field personnel and leadership
• Provide high-quality customer service and maintain a professional public-facing presence
• Promote a positive safety culture and model safe work practices
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and perform duties consistently
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.
• Subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of Certification as an Occupational Safety Specialist, Certified Health and Safety Technician, Associate Safety Professional, and/or Certified Safety and Health Specialist preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the City Risk and Safety Division to ensure alignment with citywide safety programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Conduct program assessments and develop reports to support program effectiveness and continuity.
• Conduct systematic safety inspections to identify hazards, unsafe conditions, and non-compliance; recommend and follow up on corrective actions.
• Evaluate and recommend safety equipment; ensure appropriate safety devices are implemented in work areas.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for continuous improvement in safety programs and practices.
• Research and evaluate regulatory updates, industry standards, and best practices to inform program development and implementation.
• Provide technical guidance and consultation to staff, supervisors, and management on regulatory requirements, safety programs, and project safety considerations.
• Communicate and disseminate safety program requirements to field crews and work groups.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver safety training; prepare program materials, manuals, and presentations.
• Investigate incidents, accidents, and injuries; determine root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Track and analyze incident data to identify trends and prioritize prevention strategies.
• Communicate findings, trends, and recommendations to leadership and management.
• Facilitate and participate in departmental safety committee meetings.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace.
• The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace.
• The City of Vancouver values and fosters a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures.
• The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level