Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Senior

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major coursework in a related field, plus two (2) years of human resources experience in the assigned area of specialization.
• Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Driver License.
• Licensing for specific disciplines may be required.
• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Experience: 

• Experience working in a utility or similarly regulated organization with high-risk environments such as construction, confined spaces, excavations, heavy equipment operations, warehouses, or plants.
• Proficiency with computers and experience using Microsoft Suite products.
• Experience working in small, specialized teams with operational responsibilities in water/wastewater treatment, water distribution, or wastewater collection.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with different levels within an organization.
• Experience providing training or coaching to new employees.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

1. Bears responsibility for the implementation of the safety program and assists in the development of the safety program by inspecting or reviewing areas, equipment, work processes, and work activities for hazardous conditions.
2. Establishes standards and procedures to ensure compliance with required government occupational safety regulations, internal City or departmental safety policies, or operational needs related to specific job conditions.
3. Conducts safety meetings and presents safety topics to employees; prepares and maintains training materials, presentations, and related safety program documentation.
4. Provides, as necessary, training to managers and others on occupational safety issues.
5. Administers, develops, and reviews departmental occupational safety plans and investigates work-related accidents according to designated procedures.
6. Identifies trends and prepares recommendations for new or modified occupational safety programs to reduce or prevent accidents.
7. Assists in auditing compliance with Federal, State, and Local occupational safety regulations.
8. Develops and writes departmental safety policies and procedures.
9. Coordinates department-wide safety drills, orientation of new employees, or other safety program events; and maintains communication with internal customers and other agencies to support the safety function.
10. Collaborates and participates on teams with safety, technical, management, and other stakeholders.
11. Researches occupational safety information to assure the best available methods and equipment are adopted to minimize the hazards in the work place.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety and risk management principles, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic training and learning principles.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in investigative analysis.
• Skill in identifying safety and risk hazards.
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to deliver training.
• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in occupational health and safety programs.
• Ability to develop and facilitate training sessions.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Pay Range

$30.14 – $37.68

Hours

Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with some flexibility

Department

Austin Water Utility

Location

3907 S Industrial Dr, Austin, TX 78744

Criminal Background Investigation

This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation