Safety Manager

HR Safety Manager

This position is responsible for expanding and supporting a citywide workplace culture of safe behavior and healthful working conditions, with a focus on the Department of Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Waterfront. The Safety Manager supports departmental safety committees, collaborates with management to develop and implement safety policies and serves as a technical resource for safety programming. This position monitors regulatory compliance (local, state, and federal) to safeguard employees and serves as a resource to those responsible for City building and facility safety and liability insurance administration.

Union Affiliation: Non-Union Pay Grade 20: $87,977 - $98,179 Annually Remote Tier 2: Up to one (1) day remote/week

This position maintains and improves the City-wide safety strategy and organizational structure, ensuring departments with required safety committees and designated safety contacts are clearly documented; annually assesses the strategy and structure and makes recommendations to achieve safety goals. Supports the establishment of safety committees in departments with high-risk activities or high injury rates. Develops and maintains safety objectives, policies, procedures, awareness initiatives, manuals and an internal safety portal; coordinates implementation, compliance tracking, and recordkeeping with department leadership and safety contacts to foster a safe working environment.

Works with diverse teams to develop and implement job hazard analysis and individual task risk assessments; collaborates with managers to create safe work procedures and design safety checklists and templates. Ensures compliance with all applicable VOSHA/OSHA, DOT, NFPA, and DMV driver-related regulations; serves as the City's liaison with federal and state regulatory officials and primary contact during safety regulatory compliance inspections; interfaces with department safety contacts, third-party administrators, and insurance companies as needed.

Assesses each department's safety compliance; assists in developing needs assessments and corrective measures; conducts site inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards and identify any hazards; and participates in equipment and materials procurement committees to ensure compliance with safety standards. Updates and maintains the training program/calendar; works with department safety contacts to administer training requirements and maintain individualized training portfolios (primary certifications, annual certifications, and recommended trainings); conducts or oversees new employee safety orientation.

Develops, reviews, and presents safety reports, presentations, metrics, and communications; recommends measurable goals to the Director of HR, Department Heads, departmental safety contacts, and Liability Insurance Administrator to reduce Workers' Compensation claims, liability, and safety costs; implements programs to achieve those goals. Works with department safety contacts, the HR Department, and third-party providers to ensure the physical/mental reasoning and work environment sections of City job descriptions are accurate and current.

Assigns compliance training to all employees annually and upon hire through the City's Learning Management System. Oversees that City departments complete the following safety and health programs such as, but not limited to, commercial driver licenses (CDL), hearing conservation, fire extinguisher maintenance, safety glasses, bloodborne pathogens, and needle exposure plans. Ensures that each of these programs comply with current regulatory standards.

Assists in developing or outsourcing and ensuring departments are appropriately implementing, required safety and health training programs or activities such as defensive driving, HazCom, GHS, machine shop safety, lockout/tagout, bucket rescue, confined space entry, fire protection, hazardous waste operations, and Return-to-work (RTW) programs. Updates Department Heads regarding safety issues within department as well as status of departmental safety committee or contact.

Recommends solutions to issues, improvement opportunities or new prevention measures.

Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development. Bachelor of Science in Occupational or Industrial Hygiene/Safety, Safety Engineering or other related field. Additional experience may be substituted for a degree requirement on a two-for-one per year basis. Two (2) years of experience in safety environment/operations required. Valid Vermont Driver's license required; position requires 24-hour on-call availability for safety emergencies. Demonstrated ability to develop coordinate, conduct, monitor, and evaluate safety programs preferred. Ability to work independently; develop solutions to safety problems with minimal supervision, and maintain a high degree of competency in safe work procedures. Ability to review and interpret VOSHA/OSHA, DOT, and NFPA regulations; develop compliance programs and communicate requirements effectively throughout the City. Required to wear appropriate safety equipment (e.g. safety glasses, hard hat, fire retardant clothing, etc.). Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including the Department of Finance and Administration, City Attorney, Burlington Electric Safety/Risk Management, Liability Insurance Administrator, City Commissioners, Third Party Administrators, adjusters, medical providers and outside professionals. Must have advanced personal computer and computer software skills with an emphasis on database, spreadsheet and word processing. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing required. Ability to foster good communication between employees and departments. Ability to organize and prioritize workload, complete multiple projects and meet established deadlines required. Must maintain strict confidentiality on specific issues. Must have a high level of personal initiative and enthusiasm. Regular attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions. Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies. Willingness to attend specified utility training seminars/workshops/classes is required. Willingness to be a member of the National Safety Council.

The City of Burlington is proud to offer full time employees a comprehensive benefits program that includes: Medical/Dental Insurance Coverage, Prescription Drug Coverage, Flexible Spending Programs, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Paid Leave (Sick and Vacation), Pension Plan, Contributory Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Discounted Gym Memberships, Free Yoga Membership to Sangha Studios (Burlington, Williston & online), Tuition Discounts for Champlain College TruEd, Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Bonus Incentives Program, Local & National Store Discounts, Subsidized Transportation Options, Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.