Safety Officer III (Water) - Occupational Health

Job Description - Safety Officer III (Water) - Occupational Health (2600006B) Position Grade: 210G Department: Water Division Job Type: Full-Time (Permanent) Examination Number: EX1604 Location: St. Louis, MO Incumbents in this position are responsible for coordinating, administering, and ensuring compliance with City of St. Louis Water Division safety, environmental health, and occupational health programs, policies, and procedures. Responsibilities include oversight of the division-wide safety management program through the supervision and guidance of subordinate safety staff and/or on-site departmental safety coordinators, development of safety classes to be provided across the entire Water Division, implementation of safety and environmental health procedures, inspection of work sites and facilities, and the investigation of accidents, injuries, illnesses, and unsafe conditions. The Safety Officer III provides technical expertise and leadership related to occupational safety, environmental health, and regulatory requirements applicable to water treatment plants, pumping stations, distribution system operations, construction and roadway work, and office and administrative environments. The incumbent ensures that safety and environmental health practices address hazards associated with industrial operations, chemical handling and storage, confined spaces, heavy equipment, excavation and traffic control, environmental exposure, and general office safety. Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and overtime as needed to support safety operations and emergency response. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Leads, manages, and oversees the Water Division’s safety and environmental health programs, establishing policies, procedures, and standards to foster a culture and environment of safety across all operations. Plans, organizes, assigns, and directs the work of up to two subordinate safety staff to achieve goals and ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and technical guidelines. Guides staff and field on work policies, procedures, and safety practices and proactively identifies operational and safety-related challenges and develops effective solutions. Evaluates subordinate staff performance, identifies training needs, and makes recommendations for personnel actions including promotions, disciplinary actions, status changes, separations, and grievance resolutions. Coordinates and administers Water Division safety and environmental health programs to ensure compliance with City policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Conducts and oversees safety and environmental health inspections of water treatment plants, distribution system operations, construction and roadway work sites, and office facilities. Assesses operational hazards for scope and severity and recommends corrective and preventive measures. Develops, updates, and implements the Water Division Safety Manual. Investigates accidents, injuries, occupational illnesses, vehicle incidents, environmental incidents, and near-miss events; determines root causes and prepares reports with corrective action recommendations. Delivers and coordinates safety and environmental health training for employees and supervisors, including maintaining Instructor-Trainer certification as required. Guides foreman, supervisors and management on safety matters, serves as a resource for injury reporting and return-to-work coordination, and provides guidance regarding FMLA-related information in coordination with best practices. Develops and implements auditing and inspection programs to monitor the effectiveness of safety initiatives. Represents management at safety committee meetings, union safety meetings, task forces, and other organizational meetings. Supports emergency response planning, drills, regulatory inspections, and safety-related audits. Maintains safety and environmental health records, reports, and databases. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local safety regulations, including OSHA and CDL standards, and City of St. Louis policies. Proven ability to lead, manage, and enforce a division-wide safety program, fostering an environment of safety and compliance. Demonstrated experience in accident and incident investigation, hazard assessment, risk mitigation, and corrective action planning. Ability to plan, organize, assign, and direct subordinate staff, provide training, coaching, performance evaluation, and make recommendations for personnel actions. Ability to develop and deliver safety and environmental health training programs, maintaining Instructor-Trainer certification as required. Ability to advise management and supervisors on safety, environmental health, injury reporting, return-to-work coordination, and FMLA-related considerations. Ability to work in a variety of environmental conditions, including exposure to dust, fumes, wetness, temperature extremes, noise, and potentially hazardous substances. Physical ability to perform moderately demanding tasks, including lifting 20–50 pounds, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching. Excellent organizational, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Risk Management, Industrial Hygiene or a directly related field; plus two years of experience in workplace safety administration, occupational safety, environmental safety, or industrial/construction safety. Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Preference: Experience in a supervisory or managerial role. License: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license while employed by the City of St. Louis. Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of filing application and be able to present it upon request. Only qualified applicants who provide proof of a valid driver’s license will be considered for this position. May be subject to Background Investigation: Pass/Fail and Medical Examination: Pass/Fail. To be eligible for veterans preference points, the applicant must submit a copy of their DD‑214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with the Employment Application or upon request. The Director of Personnel may, in their discretion, accept alternate documentation. City residents who pass an examination for a position in the classified service and do not receive any other preference will receive a 5‑point preference on a scale of 100 points on the exam. An additional 1 point shall be added to the passing score of City residents who receive any other preference on a scale of 100 points. City residents must have resided in the City for at least one year at the time of filing their application to be eligible for the preference points. Accommodations: If assistance with the job application is necessary based on a physical impairment, mental impairment, or otherwise, applicants should reach out to the Office on the Disabled with contact information. This office will not disclose any information that an applicant or employee has a disability or has discussed possible accommodations without the applicant's or employee's prior consent. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of St. Louis