Safety Specialist

Under general supervision, the Safety Specialist develops, implements, administers, and monitors workplace safety programs to promote a safe work environment and ensure compliance with applicable California Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) regulations. The position inspects District facilities, equipment, and personal protective equipment; performs or coordinates corrective actions to address identified safety hazards; evaluates new equipment and personal protective equipment for compliance with safety requirements; provides on-site safety support to field crews performing confined-space entries and other high-hazard work; orders and maintains an inventory of safety supplies and equipment; updates safety plans and programs; prepares and maintains required reports and records; and coordinates, conducts, and documents workplace safety training. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position does not include supervisory responsibilities.This is an intermediate level position providing Districtwide safety and risk management support. The Safety Specialist works independently, performing a variety of field inspections and corrections, field safety support, regulation analysis, plan updates, training presentations, and recordkeeping. The duties listed below are illustrative and are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities assigned to this classification. Develops, implements, and maintains safety policies, programs, and procedures in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Monitors changes in safety laws, regulations, and industry practices and recommends updates to District policies and programs. Assists in preparing and updating policies, procedures, plans, programs, forms, and other materials related to employee safety and risk management. Maintains safety and risk management records, documentation, reports, and permits in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Develops, coordinates, and conducts classroom and field-based safety training, including tailgate meetings and District-specific presentations. Inspects District facilities, structures, equipment, and operations to identify safety hazards; documents findings; recommend corrective actions; and follows up to verify that required corrections have been completed. Performs field corrections to address identified safety hazards when feasible and within the scope of the position’s training and authority, and coordinates more extensive corrective work with appropriate District personnel or contractors. Provides on-site safety support to field crews and inspection teams evaluating District facilities, structures, pipelines, and other infrastructure. Administers and maintains the District’s fall protection and confined-space safety programs. Reviews confined-space entry permits, atmospheric testing results, ventilation, personal protective equipment, communication methods, and rescue procedures before entry. Serves as a confined-space entry supervisor when designated and qualified, including verifying that required procedures, testing, equipment, and rescue services are in place. Receives, documents, evaluates, and responds to employee inquiries and concerns regarding workplace safety. Conducts on-site Job Hazard Analyses to identify potential hazards, recommend safe work methods, and assist in developing appropriate best management practices. Participates in the investigation of employee injuries, vehicle accidents, property damage incidents, and other safety-related events to identify contributing factors and recommend corrective actions. Responds to the scene of vehicle accidents and other incidents as appropriate; gathers and documents relevant information; and prepares required accident and safety-related reports. Implements or coordinates safety training, program revisions, procedural changes, and equipment improvements needed to address identified hazards and prevent similar incidents from recurring. Coordinates with occupational health providers regarding routine employee health screenings and the evaluation and treatment of employees who experience work-related injuries or exposures. Assists with the administration and processing of workers’ compensation claims. Serves as the safety contact for the District’s workers’ compensation, liability, and property insurer; coordinates inspections, assessments, and facility tours; implements or tracks the implementation of insurer recommendations; and assists with the processing of assigned claims. Purchases, distributes, tracks, and maintains inventory control of District safety supplies, equipment, and personal protective equipment. Evaluates and selects personal protective equipment; verifies that equipment meets applicable safety requirements; coordinates its inspection and maintenance; and provides and documents required employee training on the proper use, care, and limitations. Maintains responsibility for personal safety and the safety of others by recognizing hazards and potentially hazardous conditions and consistently applying established safe work practices. Collaborates with District managers, supervisors, and employees to develop and implement effective safety programs and solutions. Stops or suspends work when unsafe conditions or practices create an immediate hazard. Performs other duties as assigned. Possess knowledge of common technical safety programs, including confined space entry, fall protection, electrical and arc flash safety, trenching and shoring, hazardous materials, hearing conservation, and respiratory protection. Possess knowledge of Personal Protection Equipment programs, hazard assessments, procedures, training, and equipment. Demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, teamwork, and a positive approach that encourages a strong safety culture throughout the District. Interpret safety regulations and implement programs and procedures necessary to ensure District compliance. Develop policies, programs, and lesson plans based upon regulatory requirements and the specific needs of various departments and divisions at the District. Establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with District employees, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, insurance representatives, and others. Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and adapt communication style to different audiences. Facilitate meetings, training sessions, and group discussions. Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail. Prepare clear, accurate, and well-organized plans, procedures, reports, and related documents. Plan, organize, and prioritize work to ensure that critical assignments are completed on time. Compile, evaluate, and analyze complex data and information from current information and historical trends, and make recommendations. Demonstrate initiative, dependability, and the ability towork independently. Proficiently use Microsoft Office applications and other standard office software. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED) Minimum of two years of experience in a safety-related field. Experience implementing safety programs and risk management programs similar to those required at a water utility are desirable. First-Aid/CPR certified Certification by the Department of Labor as a certified instructor on OSHA standards for construction and general industries is desirable. The designation of the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Associate Safety Professional (ASP) is desirable. Certifications issued by AWWA and other recognized industrial safety organizations on topics relevant to conducting specific safety training courses are desirable. Experience in the water industry is desirable. EQUIPMENT TO BE USED Must be able to operate a motor vehicle to travel to District facilities for inspections and other safety-related activities. Must also be able to use radios, telephones, standard office equipment and software, and safety equipment, including rescue and fall-protection equipment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, hear, and smell. The employee is frequently required to sit and is occasionally required to climb stairs and ladders or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The Safety Specialist must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly required to wear employer-provided personal protective equipment and must be able to wear and operate a half and full-face air purifying respirator and a supplied air system. The employee must have the ability to enter confined spaces such as tanks, vaults, and large diameter pipelines. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The Safety Specialist occasionally works in the industrial environment of a water treatment plant, wellfields, vaults, pipelines, support structures, and confined space environments, and is exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee must be able to work around chlorine and other chemicals used in the treatment of water which are classified by Title 8, California Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, Code Section 339 as extremely hazardous materials, and copper sulfate, which is a toxic material. The employee is occasionally exposed to interior wet and/or humid conditions, noise levels requiring hearing protection, elevated work zones, high-traffic areas, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud. The employee is a designated Emergency Services Worker and is occasionally called upon to work overtime or odd schedules and must be able to respond on short notice. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Possess a California Motor Vehicle Operators License and a driving record, provided by the DMV showing less than 2 points assessed in the last 36 months and/or no serious or multiple traffic violations or accidents or failure to appear notices within the last 36 months. Agree to authorize background reference checking with past employers and personal references. Agree to submit to and pass the District’s pre-employment, post-offer medical examination performed by a physician chosen and paid for by the District. Within six months of hire complete the Cal/OSHA 30-hour training for both General Industry and Construction. Within 12 months of hire complete the following: District-approved training in trenching, shoring and excavation; fall protection; and permit-required confined-space entry, and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, proficiency, and authority necessary to be designated by the District as a competent or qualified person, as applicable. District-approved NFPA 70E electrical safety and arc-flash training. District-approved training to become qualified in rigging, and the operation of forklifts and aerial lifts. Maintain all required qualifications through refresher training, evaluations, and demonstrated proficiency. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Calleguas Municipal Water District is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identification or other protected characteristic as outlined in federal, state or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr