SAFETY ADVISOR

Occupational Safety Advisor

This position is an Occupational Safety Advisor assigned to the General Services Department (GSD) as well as several other departments. The scope of this role includes Occupational Risk Management and Occupational Safety and Health support across these departments, ensuring safe operations and compliance with safety standards throughout the City of Houston.

Primary responsibility is to develop and implement safety and health programs. Directs and coordinates the technical and administrative activities of the Occupational Health and Safety Programs. Determines procedures used in day-to-day operations to protect and improve the health and safety of personnel. Designs and implements various ergonomic programs to mitigate occupational injuries. Conducts and analyzes various types of occupational health surveys. Advises and consults with representatives of the public, management, labor and professional groups on the organization and operation of occupational health activities. Evaluates scientific and statistical data, interprets results, and prepares various reports. Consults with local, state, and federal agencies concerning regulatory guidelines and standards. Oversees the Hazard communication/Right-To-Know Act. Stays abreast of all current guidelines and research concerning occupational exposures, including new developments in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) law. Supervises the investigation and analysis of incidents that involve City property, equipment, or employees. Plans, develops, and coordinates comprehensive safety surveys and studies. Oversees various safety and health training programs such as first aid, defensive driving, proper equipment handling, work practices, new products, policies, and laws. Keeps abreast of new and existing safety legislation, products, and developments. Attends and participates in educational safety and health meetings and conferences. Oversees the preparation, analysis and distribution of data and statistical reports concerning accidents, trends, and solutions to work related problems for all city departments. Conducts or participates in group and committee safety meetings in an advisory capacity with all levels of supervisors within a department. Conducts and participates in special projects. Driving to various locations is an essential function of this position and requires a Texas Driver's License.

Performing these duties will involve being available by cellular phone; attending meetings; visually observing and differentiating details; operating a city vehicle; dealing with people in tense situations; responding to emergencies; standing and walking for extended periods; exposure to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture, air pollution and noise. The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or and equivalent weight) may be required. During certain emergency situations, must be willing and available to work all shifts, including rotating, weekends and holidays. Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearances. If/when working in field environments, there may be exposures to extreme levels of temperature, air/noise pollution, chemical gases and substances, and/or contagious diseases, or physical trauma conditions of a short- term disabling nature, such as broken bones.

Minimum Requirements

Education Requirements Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Health & Occupational Safety, Science, Engineering, Business Administration or related field. Experience Requirements Four years of experience in safety administration or a closely related field are required. Some supervisory experience is preferred. Substitution: Pertinent professional experience may be substituted for the above educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A related Master's degree may be substituted for two years of the above experience requirement. License Requires a valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving.

Preferences

Safety management system, safety program development, project management and statistical data analysis experience preferred. Strong communication skills; comprehensive knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office; completion of advanced training resulting in certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Safety Management Specialist (SMS), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), Associate Risk Manager (ARM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Accredited Professional Statistician (PSTAT), and Certified Analytics Specialist (CAP).

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

General Information

Selection / Skills Tests Required Department may administer skills assessment test. Safety Impact Position YES - this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test. Salary Information Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification PAY GRADE: 24 Application Procedures Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you need special services or accommodations, call View phone number on click.appcast.io. (TTY 7-1-1) If you need login assistance or technical support call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided. EOE Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Benefits

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account