Field Safety Specialist

Heritage Cooperative is always looking for friendly, outgoing, customer-service driven employees. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are constantly thinking outside of the box for new ways to make working at Heritage Cooperative attractive to our current and prospective employees. If this sounds like you, QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 5 years of experience in safety and a GSP, ASP, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field working towards a safety certification. Or 10 years of experience in safety Valid drivers license with acceptable MVR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS CSP or similar safety certifications Experience in an agriculture cooperative or energy background OSHA 10 or 30; or willing to obtain a 30 OSHA-Authorized Outreach Trainer Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and responsibilities ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Visit each Heritage Cooperative location for the purpose of performing OSHA-like inspections and audits Identify potential hazards, assess risks, and develop corrective actions to mitigate them Ensure each location has up-to-date policies and procedures Verify relevant recordkeeping is being done where required Ensure employees at each location have been properly trained on relevant tasks Ie: LOTO, Confined space, powered industrial trucks, etc. Assist location managers to complete this training with their employees Review training enrollment needs based on divisions, locations, duties, etc. Document findings in a report which will include: Findings and recommendations or corrective actions Best management practices Lessons learned to share between facilities This task may require overnight travel Travel estimated at 50% or greater depending on pace of facility audit schedule Assist in investigating workplace accidents and incidents, provide recommendations for corrective and preventive measures Assist the Director of Safety Risk & Compliance and the Safety Manager Serve as a positive representation of Heritage Cooperative’s Core Values Provide Superior Customer Service Highest Standards of Integrity and Trust Continuous Improvement Being a Good Partner Environmental sampling Water and air sampling following approved EPA methods Industrial Hygiene Personal exposure monitoring (noise, dust, hazardous chemicals, etc.) Knowledge of personal protective equipment and respiratory requirements Help enforce and implement Safety Policies at the field level Coach and consult with operations and management on their duties and roles in alignment with safety policies and state and federal regulatory requirements The successful candidate will be a safety leader for the cooperative by following and demonstrating all safety policies and procedures, training, and initiatives. They will also help to improve the overall Safety Culture of the cooperative by having a strong field presence and fostering an environment of open discussion of safety issues. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Mobility: The role requires frequent movement across various terrains, including uneven fields, sloped ground, and wet or muddy surfaces. It involves a lot of walking, bending, stooping, climbing, and lifting. Stamina: Long periods of standing, walking, and working in various weather conditions are common. The field safety specialist must have the physical stamina to conduct thorough site inspections and investigations. Lifting and Carrying: The ability to lift and carry heavy equipment or materials up to 50 pounds is often necessary for inspecting machinery, setting up safety equipment, or responding to incidents. Climbing: This includes the ability to climb ladders, stairs, and elevated platforms, such as those found on silos, grain bins, and large farm machinery. Use of Senses: A field safety specialist needs to have keen observational skills. They must be able to see details, hear sounds from different directions, and identify differences in colors or shades (e.g., in chemical labels or safety signs). Attention to Detail: reports and other team communications must be thorough and accurate to ensure expectations are clear. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Weather and Temperature: The job requires working outdoors in all seasons, from extreme heat and humidity to freezing temperatures, rain, and snow. This includes being able to identify and mitigate risks like heat stress or hypothermia. Chemical Exposure: The environment contains various hazardous chemicals, including fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fuels. The field safety specialist must be knowledgeable about chemical hazards, communication standards, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Dust, Pollen, and Mold: Agricultural cooperatives are dusty environments, especially during planting and harvesting. The field safety specialist must address respiratory hazards from grain dust, mold, and pollen. Noise: Farm machinery, such as tractors and harvesters, generates high levels of noise. The field safety specialist must be able to assess noise exposure and implement hearing protection programs. Confined Spaces: The role involves working in or around confined spaces like grain bins, silos, and manure pits, which present risks of suffocation, entrapment, and hazardous gas exposure. Machinery and Equipment: The workplace is filled with heavy machinery and equipment, including tractors, augers, and conveyors. The field safety specialist must be able to identify deficiencies in machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and other controls to prevent injuries from entanglement, crushing, or rollovers. WHY HERITAGE Competitive Pay 401k match after 6 months Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits Company paid life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability Farm Bureau Membership Paid Holidays, sick and vacation time DISCLAIMER The job description is not intended to cover or describe all tasks, duties and responsibilities the employee may be required to be asked to perform. Heritage Cooperative retains the right to change or add new tasks, duties and responsibilities at any time, with or without notice to the employee. WORK AUTHORIZATION Evidence of work authorization upon employment is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Completion of USCIS form I-9 will be required in order to verify employment eligibility within 3 business days of the first day of employment. AAP/EEO STATEMENT Heritage Cooperative provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Heritage Cooperative complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Heritage Cooperative expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Heritage Cooperative’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including termination. #J-18808-Ljbffr