Safety Specialist

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Job Summary
The Safety Specialist supports the Safety, Health & Environmental (SHE) Department by conducting routine safety inspections across explosives production areas, maintaining required documentation, and promoting a proactive, compliant, and collaborative safety culture. This role utilizes electronic tools for safety recordkeeping, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and partners with plant leadership to ensure the well-being of all employees, contractors, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Conduct frequent safety inspections of production and support areas to identify hazards and ensure compliance with OSHA, ATF, and company standards.
• Document safety observations, housekeeping checks, and related activities to support corrective actions and safety improvements.
• Review and approve permits to work (Hot Work, Non-Routine Task, Line Break, etc.).
• Maintain and issue PPE inventory for the site.
• Generate work requests and partner with maintenance/operations to correct hazards promptly.
• Perform audits of safety programs and assist with preparing for internal/external regulatory inspections.
• Serve as an on-site first responder for incidents such as injuries, evacuations, and other emergency events.
• Maintain accurate logs and records; communicate shift information to SHE leadership and relevant supervisors.
• Ensure contractors and vendors understand and follow site safety requirements.
• Participate in weekly safety meetings and lead toolbox talks as assigned.
• Support incident investigations, including root-cause analysis and corrective action development.
• Collaborate with team members to enhance the plant safety culture and support continuous improvement.
• Perform other SHE-related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; additional safety training or certifications preferred (e.g., OSHA 30, First Aid/CPR, HAZMAT).
• Ability to work independently, make decisions aligned with established procedures, and proactively identify risks.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of coaching employees in a respectful, constructive manner.
• Ability to read and interpret safety policies, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Demonstrated ability to respond quickly and confidently in emergency situations.
• Reliable, punctual, detail-oriented, and committed to confidentiality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with willingness to learn new tools and methodologies.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously (e.g., radio communication, data entry, permit management).

Work Environment

This position requires regular presence in manufacturing and explosive handling areas, involving walking, climbing stairs, exposure to outdoor elements, and use of PPE. The Safety Specialist must be capable of responding rapidly to emergencies in all facility areas.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder participates in E-Verify.

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.