Safety Specialist

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team! About Essential Utilities Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status—including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package and a commitment to career growth opportunities. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S. The Safety Specialist II ensures the safety of Aqua Texas and the workplace in accordance with general safety best practices and Essential Utilities safety practices. This position will administer the safety program throughout the Aqua TX footprint and may work out of Austin, Houston or Ft. Worth. In addition to administering the safety program, the Safety Specialist II will manage capital budgets in each state for continuous safety improvement projects. The Safety Specialist II is the leader of safety teams at the state level and will also participate with corporate safety programs. This position will include both office work and field work observing work practices. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s). Responsibilities and Duties Manages, develops, implements and enforces Aqua’s safety program in compliance with local, state, and Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations. Measures the Safety Program’s effectiveness through use of analytics, measures and indicators. Takes an active role in identifying and correcting any shortcomings. Works closely with local and corporate stakeholders to develop, implement, and update effective policies and procedures for all OSHA programs to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines. Conducts hands‑on training in subject matter as needed and is regularly available to guide, coach and assist others with understanding safety rules and expectations. Investigates all injuries and incidents in assigned region and interfaces with state management, HR and national safety director to ensure root cause and corrective actions are identified and implemented as required. On a continuous basis, interprets technical and regulatory information to provide guidance both in plants and in the field. Regularly observes and problem‑solves operational and technical procedures, as tasked by the national safety manager, may take the lead to communicate and share solutions nationally. Champions inspections, ride‑alongs, and audits to ensure safety presence in all operations. Regularly engages in troubleshooting concerns in the field and stop checks to ensure safety compliance. Serves as a subject‑matter expert (SME) to explain Aqua policies and procedures and safety/risk‑management concepts and practices to general regulators, consultants, and Aqua staff. As an SME safety specialist may write, develop, or revise policies, procedures or working SOPs for entire company or multiple regions under the direction of national safety. Interfaces with corporate and local management to formulate corrective actions to safety‑related issues and ensure full implementation of all corporate initiatives. Delivers, or fosters implementation of safety training for all levels of employees. Ensures training in a given region meets corporate expectations. Tracks training completion and maintains metrics for corporate and state reporting. Serves as SDS, chemical exposure and spill prevention coordinator in given region and monitors all current information on regulations and requirements related to hazardous materials and agents. Investigates and evaluates new safety equipment for appropriateness. Provides input to local managers in preparing budget in regard to safety equipment purchases and training programs. Administers state or regional programs for procurement of safety gear, PPE, tools or consultants to support safety goals. Follows established protocols and company policies of other departments such as procurement, IT and operations when obtaining services. Responds and provides assistance in emergency situations. May require work on alternate shifts or after hours. Maintains utmost confidentiality in dealing with employee records and business information. Secures records and interfaces with HR and Legal departments to ensure business interests are protected. Attends conferences, meetings, and workshops to keep up‑to‑date on new safety methods and procedures to applicable codes and regulations or to maintain required level of certification. Performs other duties as assigned. Required Experience Candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in safety management, safety engineering, industrial hygiene, occupational environment health and safety, or a related field. Minimum of 3–5 years of experience and knowledge of environmental and occupational health and safety, along with an established track record of success may be considered as a substitute for the educational requirements. Must possess a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. Must be able to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action. Safety certifications such as CSP, CHMM or successful completion of OSHA 501 (train‑the‑trainer) highly desired. Candidate must be competent in oral and written communications. The candidate must have demonstrated computer skills, including proficiency in using common word processing software, spreadsheet software, database applications, project and presentation software, email, contact management and scheduling software. Candidate should demonstrate a working knowledge of safety rules and regulations at all levels of government, including federal, state and local. The candidate should also show an ability, through demonstrated experience, to accomplish the following: conduct safety audits and field inspections to ensure compliance with occupational and environmental health and safety requirements; develop, implement and maintain employee training programs; establish and maintain complete safety and training records; and develop, update and manage workplace safety programs, procedures and policies. Travel: This position requires frequent travel to company locations and regular field inspections. Overnight travel up to 50%. Physical requirements: This position requires the ability to periodically work outside in potentially inclement weather including hot and cold temperatures, wind or rain. May require climbing, bending, wearing of PPE or lifting of equipment up to 50 lbs. Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered‑veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io). To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals: Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship. Family members cannot work in the same department. #J-18808-Ljbffr