Safety Specialist

SPA EXTERNAL POSITION POSTING DATES POSTED: 06/17 - 06/27/2026 Position Summary The Safety Specialist is responsible for district-wide injury investigation, analysis, and detailed inspections of district property and procedures to ensure compliance with the district's policies and procedures for employee safety, public safety, and business resiliency. The Safety Specialist serves as an advisor to the district's Safety Committee and provides assistance to the Manager, Safety in achieving the safety goals defined by the Vice President, Safety and Security. Responsibilities also include developing and implementing requirements for proper and safe operation, and maintenance and use of various types of equipment used by district employees. The Safety Specialist may also deliver or coordinate training programs for the district's required safety training needs, as determined. Education Required – Bachelor's Degree in safety management, loss prevention, risk management, or a related field of study; or must enroll in a qualifying program within 90 days of hire and complete the required degree within 48 months. Minimum Requirements Required – Minimum of 4 years of experience in the field of industrial, construction, and general workplace safety. A combination of relevant education, certifications, and experience may be considered in lieu of the required experience. Required – Experience as a trainer in the classroom and in the field, preferably training within Occupational Safety & Health (e.g., Confined Space, Excavation, Fall Protection, CPR, Stop The Bleed, etc.). Must have the ability to obtain trainer level certifications within eighteen (18) months of being placed in the position. Licenses, Certifications and Testing Required – Have and maintain a valid driver's license upon hire. Required – Employee(s) in this position are covered under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol testing provisions. This includes post-offer, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, follow-up, and return to duty testing upon hire. Required – Pre-employment Background Check & Drug Screen upon hire. Required – Successful completion of HAZWOPER and maintain: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response; OSHA standard 29 CFR Part 1910.120 certification, and become Hazardous Materials Technician certified within one (1) year to serve as a Hazardous Materials Incident Safety Officer in an emergency. Required – Safety certification in Occupational Safety within one (1) year. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Previous knowledge of heavy construction equipment and specialized tools is preferred. Demonstrated experience with public speaking; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions in large and small group environments (entry proficiency). Strong writing and communication skills, specific to policy and procedure development with attention to detail, organization, accuracy, and analytical abilities. Proficiency with personal computers, tablets, and/or other electronic devices, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word) and enterprise-wide software (e.g., SAP) (advanced proficiency). Ability to learn new or upgraded computer software as required. Efficient written and verbal communication skills, in English, to assist internal and external customers, co-workers and management professionally. Ability to manage own workload with minimum supervision. Preferably reside within the district's service area for minimal response time in emergencies. Ability to respond to emergency incidents and inspect all work locations in a variety of weather and terrain conditions. Essential Functions Conduct frequent inspections of job sites in the field and of all district facilities for hazard assessments, risk analysis, and to identify deficiencies in safety equipment and procedures. Prepare timely written summaries of findings and recommendations to eliminate hazards, risks, and deficiencies identified during periodic inspections. Communicate these findings and recommendations to the Vice President, Safety and Security, and appropriate management; undertake the follow-up necessary to ensure corrective action is taken. Investigate all safety incidents and near-miss events and serve as a backup for investigations of vehicle accidents. Recommend changes in procedures and practices based upon the results of these investigations. Develop, administer and conduct training programs; maintain a library of resource material for training, continuing education and professional development. Research maintenance and operating manuals for the development of classroom, one-on-one and field instruction of heavy construction equipment, vehicles and processes. Oversee safe operating practices by conducting review sessions for operators; illustrate and explain the proper maintenance, methods and safe operation of heavy construction equipment under normal and emergency conditions. Recommend machine alterations or modifications to improve operation procedures which promote and support the safety of the operator and co-workers. Schedule, administer and perform respiratory fit testing and screening, and maintain accurate records. Serve as a safety advisor during all Safety Committee-related meetings and provide safety-related written and verbal communications for division supervisors, Safety Committee members and other staff members as appropriate. Record and monitor all emergency incidents or critical procedures utilizing the Incident Command System with a mastery of Incident Management strategies and functions. Drive district vehicles and operate a variety of heavy and specialized motor equipment safely and competently. Serve as the designated Agency Representative (AREP) within the Incident Command System for emergencies at the district or other incidents as needed. Remain as district AREP at the emergency scene until relieved, or a safe declaration has been made, or when AREP duties are delegated to other operations staff remaining on scene. Fulfill responsibilities common to all supervisory, professional, and administrative positions as stated. Required for All Jobs Perform a variety of other duties as assigned. Understand and comply with all district policies and procedures. Stakeholder Relationships Board of Directors All levels of district Internal and external customers Federal, State and local agencies Community organizations and partners Consultants, contractors and other third-party organizations that fall within the scope of this role Professional, industry, trade, and civic associations Physical and Environmental Requirements Work may be performed in an office setting amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, office lighting and noise, but field/plant visits are required. Hybrid Flexible Work Arrangement Job may be eligible for a hybrid in‑office and work-from-home flexible work arrangement. Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation. #J-18808-Ljbffr