Safety Officer

Safety Officer

New Hanover County is seeking an experienced Safety Officer to join our Risk Management team. In this role, you'll lead countywide safety initiatives by developing and implementing safety programs, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, provide OSHA and other required safety training, manage workers' compensation and liability claims, and support ADA compliance. If you're a knowledgeable safety professional who thrives on creating safer workplaces, reducing organizational risk, and serving your community, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Duties include:

• Serves as a resource to employees and management and addresses safety questions and concerns.
• Identifies hazardous equipment and operations, recommends solutions to minimize hazards, and assists in re-engineering processes.
• Coordinates ongoing safety and health projects and ensures contractor safety compliance.
• Conducts inspections and surveys on occupational health conditions, such as noise, dust, lead and carbon monoxide levels, asbestos, inorganic toxic metals, organic vapors, nuisance fumes and ergonomics.
• Stands in for inspections from outside organizations and entities.
• Identifies potential threats to employee safety; and selects and implements the most effective systems for protecting staff.
• Keeps county employees current on best security practices; and recommends actions to prevent threats in the system's weak areas.
• Reviews camera footage to approve to be released to the general public.
• Develops and implements OSHA-mandated safety and health training programs for employees.
• Develops and maintains records of employee training, industrial hygiene monitoring, accidents, workers compensation claims, etc.
• Provides required training, i.e., lock-out, tag-out, blood borne pathogens, right-to-know, first aid, CPR, fork-lift operation, etc.
• Investigates workplace accidents and makes recommendations for corrective action.
• Establishes and updates policies and procedures for compliance with federal and state OSHA regulations.
• Administers the County's worker's compensation program.
• Coordinates compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Serves as advisor of the County's Employee Safety Committee.
• Serves as back-up to Risk Management Specialist and when the Risk Management Specialist is unavailable, reviews, investigates, and processes initial auto liability, auto collision and general liability claims to include interviewing involved parties, photographing and measuring accident scenes, analyzing claim merits and coverage issues, monitoring claim activity through the settlement, and negotiating claims' settlements up to deductible amounts.
• Provides clear and accurate responses to coverage, safety, and other risk management related questions.
• Performs work with regular and predictable attendance consistently meeting the scheduling needs as required by the county.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

Knowledge of applicable federal and state workplace safety and environmental regulations (NCOSHA); technical aspects of environmental health and safety; industrial hygiene methods; NFPA and American National Standards Institute standards; worker's compensation system; and basic mechanical operations.

Skilled in preparing and presenting training programs; conducting inspections; performing necessary industrial hygiene surveys; preparing policies and procedures; developing safety programs; monitoring safety in workplaces; investigating and reporting workplace accidents; using computers and related software applications; and communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday. Must be available to report for emergency work assignment during emergency situations.

Salary Information: The current hiring range for this position is $56,351 - $76,074 annually, plus a competitive benefits package. Salary is negotiable within the hiring range, depending on qualifications.

Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience: Associate's Degree in Industrial Hygiene, Industrial Engineering, Occupational Safety and Health, or related field, and five (5) years of related industrial hygiene or safety administration experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the specific position as listed above.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required at time of application.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License required by first date of employment with good driving record.
• OSHA 30 Hour Compliance for General Industry, within six (6) months of employment.
• OSHA 30 Hour Compliance for Construction, within six (6) months of employment.
• National Safety Council Driving Instructor Certification must be attained, as determined by supervisor, following successful completion of introductory period.

Other Information:

Living in New Hanover County, NC: New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.

Next Steps:

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.