Workplace Safety Specialist (Internal Hennepin County applicants only)

Workplace Safety Specialist

Hennepin County's Workplace Safety division is seeking a Workplace Safety Specialist to work with Public Works and other lines of business. This position will provide workplace safety services to county departments to minimize injuries, prevent losses and maintain a safe, compliant, and healthy work environment for employees and residents. Candidates with experience in workplace safety, construction safety, road work safety, public works, safety auditing, emergency management, facility management, confined space, and lockout/tagout are encouraged to apply. Location and hours: This position is hybrid and will be performed on-site at county buildings, at construction sites, and remote as job duties require. Work hours will typically be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with some flexibility in start and end times. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. About the position type: This is a full-time, benefit earning position. You must be a current regular or probationary employee of the Hennepin County to apply for this position. Limited duration employees are not eligible. This position is internally classified as a Workplace Safety Specialist. Note: You must attach your resume with your application materials to be considered for this position. In this position, you will:

• Participate in and/or lead department safety teams/committees, construction safety meetings, Workplace Safety division committees and team events.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for departments regarding regulatory compliance investigations, workplace safety consultation, employee and departmental safety concerns, and safety training needs.
• Conduct ergonomic evaluations, lead safety campaigns, research environmental health and safety topics, investigate injuries and illnesses, manage OSHA recordkeeping, support injury-reduction efforts for high-risk occupations, and assist with the First Report of Injury process.
• Develop and deliver new safety training programs; review, update, and teach existing training courses and supporting materials.
• Perform safety inspections of facilities, construction sites, and public works projects.
• Provide safety support and technical assistance for staff working in the field who provide one-on-one client services.
• Respond to employee and department concerns about safety and health; investigate claims of unsafe practices, procedures and equipment; follow up on workplace injuries and illnesses.

Need to have:

• One of the following: Bachelor's degree or higher in occupational safety, public health, community health, environmental health, occupational medicine, industrial safety, safety engineering or a field closely related to the position and two years or more of experience in either safety, health, investigations, healthcare accreditation or a specialty area related to the position. Or Six years or more of experience in either safety, health, investigations, healthcare accreditation or a specialty area related to the position.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County driver's permit.
• Ability and willingness to travel to multiple locations throughout Hennepin County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation.
• Ability to lift equipment up to 50 lbs., occasionally bend, squat, and climb ladders, etc. with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice to have:

• Safety related certifications such as: OSHA 30 hour for construction, OSHA 500, ISO 45001, certified safety professional credentials (ASP and CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE), National Safety Council Advanced Safety Certification (ASC), certified in infection prevention, or other related certifications.
• Experience: Providing direction and assistance on workplace safety issues, auditing, lockout/tagout, excavation, confined spaces, construction safety, roadway safety, public works equipment, and/or machine guarding. Conducting worksite construction safety or regulatory audits. Managing construction, safety or facility projects. Creating training presentations and facilitating virtual and in-person training.
• Knowledge of: State and federal laws, regulations, rules, codes, and standards pertaining to workplace safety issues, facility and construction safety. The following software/computer programs: Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe, PowerBi, or other comparable software/programs.
• Consulting, coaching, negotiating, and consensus building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to: Make recommendations and apply best practices to protect employees and clients. Be a team player that can handle multiple projects in a diverse department. Create and conduct training presentations. Perform evaluations and statistical studies. Work independently and in a team environment. Problem solve and serve on committee(s).

About the department: In Human Resources, we make it our mission to provide an employee experience that attracts and retains the best talent to serve our residents. HR programs and services are instrumental in realizing the county's stated organizational value: "Continuous development and engagement of our workforce to reflect innovation, creativity, and diversity in planning for the future."

About Hennepin County: Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, eliminate inequities, and create opportunity for all and our vision of a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive. Our employees receive a combination of competitive benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (login as Employee). Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the elimination of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community. Your future. Made here. This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.