Safety Inspector

The Safety Inspector is a field‑based compliance role established to support implementation of the Harris County Worksite Safety Policy adopted by Commissioners Court on November 13, 2025. Under general supervision of the Health and Safety Manager, the Safety Inspector ensures workplace safety compliance on construction projects and facilities within the Harris County Office of the County Engineer, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), and Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA). This position implements department‑specific safety programs tailored to each operation’s unique construction and maintenance environments and supports the Worksite Safety Policy. The Inspector ensures safe working conditions for all workers on Harris County construction projects. He/she collaborates with project managers, contractors, subcontractors, the County Safety Monitor, and internal safety staff to identify, correct, document, and prevent hazardous conditions. Job Duties Inspection & Compliance (35%) Conduct random and scheduled site safety visits and inspections Use the Universal Site Inspection Checklist, outlined in the Policy, to verify compliance with the Policy and applicable OSHA standards Review contractor daily inspection checklists and safety documentation Interview workers and supervisors regarding safety practices Issue Stop Work Orders when required and appropriate, as outlined in the Policy Violations & Hazards (20%) Notify all applicable stakeholders of violations and non‑compliance findings Issue written notices of non‑compliance requiring corrective action and verify that corrective actions have been properly implemented Provide immediate verbal notification of serious hazards or imminent danger conditions Worker Complaint Investigation (15%) Receive worker complaints Record complaints directly in the County's tracking system Provide a case number and expected timeline to the worker and protect worker confidentiality to the extent possible Investigate complaints in accordance with the Policy Reporting & Documentation (10%) Photograph or video record site conditions and safety violations Issue written inspection reports within five business days Work with Data Analysts to provide information for central database tracking, including inspection findings, checklist deficiencies, stop work order issues, corrective actions and completion status, repeat violations and systemic issues, and other information as needed Provide information to the County Safety Monitor for quarterly Worksite Safety Reports, as defined in the Policy Collaboration & Support (10%) Work closely with the Health and Safety Manager and Project Managers to address safety concerns Coordinate with the Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity (DEEO), the County Safety Monitor, on escalations, complaint investigations, and non-retaliation procedures Recommend program improvements and strengthen countywide compliance and contractor accountability Other Activities (10%) Provide training, coaching, and guidance to department employees on safe work practices and regulatory requirements, including fall protection, confined space entry, excavation safety, and PPE use Develop and deliver safety training for department employees on hazard recognition, safe work practices, and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Conduct safety inspection and related activities for non-contractor led construction, maintenance, or other related operations When applicable identify contractor and subcontractor training deficiencies and collaborate with management to address them Stay current with evolving safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices to ensure continuous program improvement Education Associate degree in Occupational Safety, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or related field from an accredited institution Equivalent combination of technical training and directly related safety experience (minimum four years) may substitute for educational requirements Experience Minimum two (2) years of construction safety experience including field inspection, OSHA compliance monitoring, and incident investigation Certification Requirements OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification required One of the following professional certifications required within 12 months of hire: Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST) Associate Safety Professional (ASP) – Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO) Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) certification Driver's License Valid Class C Texas Driver License required with acceptable driving record per Harris County fleet policy Must maintain acceptable driving record as a condition of continued employment, given extensive daily driving requirements (70-80% of work time) Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) Strong computer skills, utilizing internet-based databases and Microsoft software such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams; self-starter with exceptional attention to detail, organization, time management, and decision-making skills Ability to work independently with limited supervision, relative autonomy, and general review; excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills Ability to learn newly implemented software with proficiency and adapt to procedure changes with ease; ability to operate and/or utilize a variety of standard business and office machines and equipment Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals; ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information at all times Previous management or supervisory experience Emergency Response Obligations This position is designated as essential personnel and may be required to work before, during, and after emergency events Must be available for after-hours emergency response for serious injuries, fatalities, or major incidents Participates in departmental emergency operations planning and disaster recovery safety protocols May be assigned to support multi-departmental emergency responses NOTE Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. Only information stated on the application will be used for consideration. “See Resume” will not be accepted for qualifications. Work Environment Work is performed primarily in outdoor field environments at active construction sites throughout Harris County. Regular exposure to construction hazards including moving equipment, excavations, elevated work areas, noise, dust, extreme weather conditions, and vehicular traffic. Office work includes report preparation and safety record maintenance. Inspectors must wear required PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, and steel-toed boots at all construction sites. Position requires extensive driving (approximately 70-80% of work time) to multiple project locations daily across Harris County’s 1,777 square miles. Physical & Mental Demands The position can be physically challenging. Sitting for extended periods of time with frequent standing and walking and occasional ascending/descending stairs. Lifting up to 20 lbs. and/or a negligible amount of constant force may be required. Speech, vision, and hearing must be adequate or corrected to be able to accomplish assigned duties. Inspectors must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle and travel as needed throughout Harris County to visit indoor and outdoor work locations. Must be able to safely navigate active construction sites including uneven terrain, climbing ladders/stairs, entering confined spaces, and working at heights. Must be able to wear required PPE for extended periods including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, high-visibility vest, respirator, and hearing protection as site conditions require. This position also requires a high level of attention to detail, the ability to develop new ideas or processes, manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and retain key information from reference materials as needed. Position Type and Typical Hours of Work Full-time position Typical work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Subject to frequent early morning and evening work. Some weekend work may be required. Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department. FEATURED BENEFITS Medical, vision, and dental insurance Wellness Professional development opportunity 457 deferred compensation plans Retirement pension (TCDRS) Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program) Disability and life insurance Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Equal Opportunity Employer Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate. #J-18808-Ljbffr