A Safety Specialist works with safety specialists to inspect and test workplace environments and equipment and develop workplace safety programs. May specialize in product and equipment safety, and work to identify and correct safety hazards before they affect a customer or end user.
Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 reserves the right to select candidates considered to be the most highly qualified based on education and/or experience.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the District's Field Operations Director, the Safety Officer I is responsible for monitoring, conducting, and participating programs designed to reduce accidents through effective accident prevention techniques; performs moderately complex (journey-level) safety and health program work; work involves developing safety policies and procedures, participating in the safety training and education of staff, inspecting work areas and activities for hazards, and investigating accidents; may train others; works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Assists in investigating accidents; conducts inspections; confers with department heads and supervisors on unsafe practices and/or conditions to recommend corrective actions; coordinates this function with other safety officers. Investigates internal issues as assigned. Conducts investigations for the District as assigned. Assists in reviewing files, reports, and programs for compliance with applicable state and federal laws related to risk management and loss control programs. Assist in inspecting construction, remodeling, and renovation sites to ensure the finished project will be in compliance with safety standards. Assists in implementing risk management loss control programs and guidelines. Reviews loss and exposure data. Recommends safety specifications and protective devices for equipment and fixed structures to be used and conducts utilization spot checks. Assists in preparing safety information for publication to promote employee safety. Assists in maintaining a safety technical library. Maintains accurate log of accidents and injuries. Oversee the Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1's participation in the FMCSA Clearinghouse and related policies. Monitors and coordinates safety practices with contracted Engineers and/or Construction Contractors conducting business for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1. Assists in conducting and coordinating employee safety training. Identifies loss exposures and to develop and implement corrective action and accident prevention plans. Conducts on-site inspections of properties, facilities, and work sites to identify hazards and risk exposure. Reviews established safety regulations and standards, and recommends appropriate modifications. Organizes, coordinates, and attends meetings of accident review boards, safety committees, etc. Provides visual aids and other materials on specific safety subjects; review training films and other audio/visual aids for use in training programs. Prepares, reviews, and analyzes accident reports and other special reports as required. Reviews safety specifications for items to be purchased. Assists in writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Safety Programs. Participates in Road Safety Programs (on-call). Working hours subject to change as deemed necessary for the District's needs. Performs other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
High School Diploma or GED required. A minimum of an associate's degree or some college coursework in Industrial Safety, or a related field is preferred. Two (2) to three (3) years of experience in a safety-related field or accident prevention program. Any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATION
Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license. Must be able to be insured by the District's insurance carrier. Certificates of participation of industry courses (see Experience and Education above).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local safety regulations. Knowledge in accident prevention principles, practices and procedures. Knowledge in training and investigation methods, procedures, and techniques, both in the field and in the classroom. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to develop clear and concise written reports with skill in operating a personal computer and utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Power point, and Access. Ability English and Spanish usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If not certified at the time of employment, an individual must be able to attend and successfully complete a Peace Officers Academy, as required. Ability to use basic computer technology to access the employee portal and operate District-issued electronic devices.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to find, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop and kneel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move over twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Employee may be subject to work in inclement weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Maintain physical conditions appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following: sitting for extended periods of time standing for extended periods of time operating assigned equipment Maintain mental capacity which permits: making sound decisions and using good judgment demonstrating intellectual capabilities Effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve: working closely with others working in a multi-task environment Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: making observations reading and writing operating assigned equipment communication with others required to follow all District safety regulations Employee Benefits Paid Time Off (Includes Sick, Annual and Comp. Time) Paid Medical Insurance Dependent Coverage Available (extra fee) Voluntary Products Available Paid Life Insurance w/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Longevity Pay (after 5 years of service) Paid Holidays Jury Duty Pay Military Leave Voting Pay FMLA Workers' Compensation Employee Voluntary Sick Leave Pool Employee Assistance Program Wellness Program Direct Deposit Retirement Plan 7% Pre Tax (Current Employer Matching 250%)
