Safety Specialist

DEFINITION

Initially under immediate and then general supervision; assists in the planning and administration of the Agency's safety program; assists in organizing and implementing safety training, facility inspections; assists in preparing and updating plans and manuals associated with employee health, safety, and emergency preparedness, and assists in conducting injury and accident investigations; and performs related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives immediate and general supervision from the Safety Officer. Incumbents in this class do not exercise direction over Agency staff, but they do provide safety instruction and direction.

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS   (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists in the preparation, implementation, and maintenance of the Agency's written Health and Safety program, Injury and Illness Prevention Plan, Emergency Response Plan, job hazard analysis documentation, Hazardous Materials Business Plan, and various other plans and programs.
• Assists in conducting and participates in incident investigations relating to occupational injuries and incidents, fleet incidents resulting in damage to property and/or injury, and other workplace-related incidents.
• Assists in conducting and participates in facility and other compliance-related inspections; maintains required documentation, and prepares technical documents to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
• Assists in the preparation of safety training sessions for staff.
• Maintains files, logs, reports, and training records.
• Conducts and participates in facility audits; identifies safety hazards and makes suggestions and/or implements corrective actions.
• Maintains proper safety related postings in accordance with Cal-OSHA.
• Conducts routine inventory assessments.
• Conducts and assists with emergency related drills and emergency preparedness exercises.
• Identifies appropriate safety training topics for staff, assists in the preparation of the safety training calendar, and conducts safety training for staff.
• Assists with the purchasing and stocking of safety-related supplies and personal protective equipment.
• Communicates with other departments, employees, and regulatory agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns.
• Operates a variety of office equipment, including a computer and assigned software.
• Operates audio-visual equipment.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS  

This position has both indoor and outdoor responsibilities. The position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on uneven surfaces, reaching, grasping, making repetitive hand movements, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and/or stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment and in reading reports and work-related documents. Incumbents are required to work in all weather conditions including heat, rain and cold. The position requires fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard and mouse. Incumbents may work in and around road traffic, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards and in confined spaces on occasion. Incumbents may also be required to operate various appurtenances within the distribution system and may be required to lift items up to 50 pounds.
 
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS  (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Safety Specialist. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is:
 

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience implementing, coordinating and/or administering a safety program, or to have completed or be in the process of completing an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in safety, health, environmental science or a closely related field.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Grade I Distribution Operator's certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, within eighteen (18) months of employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Grade I Treatment Operator's certification issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, within eighteen (18) months of employment.
• A valid and current CPR certificate and First Aid certificate is required.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a HAZWOPER Emergency Response certificate within two (2) years of employment.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES   (The following are a representative sample of the KSA’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge/Skills of:

• Principles, policies, practices and methods for administering a safety program.
• Federal, state, and local safety regulations such as Cal-OSHA and related requirements.
• Principles and techniques of incident prevention.
• Learn methods and practices for conducting incident and workplace safety audits and investigations.
• Instructional methods, training aids and materials necessary for developing, coordinating and implementing safety education and training.
• Inventory techniques.
• Modern office procedures, practices, methods and equipment, including use of a computer and applicable software.
• Methods and techniques for recordkeeping and report preparation.
• Proper English, spelling, and grammar.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices, policies and procedures in the workplace.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of the Agency’s safety program.
• Assess and evaluate most workplace situations and hazards and recommend appropriate corrective measures or strategies.
• Assist in conducting effective employee training programs.
• Follow safety policies and practices in the workplace.
• Read, interpret, and record data accurately.
• Operate audio-visual equipment.
• Organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Make sound decisions within established guidelines.
• Follow written and oral directions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Selection Process

HOW TO APPLY
 
Read the job notice thoroughly, note the minimum requirements of the position, and compile any information or documents necessary for the application. Complete and submit your application along with supporting documents such as resume and cover letter. It is important that your application is complete and thorough. Please include all requested information including education, certifications, and relevant experience.
 
Be advised that, while you may submit a resume with your application, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Incomplete applications will likely be rejected.
 
SELECTION PROCESS
 
Human Resources administers the Agency's recruitment procedures to ensure a fair and unbiased selection. Applications may be removed from the process if they are incomplete or where the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications. Accepted applicants will interview before an unbiased, multiparty interview and scoring panel. Interviewed applicants will be scored on areas such as education, experience, demonstrated qualifications, communication skills, and interview presentation, among others. While seniority is considered, the Agency will choose the best qualified candidate regardless of time at the Agency. The Agency strives to fill each position with the most qualified candidate.
 
RECRUITMENT STATUS
 
Applicants will be provided notification electronically to the email provided in the application. To check the status of a submitted job application and to track the recruitment process, log in to governmentjobs.com by clicking the "Applicant Login" button on the Agency's Job Opportunities page. Once you sign in, you will be directed to your Applications page where you can view the status of Submitted (and Incomplete) applications.
 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
 
The Agency selects applicants on the basis of applicant qualifications and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious or political affiliation, creed, citizenship status, military service status, marital status, pregnancy, age (over 40), national origin, ancestry, medical condition, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.
 
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES
 
The Agency will make reasonable accommodations for disabilities, both in the application process and in the performance of the job. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in the application process should contact Human Resources for assistance.
 
Questions or concerns related to the Agency's Equal Opportunity Employer policy or any request for reasonable accommodation should be directed to Human Resources at (661) 297-1600.

Information

• Location: Santa Clarita, United States

Taxonomy

• Heath & Safety
• Safety Regulations
• Health & Safety