Inspector, Health & Safety

About the Role

The Health & Safety Inspector is a field-based compliance role established to support implementation of the Harris County Worksite Safety Policy ("Policy"), adopted by Commissioners Court on November 13, 2025. Under general supervision of the Health and Safety Manager, the Inspector ensures compliance with the workplace safety requirements across construction projects and County facilities. This position supports the following County departments: Harris County Office of the County Engineer (HCOCE), Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), and Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA).

The Inspector implements department-specific safety programs tailored to each operation's unique construction and maintenance environments, while supporting the Harris County Worksite Safety Policy. This position plays a critical role in ensuring safe working conditions for all workers on Harris County construction projects. The Inspector works collaboratively with project managers, contractors, subcontractors, the County Safety Monitor, and internal safety staff to ensure hazards are identified, corrected, documented, and prevented from recurring.

Responsibilities

• Conducts scheduled and unannounced site safety inspections using the Universal Site Inspection Checklist, as outlined in the Harris County Worksite Safety Policy, to ensure compliance with Policy requirements and applicable OSHA standards; reviews contractor daily inspection checklists and safety documentation; interviews workers and supervisors regarding safety practices; and issues Stop Work Orders when necessary, in accordance with the Policy.
• Notifies all applicable stakeholders of safety violations and non-compliance findings; issues written notices requiring corrective action; verifies that corrective measures have been properly implemented; and provides immediate verbal notification for serious hazards or imminent danger conditions.
• Receives worker complaints and records them in the Harris County tracking system; provides a case number and expected resolution timeline to the reporting worker while maintaining confidentiality; and investigates complaints in accordance with the Policy.
• Documents site conditions and safety violations through photographs or videos; prepares written inspection report within five (5) business days; collaborates with Data Analysts to maintain accurate records in the central database, including inspection findings, checklist deficiencies, Stop Work Orders issued, corrective actions and completion status, repeat violations, systemic issues, and other relevant data; and provides required information to the County Safety Monitor for quarterly worksite reports, as defined in the Policy.
• Coordinates with the Health and Safety Manager and Project Managers to resolve safety concerns; coordinates with the Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity (DEEO), the County Safety Monitor, on escalations, complaint investigations, and non-retaliation procedures; and recommends program improvements to strengthen county-wide compliance and contractor accountability.
• Provides training, coaching, and guidance to department employees on safe work practices and regulatory requirements, including fall protection, confined space entry, excavation safety, and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Develops and delivers training on hazard recognition and workplace safety.
• Conducts safety inspections and related activities for non-contractor led construction, maintenance, or other related operations, as applicable.
• Identifies contractor and subcontractor training deficiencies and collaborates with management to address them.
• Stays current with evolving safety regulations, industry standards, and best practices to support continuous program improvement.
• Other duties as assigned. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
• Some positions may require working before, during, or after an emergency or disaster at the department's discretion.

Requirements

• 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 may substitute for educational requirements on a year-to-year basis.
• Experience: Minimum two (2) years of construction safety experience including field inspection, OSHA compliance monitoring, and incident investigation. Previous management or supervisory experience.
• Certification/Licenses:
  • 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.
  • Valid Class C Texas Driver License required with acceptable driving record per Harris County fleet policy. Must maintain acceptable driving record as condition of continued employment given extensive daily driving requirements (70-80% of work time).

Preferences

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• Experience with heavy civil construction (roadways, bridges, drainage infrastructure).
• Experience with public sector construction projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong computer skills, utilizing internet based databases, and Microsoft Office.
• Self starter with exceptional attention to detail, organizational, 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.

Physical Demands

• 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 necessary to move objects may be required.
• Speech, vision, and hearing must be adequate or corrected to be able to accomplish assigned duties.
• 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.

Schedule

• Full-time position. Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 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.
• This position is considered essential personnel and is subject to being held over or working extra shifts as needed during times of emergency, declared disasters, or as needed to support critical business functions and to provide services for the benefit of the public while other governmental offices could be or are closed.
• 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.

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.
• Inspector 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.

Reporting Relations

• Reports To: Health & Safety Manager
• Supervises Positions: N/A

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.