Safety & Health Inspector Apprentice 1, Syracuse (NY HELPS)

New York State Department of Labor (DOL) offers several programs focused on ensuring workplace safety and health, including the Asbestos Control Bureau, Boiler Safety Bureau, Industry Inspection Bureau, On-Site Consultation Program, Public Employee Safety & Health (PESH) Bureau, and the Safety, Health, & Essential Rights Program.

About the role

The incumbent will plan, schedule, and conduct safety and health inspections of selected work sites such as state, county, city, and town offices, places of public assembly, ski areas, carnivals, fairs, amusement parks, explosives magazines, power scaffolds, window-washing operations, and asbestos abatement projects. Inspections ensure conformance with established standards, identify unsafe conditions and work practices, and protect workers and the public. The role may involve issuing notices of violations and enforcing state and federal laws.

Employees will travel for training purposes, not exceeding one week at a time, and participate in organizational transformations, technology adoption, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. Responsibilities include conflict resolution, problem-solving, team collaboration, communication, fostering inclusivity, customer service, ethical conduct, and leveraging digital tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct safety and health inspections of work sites to ensure compliance with established standards.
• Identify unsafe conditions and work practices to protect workers and the public.
• Issue notices of violations and enforce state and federal safety and health laws.
• Travel for training, not to exceed one week at a time.
• Participate in organizational change initiatives and strategic planning.
• Engage with stakeholders internally and externally to foster relationships.
• Leverage emerging technologies to optimize processes and enhance customer experiences.
• Adapt to shifting priorities and proactively manage challenges.
• Resolve conflicts and promote a collaborative work environment.
• Analyze issues, make sound judgments, and implement effective solutions.
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences through various channels.
• Foster an inclusive and equitable environment that values diversity.
• Provide exceptional customer service by addressing needs and expectations.
• Uphold ethical conduct and professional integrity in all actions and decisions.
• Utilize relevant technologies and digital tools to optimize performance.

Apprenticeship Requirements

The Safety & Health Inspector apprenticeship is a registered program including on-the-job training and related instruction over approximately 18-24 months. Apprentices begin at salary grade 14, advance to Apprentice 2 after one year, and reach journey level (salary grade 16) upon completion. A Certificate of Completion, a nationally recognized credential, is awarded upon successful completion. Detailed training expectations can be found at Dol.ny.gov/safety-and-health-inspector-timebased.

Requirements

• Valid New York State driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle to meet transportation needs.
• Four years of experience in field inspections enforcing building laws, codes, or regulations, or in an occupational/public safety setting as an evaluator or inspector.
• Four years of experience in an apprenticeable trade (manufacturing/construction), active duty military, or fire protection, with responsibility for enforcing safety standards.
• Four years of experience with asbestos or mold inspections or abatement.

Substitution: An associate degree may substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years. Degrees must be from an accredited institution; foreign degrees require independent verification of equivalency.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays, 5 personal days, and a minimum of 13 vacation days per year.
• Paid sick leave (13 days for CSEA/PEF employees; 8 days plus free enrollment in the Income Protection Program for M/C employees).
• Affordable and competitive health insurance plans.
• Dental and vision insurance at no additional cost.
• Membership in the NYS Employee’s Retirement System.
• NYS Deferred Compensation Investment Plan.
• Eligibility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for full-time employees.
• Eligibility for tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees and courses.
• Paid Parental Leave.

Additional perks include telecommuting options (up to 2 days per week), training and development opportunities (including Coursera), and a formal Employee Recognition Program.