Safety & Health Inspector Apprentice 1, White Plains (NY HELPS)

This position within the Division of Safety & Health (DOSH) involves planning, scheduling, and conducting safety and health inspections at various work sites, including state, county, city, and town offices, places of public assembly, ski areas, carnivals, fairs, amusement parks, explosives magazines, power scaffolds, and window-washing operations. Inspections may also cover asbestos abatement projects to ensure compliance with established standards, identify unsafe conditions, and protect workers and the public. The role may require issuing notices of violations and enforcing state and federal laws.

Employees will occasionally travel for training, not exceeding one week at a time.

About the Division

The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) oversees several programs focused on workplace safety and health:

• Asbestos Control Bureau (ACB): Oversees asbestos abatement during building rehabilitation, reconstruction, or demolition. Enforces New York State Labor Law and Industrial Code Rule 56, including licensing contractors, certifying workers, and mandating asbestos surveys.
• Boiler Safety Bureau: Inspects high and low-pressure boilers, administers boiler regulations, monitors insurance company inspections, certifies inspectors and repair facilities, and investigates boiler accidents.
• Industry Inspection Bureau: Enforces public safety regulations for amusement rides, places of public assembly, and explosives storage. Conducts inspections, issues permits, and investigates accidents.
• On-Site Consultation Program: Provides free and confidential safety and health consultative services to small and medium-sized businesses in high-hazard industries to help prevent workplace injuries and comply with OSHA regulations.
• Public Employee Safety & Health (PESH) Bureau: Enforces safety and health standards for public sector employees, including government entities, public authorities, school districts, and fire departments. Responds to fatalities, accidents, and complaints, and provides technical assistance.
• Safety, Health, & Essential Rights Program: Addresses emerging workplace issues such as airborne infectious diseases, workplace safety committees, warehouse worker protection, and construction fatality registry.

Apprenticeship Program

The Safety & Health Inspector apprenticeship is a registered program combining 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 nationally recognized Certificate of Completion is awarded.

Training covers a range of safety and health inspection competencies. For details, visit Dol.ny.gov/safety-and-health-inspector-timebased.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and conduct safety and health inspections at diverse work sites.
• Identify unsafe conditions and work practices to ensure compliance with state and federal standards.
• Issue notices of violations and enforce applicable laws.
• Participate in organizational transformations to align with strategic objectives.
• Leverage emerging technologies to optimize processes and enhance customer experiences.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Adapt to shifting priorities and proactively address challenges.
• Implement changes with effective communication and minimal disruption.
• Resolve conflicts to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Analyze issues, make sound judgments, and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with teams to achieve agency objectives.
• Communicate clearly with diverse audiences through various channels.
• Foster an inclusive and equitable environment.
• Provide exceptional customer service by addressing needs proactively.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, and ethical conduct.
• Apply relevant technologies and digital tools to optimize performance.

Requirements

As this position requires travel, candidates must possess a valid New York State driver’s license and have access to a motor vehicle or demonstrate the ability to meet transportation needs.

Qualifications

Safety & Health Inspector Apprentice 1 (Salary Grade 14):

• Four years of experience in field inspections enforcing building laws, codes, or regulations, or in occupational/public safety as an evaluator or inspector assessing safety devices, equipment, or programs; or
• Four years of experience in an apprenticeable trade (manufacturing/construction), active duty military, or fire protection, with responsibility for enforcing safety standards; or
• Four years of experience with asbestos or mold inspections/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 (U.S. or equivalent). Verification of foreign degrees may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to initiate and maintain relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders.

Additional Information

• Fingerprint background check may be required prior to appointment.
• Some positions may require a pre-appointment medical examination (candidate responsible for clinical lab test fee). Periodic medical examinations may be required thereafter.
• Occasional altered work schedules or out-stationed assignments, including evenings, may be required.
• Candidates with no prior state service will start at the beginning of the salary range.
• Additional location pay is available for specific counties (e.g., Bronx, Kings, Nassau, NYC-Manhattan, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam).
• Telecommuting may be available and can be discussed during the interview.
• Employment is contingent upon maintaining valid work authorization in the U.S. The Department of Labor does not sponsor visa applications.
• Unit assignments may change due to operational or funding considerations, though title, salary, and location will remain unaffected.

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 short/long-term disability 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 to apply for tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees and courses.
• Paid Parental Leave.