SAFETY OFFICER

About the Role

Supports the implementation, coordination, and continual improvement of the City's Health & Safety Management System in alignment with the City’s Policies and all applicable regulatory requirements. Performs multidisciplinary, interdepartmental safety work across three or more technical areas, including but not limited to: OSHA (29 CFR 1910 and 1926), DOT (49 CFR), Hazardous Materials, Hazard Communication, and Fire Protection. This role helps maintain a comprehensive safety program designed to reduce risk, prevent incidents, and promote safe, compliant operations across City departments.

Responsibilities

• Conducts routine and complex incident investigations to identify root and contributing causes and provides recommendations for hazard mitigation, task modification, and long-term prevention.
• Plans, develops, and coordinates comprehensive safety surveys, assessments, and risk evaluations to support compliance and continual improvement.
• Designs, prepares, and delivers safety and health training programs, including first aid, defensive driving, equipment operation, safe work practices, updates to procedures, and regulatory changes.
• Performs worksite inspections and field observations to evaluate implementation of safety programs, identify hazards, verify compliance, and support corrective and preventive actions.
• Prepares, analyzes, and distributes safety data, performance metrics, and trend reports to stakeholders to support informed decision-making and citywide improvement.
• Participates in safety committees, working groups, and meetings in an advisory capacity, offering guidance on hazard controls, compliance expectations, and safe operating procedures.
• Serves as an advisor and liaison to City departments on Health & Safety matters, providing technical assistance and support in resolving safety and health concerns.
• Maintains current knowledge of emerging safety legislation, best practices, industry standards, and regulatory updates; attends relevant meetings, training, and conferences.
• Provides guidance and mentorship to City of Houston employees to strengthen workforce competency and promote a clear understanding of the City’s Health & Safety Management System, supporting consistent implementation and continual improvement across all operations.
• Engages in public-facing safety outreach, presentations, and educational sessions as part of citywide safety initiatives and training efforts.
• Reviews, interprets, and communicates new and existing requirements from OSHA, AWWA, TCEQ, EPA, ANSI, NIOSH, and all other applicable regulatory and industry entities to ensure departmental alignment with compliance obligations, City policies, and Health & Safety.

Working Conditions

The position may require lifting of moderately heavy items (up to 40 pounds), and/or very long periods of walking on rough surfaces on a routine basis. The position may also require climbing and/or certain body contortions. There are routine discomforts from exposure to moderate heat, cold, moisture/wetness and unpleasant air conditions. The position may involve exposure to soiled materials and light chemical substances such as cleaning solutions.

Requirements

• Education: Requires a Bachelor's degree in Technology, Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Completion of advanced training resulting in certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is preferred.
• Experience: Three years of experience in Safety Administration or a closely related field are required. Pertinent professional experience may be substituted for the above educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• License: Requires a valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving.

Preferences

• Experience in Occupational Safety and Health or related field.
• Safety Management System (SMS) experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication skills.
• Completion of advanced training resulting in certification as an Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Graduate Safety Professional (GSP), Transitional Safety Professional (TSP), Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO), Safety, Health, & Environment Professional (SHEP) and Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS) is preferred.
• Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

General Information: Selection/Skills Tests Required. Department may administer skills assessment test. This is a SAFETY IMPACT POSITION subject to random drug testing. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information. The City of Houston is an Equal Opportunity Employer.