Safety Specialist

About the Role

The Operations & Maintenance Division is hiring a Safety Specialist! The division is responsible for maintaining County roads, including bridges, culvert locations, guardrail, traffic control devices and markings, drainage systems, vegetation, and related roadway assets. This position plays a key role in ensuring the safety of staff, the public, and the transportation infrastructure by leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Division’s Safety Program.

Responsibilities

• Identify and correct or arrange for correction of safety-related deficiencies across public works and road maintenance activities.
• Develop and deliver safety training for large and small groups.
• Work closely with staff (maintenance crews, inspectors, professional and support personnel) to support a strong safety culture.
• Prepare and maintain a comprehensive written safety program.
• Conduct accident investigations and provide clear reports and recommendations to prevent future incidents.
• Maintain familiarity with OR-OSHA Construction and Forest Activity standards, General Industry and Administrative standards.
• Apply safety standards related to excavations, elevated work, silica, crane operations, material handling, equipment operation, tree trimming, pesticide application, traffic control, commercial vehicle operation, etc., to field work activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Principles, practices, methods and techniques of developing and administering a comprehensive occupational safety and health program.
• Federal and State laws, rules and regulations related to employee safety and health, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Oregon Safe Employment Act and provisions contained in ORS Chapter 654 (Occupational Safety and Health).
• Safety loss control methods including safety hazards assessment and controls, accident investigations and safety inspections.
• Interpret applicable safety laws and regulations and apply to moderately complex situations.
• Develop, conduct and/or coordinate employee safety related training programs.
• Speak effectively before groups on topics related to occupational safety and health.
• Use statistical data and other information to evaluate the effectiveness of an established program.
• Identify and achieve corrections to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with course work in occupational safety and health or a related field AND one (1) year of responsible experience in loss prevention, safety program development or occupational safety and health; OR
• Associate degree with course work in occupational safety and health or a related field AND three (3) years of responsible experience in loss prevention, safety program development or occupational safety and health; OR
• Five (5) years of applicable experience in loss prevention, safety program development or occupational safety and health.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess