Safety Coordinator - Public Works Operations

Reporting to the Public Works Operations Manager, the Safety Coordinator position develops, implements, and coordinates the Public Works Operations Division safety and accident prevention program. This position is responsible for, but not limited to, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal occupational safety and health regulations, policies and procedures, and ensuring employees reporting to the Operations Division have a safe work environment.

*Current posted salary range does not yet reflect the one percent (1%) increase that was applied on December 1, 2023

These duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Administers safety program by developing, implementing, and maintaining all safety activities for the Public Works Operations Division.
• Serves as a technical safety resource for Operations sections to assist and guide employees and management; responds to questions, concerns, and inquiries from division employees regarding safety issues.
• Coordinates, develops, and conducts Operations safety training programs; conducts safety training needs assessments; identifies safety training needs; develops and/or customizes training courses, content and materials; oversees, delivers, and evaluates trainings; and makes adjustments as necessary to improve training and outcomes;
• Develop and maintain safety training attendance records on courses conducted for Operations employees such as confined space, fall protection, trench safety, AC Pipe safety and certification, respirators and other programs necessary to tasks performed by Operations staff. Ensures testing programs (including noise level surveys) are completed per local, state, and federal requirements.
• Ensures Public Works Operations safety program remains in compliance by researching, interpreting, applying, and implementing provisions of safety regulations and other applicable local, state, and federal regulations including the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA), etc. Coordinates with Human Resources with compliance updates and recommends possible changes to the City's safety programs, policies, and procedures.
• Develops, implements, and updates safety related policies, procedures and administrative regulations that pertain to the Operations Division. Evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of related programs, operations and procedures; recommends or implements improvements as needed.
• Attends monthly Safety Committee and Regional Safety Committee meetings.
• Initiates and conducts safety and industrial hygiene surveys. Researches and effectively analyzes data and information to recommend solutions to various safety issues. Compiles, researches, and analyzes data and information to assist Public Works management with special projects.
• Assists personnel to determine the need for safety equipment.
• Helps with safety clothing and PPE programs. Reviews and assists in selecting clothing, and PPE requirements for compliance.
• Assists in selecting traffic control equipment to meet MUTCD, state and federal requirements for working in roadways and right of ways.
• Coordinates with Human Resources and serves as liaison to OSHA/WISHA or other safety regulatory agencies conducting inspections to include meeting with compliance officers; provides the necessary documentation as requested, and assists in the negotiation of the final outcome if necessary.
• Tracks the Commercial Driver License (CDL) training program, and may assist or conduct training for employees who need a CDL as part of their job requirements.
• Conducts safety and risk assessments, accident scene investigations, and job site visits inspecting equipment, tools, and working conditions for the purpose of evaluating potential hazards and exposures to reduce potential loss to the City in partnership with Human Resources and other departments. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations; makes recommendations for corrections of all deficiencies including developing new policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
• Serves as a member of the Emergency Management Team at the Emergency Coordination Center (ECC). Duties may also include assisting with emergency and disaster preparedness including training of community resources.
• Responsible for the development and maintenance of databases and records for the documentation of Public Works Operations employee safety training and safety job site and accident investigations.
• Responds to private property damage claims by responding on location of incident when contacted by Operations staff for assistance both during and after hours.
• Coordinates City requirements and activities with external stakeholders and outside contractors as needed.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures.
• Works in a safe manner and reports unsafe activity and conditions. Follows City-wide safety policy and practices and adheres to responsibilities concerning safety prevention, reporting, and monitoring as outlined in the City's Safety Manual.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and City information.
  

Other Duties Assigned:

• May provide assistance in budget development.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

An Associate's Degree in Public or Business Administration, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a closely related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience and understanding of laws, regulations and management of Public Works Operations safety, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, administration of federal or state mandated safety programs.

Five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience and understanding of laws, regulations and management of Public Works Operations safety, occupational safety, industrial hygiene, administration of federal or state mandated safety programs.
* May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the above requirements, so long as it provides the desired skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid Washington state commercial driver license Class A, with air brake and tank endorsement.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S)

• Must pass a background investigation and reference checks.
• Must pass pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position
• Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follow all required safety policies, procedures, and techniques.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the City and the City's insurance carrier.
• Must have a Safety and Health Specialist Certification OR must be obtained within two years from date of employment.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be complete as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Knowledge of:

• Program development, coordination, and implementation.
• Principles, techniques, and methods of occupational health and safety administration.
• Operating safety testing equipment, supplies, and personal protective equipment.
• OSHA, WISHA, ANSI, DOT, L&I, and national industry safety standards, as well as applicable City, County, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and policies.
• Washington State Department of Transportation Commercial Driver License requirements.
• Workers compensation rules and regulations.
• Principles of behavior based safety practices and motivation.
• Principles associated with the provision of healthy and safe working environments.
• Effective training methods.
• Research and data analysis methods and techniques.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Effective business letter writing and report and presentation preparation.
• Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Principles and practices of local budget preparation and administration.

Skill in:

• Performing thorough investigations into sensitive safety issues and preparing investigatory reports and related documents.
• Analyzing problems or complex issues and providing effective and timely solutions or decisions.
• Communicating complex and/or sensitive information effectively with tact and diplomacy both verbally and in writing, including public speaking.
• Diplomacy and presenting a positive image of the City.
• Using sound independent judgment and discretion.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Planning and organizing work and meeting schedules and timelines.
• Preparing a variety of reports, logs, records, and files related to assigned activities.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs and other relevant software affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Conflict resolution and consensus building.

Ability to:

• Apply the principles of loss prevention and risk identification.
• Interpret local, state, and federal laws and regulations to determine appropriate courses of actions and present solutions to resolve safety concerns (OSHA and WISHA).
• Plan, develop, and execute a comprehensive Public Works Operation safety training and program development.
• Develop and provide training to employees and make presentations to employee groups and management teams on safety related training.
• Present information clearly and concisely to various audiences.
• Perform safety inspections on all City facilities.
• Formulate reports and compose correspondence.
• Perform extensive research, make independent analysis, and report findings.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Operate a personal computer and related software and demonstrate proficiency to prepare documents, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, and emails.
• Communicate effectively and establish and maintain working relationships with the public, management, and other employees.

Employment Type: Full Time