Safety Specialist

Under the guidance of the VP, Risk & Facilities Management, the Safety Specialist contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by developing, implementing and coordinating safety policies, procedures, audits and training in support of the organization’s goals related to sustainability through risk management and achievement of safety objectives.
Primary duties and responsibilities:

• Work with the VP, Risk & Facilities Management (“VP”) to build a safety culture within the organization. Maintains an organizational safety strategy by executing safety programs, analyzing safety equipment needs, overseeing surveillance inspections and managing hazardous work conditions. Develops, implements, monitors and manages safety programs, policies and procedures. Identifies areas of improvement regarding organizational safety. Collects information regarding safety programs, incidents, and violations and organizes findings and recommend solutions and prepares reports for VP. Provides direction and guidance on safety best practices and confers potential safety risks to management.
• Reviews and analyzes expenditures, financial and operations reports to determine requirements for increasing safety. Prepares recommendations on findings for management evaluation. Recommends capital expenditures for acquisition of new equipment that would increase efficiency and safety of operations. Approves requisitions for equipment, materials and supplies within limits of budget.
• Recognizes, assesses, and controls safety and health hazards in the facility and works with internal departments to minimize occupational health and safety risks and manage compliance with applicable regulations. Performs job hazard assessments and recommends measures to control exposures, including substitution of less hazardous materials, personal protective equipment (PPF), work practice changes and engineering controls. Perform or coordinate industrial hygiene surveys including personnel exposure and area monitoring, noise surveys, and environmental exposures. Conducts accident investigations and works with departments to correct safety hazards and develop preventative procedures. Prepares reports for executive review or use in insurance claims or legal action.
• Oversees and coordinates activities of personnel to ensure a safe and healthy work environment in accordance with OSHA regulations. Confers and cooperates with supervisory/management personnel in formulating administrative and operational policies and procedures. Enforces safety compliance through administrative policies, procedures, safety rules and government regulations.
• Develop, establish, and provide employee safety training programs. Coordinate training and record retention for all OSHA-mandated and safety workplace training. Stays abreast of trends to continuously improve safety programs and execution of safety strategies.
• Under the direct supervision of the VP, responsible for assisting with the daily maintenance of the Society’s fire alarm detection and suppression systems, including coordination of these systems with outside contractors and local fire departments. May liaise with fire department or other agencies regarding safety and health programs.
• Administer or actively participate on assigned teams both within the Risk Management and the Society as assigned. Responsible for keeping supervisors informed in a timely manner of incidents or situations that are not identified as routine or that have the potential to impact the department or other departments within the Society.
• Maintain knowledge of hazardous material handling and environmental issues. Assist in coordinating disposal of hazardous waste. Oversee the coordination of the hazard communication policy/plan as regulated, including the inventory and retention of all safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals/materials on CZS premise. Work with staff on hazard identification and reporting, including unsafe work practices, inclusion of safety-specific details in written reports.
• Respond to questions and investigate safety issues of employees and guests. Act as a liaison for Risk Management. Respond to questions and investigate safety issues of employees, guests and contractors. Assist with contractor oversight and annual Life Safety inspections.
• Other related duties as assigned.

The requirements for this position include the following:

• Bachelor of Science degree in safety or related field or eight years of equivalent training and experience required. High school diploma or (GED) equivalent.
• Five years’ relevant experience in the safety field.
• Specific knowledge of OSHA laws and regulations, EPA, DOT and NFPA regulations and codes, Uniform Fire Codes, Uniform Building Codes, Compensation Laws, public health requirements and other applicable legislations and requirements required.
• Strong ability to understand, communicate and carry out oral and written instructions, prepare clear, comprehensive reports, and accurately review reports from subordinates.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine proper course of action.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent rapport with others, excellent public relations, strong communication and collaborative skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information, maintain confidences, distinguish confidential materials and apply Society standards for security and privacy.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making and prioritization skills. Ability to work well under pressure, meet critical deadlines, and manage time effectively. Position requires an eye for detail and accuracy.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.

Preferred Qualifications:

• OSHA-certified Safety Instructor for General Industry desired.
• Knowledge of life safety systems preferred.
• Safety Professional Certification desired.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. This is a full-time position, which includes working occasional weekends, evening and holidays as assigned. This position also requires rotating 24-hour “on-call” status shared with the VP. Incumbent must be an active participant in maintaining a high level of customer service and work with staff to ensure the highest level of customer service is delivered. Individual must gain a comprehensive understanding of department operations and procedures, the Society’s mission, vision, values and operating philosophies and how work activities affects the operation of the Society and other departments.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This is a full-time position, which includes working rotating weekends, evenings and holidays as assigned. This position also requires rotating 24-hour “on-call” status shared with the VP.

Chicago Zoological Society-Brookfield Zoo

60513

Plant & Facilities Administration

Finance

Non-Union

Any 5 out of 7 days/week