Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

About This Position

Job Description:

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist

Purpose: 

Under direct supervision, administer, and implement the occupational safety program.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: 

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Administers basic safety programs based on specialization including conducting safety meetings; conducting field inspections and incident investigations; conducting field audits; assisting with safety training; inspecting safety equipment; hazardous materials record-keeping; assisting with development of emergency response plans; participating in emergency responses; and coordinating safety events such as drills, basic exams, or new employee orientation.

• Implements safety programs by inspecting or reviewing areas, equipment, work processes, and work activities for hazardous conditions.

• Provides assistance in establishing standards and procedures to ensure compliance with required government occupational safety regulations, internal City or Department Safety policies, or operational needs related to specific job conditions.

• Investigates work-related incidents according to designated procedures.

• Compiles data and information for the analysis of accident or injury trends and helps prepare recommendations for new or modified occupational safety programs to reduce or prevent accidents.

• Participates in writing City-wide or department safety policies and procedures.

• Monitors compliance with Federal, State, and Local occupational safety regulations.

• Maintains communication with internal customers and other agencies to support the safety function.

• Participates on teams with safety, technical, management, and other stakeholders.

• Research occupational safety information to assure the best available methods and equipment are adopted to minimize the hazards in the workplace.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: 

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.

• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.

• Knowledge of safety and risk management principles, policies, and procedures.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritization.

• Skill in using computers and related software.

• Skill in problem solving.

• Skill in planning and organizing.

• Skill in investigative analysis.

• Skill in identifying safety and risk hazards.

• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.

• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priority.

• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in occupational health and safety programs.

• Ability to develop and facilitate training sessions.

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.

• Experience in a technical or other appropriate occupation related field may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

• Valid Texas Driver License.

• Licensing for specific disciplines may be required.

• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is a department of the City of Austin with over 530 employees. We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. We collect recycling, composting, trash, large brush, bulk items, household hazardous waste and dead animals. We also sweep the streets, offer Austin and Travis County residents a service to recycle and safely dispose of household hazardous waste and provide community outreach and education. ARR is driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Learn more at