Staff Safety Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Arlington County's Department of Human Resources is seeking a Staff Safety Specialist to lead the development, implementation, and administration of County-wide occupational safety and health (OSHA/VOSH) policies and programs. This position provides policy direction and guidance to County agencies on matters for safety. The successful candidate will revise or develop policies and programs to ensure safety in the workplace, ensure compliance, provide technical support, and partner with staff responsible for safety programs at the agency level. This role ensures the County’s compliance with county, state, and federal regulations including but not limited to OSHA and VOSH.  Additionally, this position will manage programs aimed at preventing injury and reducing liability and damage to property. 

Major Job Duties:

• Developing, updating, and administering policies to ensure County-wide compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) policies, programs, and procedures;  
• Managing the County’s Safety Committee meetings and coordinating the activity of other officials responsible for safety programs at the agency level;  
• Communicating policy direction and technical guidance to County agencies on safety matters;  
• Conducting and guiding regular compliance audits and safety inspections of County facilities, equipment, and vehicles; initiating corrective actions to eliminate hazards; and promoting a safe work environment;
• Ensuring accuracy of OSHA logs, analyzing accident trends to identify hazards, and monitoring emerging safety trends to strengthen safety performance;
• Maintaining safety training manuals and leading the Vehicle Review Incident Committee (VRIC);
• Administering the County-wide Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and Driver Policy programs, staying current with DOT and related regulations, and administering the Countywide Drug & Alcohol Testing Program;
• Leading efforts to comply with environmental regulations and developing measures addressing ergonomics, air quality, and other workplace health and safety factors;
• Coordinating with safety vendors, assisting with Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP); and partnering with Emergency Management to ensure emergency preparedness and response; and
• Serving as subject matter expert during collective bargaining.

The ideal candidate will be able to collaborate with all levels within the County, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, strong interpersonal skills to build relationships, the ability to adapt to a fast-paced working environment and strong time management skills. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Risk Management, or similar field such as Safety Management or Industrial Hygiene; and
• Considerable experience in: risk management, workers' compensation programs, occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene or other related fields.

Substitution(s): Additional qualifying experience can be substituted for the educational requirement. Additional education can be substituted for the experience requirement.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• Significant experience managing or administering a safety program, including developing and implementing safety training and safety goal strategies;
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP);
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the use of pivot tables, charts, and graphics;
• Experience with technical research and proficiency in written and verbal communications; and/or  
• Experience with coaching and demonstrated ability to help others understand complex technical issues.

Special Requirements

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver’s License: Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver’s license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicant’s driving record. Alternatively, the applicant must have the abil