Safety Specialist

Description The City of Roanoke is seeking a Safety Specialist to perform a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical, and professional work in analyzing and administering various components of the safety, environmental and health programs. The successful candidate will develop, coordinate, and facilitate safety training for employees; administer safety incentives and safety inspection procedures; communicate occupational and health hazards and safety precautions to departmental staff; investigate accidents to determine causes and prevent recurrence; inspect job site and work practices to ensure compliance with safety procedures; and make recommendations regarding safer work practices if necessary. Knowledge of safety statistical measurement methodology is necessary. Ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion with minimal supervision. Ability to work independently. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with experience and/or training in safety management or occupational safety and health; three or more years related experience with knowledge of OSHA requirements. Must be certified in CPR/First Aid/AED and as a Defensive Driver Instructor or obtain certification within 1 year of employment. Must be proficient in MSWord and Excel. Certified Safety Professional (CSP) preferred, but not required. Possession of valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer. To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community. This is an exempt position Examples of Duties SUMMARYPerforms a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical, and professional work in analyzing and administering various components of the safety, environmental, and health programs. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Compliance and Regulatory Oversight Ensure the organization adheres to federal, state, and local safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, NFPA). Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with workplace safety standards. Maintain accurate records and documentation for audits and regulatory reporting. Safety Committee Develop and update safety policies, procedures, and training materials. Collaborate with management to identify safety goals and develop strategies to achieve them. Recommend and implement corrective actions to address safety concerns and prevent future incidents. Training and Education Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees on workplace safety practices, emergency response procedures, and risk management policies. Train employees on emergency response procedures, proper equipment use, and hazard awareness. Maintain and update training records and certifications. Provide OSHA 10/30 classes to field personnel, supervisors, and managers. Risk Assessments and Hazard Mitigation Conduct workplace risk assessments to identify potential hazards. Recommend and implement control measures to eliminate or reduce risks. Monitor and analyze workplace conditions to ensure safety measures are effective. Workplace Safety Oversight Develop, implement, and monitor workplace safety policies and procedures to ensure compliance with OSHA and other regulatory standards. Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify hazards and implement corrective actions. Investigate workplace accidents, near-misses, and safety concerns to determine root causes and recommend preventive measures. Incident Investigation and Reporting Investigate workplace accidents, incidents, and near-misses to identify root causes. Prepare detailed reports with recommendations to prevent recurrence. Coordinate with management and employees to implement corrective actions. Assist OSHA site visits, review findings, ensure corrective actions have been taken, and finalize report with legal, site location, and OSHA representative. Complete OSHA yearly audits. Emergency Preparedness Organize and conduct emergency drills (e.g., fire, evacuation, or disaster preparedness). Act as a Floor Supervisor during emergencies, coordinating with first responders and risk manager. Communication and Collaboration Serve as a liaison between management, employees, and regulatory agencies on safety matters. Communicate safety goals, metrics, and updates to employees and stakeholders. Promote a positive safety culture by engaging employees and encouraging safe work practices. Specialized Responsibilities Manage the procurement and maintenance of safety equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE). Conduct ergonomic assessments and provide recommendations for workplace improvements. Support sustainability and environmental health initiatives as needed. Required Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or a related field. Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a safety role, preferably in a similar industry. Certifications: OSHA Certification (30-Hour General Industry or Construction Safety preferred). Additional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or NEBOSH are a plus. Key Skills and Competencies: Strong knowledge of workplace safety regulations and industry best practices. Excellent communication and training skills. Analytical and problem-solving abilities for incident investigation and hazard assessment. Proficiency with safety management software and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to work collaboratively and lead safety initiatives across departments. Work Environment: This role may involve working in office settings and the field. The Safety Specialist may need to stand, walk, climb, or lift materials during inspections or training sessions. Occasional travel between sites may be required. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, reports, and documents. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints orally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information to management, and employees. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.