JOB TITLE: SAFETY SPECIALIST TRAINEE

JOB CODE: 11300

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Safety Specialist job series describes work in the administration of agency safety programs.

DEFINITION: This is specialized trainee work in the analysis, development, coordination, and implementation of transportation, workplace, or employee related safety programs.

An employee in this job participates in formal and on-the-job training to develop the knowledge, skills, and experience to analyze, evaluate, coordinate, and implement agency safety programs. Assignments provide progressively responsible experience in developing safety related guidance documentation; organizing, monitoring, and conducting safety training; providing administrative assistance to agency, district, and county personnel; and coordinating, implementing, and assisting with the development and management of policies and procedures required to maintain effective safety programs. Work includes conducting field investigations and performing administrative duties to support the overall safety program. Work is assigned by a Safety Specialist Supervisor or other higher-level supervisor in the form of oral or written instructions and is reviewed while in progress and upon completion for adherence to defined program standards and policies.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Participates in formal and on-the-job training to learn to develop, plan, and implement a department safety program.

• Aids and participates in coordinating and administering all phases of highway maintenance, construction, and garage safety programs which involves observing, assisting with inspecting, and providing recommendations on the safe and proper way to perform duties in field locations, stockpiles, and garages.

• Participates in the review and evaluation of safety programs to identify needs and makes recommendations to address needs in support of the program.

• Participates in organizing and presenting training programs in response to identified needs.

• Participates in monitoring programs on-site to ensure compliance with all components of the Accident/Injury Prevention Program (AIPP).

• Participates in developing and conducting safety related training, seminars, workshops, and meetings to gather information on new programs, policies, or processes.

• Participates in the analysis of accident reports to provide assistance on accident prevention, Right-to-Know, environmental issues, workplace hazards, fire safety, and other employee safety issues.

• Reviews inspection and accident reports, focusing on trends and problem areas for recommendations of corrective actions.

• Assists with analyzing various sources of data to make recommendations for improvements to safety management programs.

• Participates in comprehensive management reviews of office sites and field facilities to ensure compliance with agency safety and environmental program requirements, applicable safety and fire codes, and department protocol.

• Enters inspection, accident, and injury reports in databases, and assists in processing the required paperwork.

• Observes highway and bridge maintenance operations to assist with identifying hazards and to communicate prevention remedies.

• Assists with completing regular safety inspections of crews, stockpiles, and county garages.

• Participates in gathering information on personal protective equipment items or other safety related topics.

• Provides administrative support for Right-to-Know, Driver’s License Compliance, Commercial Drug & Alcohol Testing, or the Medical Surveillance Program.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the underlying human factors and behaviors affecting safety.

• Knowledge of the basic principles, practices, and techniques of administering a safety program.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in collecting, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting data.

• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of workplace and employee training as they relate to accident prevention, fire prevention, and safety.

• Knowledge of basic safety investigation interview procedures and techniques used to obtain information from individuals.

• Knowledge of highway maintenance or highway construction work zone safety procedures.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to interpret and apply safety guidelines and procedures.

• Ability to analyze work zone safety procedures and make recommendations for improvements.

• Ability to identify and evaluate employee safety hazards.

• Ability to prepare safety investigation reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Four years of technical experience in conducting safety inspections, safety investigations, or safety training, or performing technical highway maintenance or highway construction work;

or

• A bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Occupational Safety and Health Management, Industrial Hygiene, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions must obtain an active Advanced Safety Certificate issued by the National Safety Council’s Safety Training Institute within two years of starting in this job.