Job Summary
The Safety Manager is responsible for developing, coordinating, and overseeing a county-wide safety program to ensure safe work practices and compliance with regulations. Implements risk management programs, including safety plans, OSHA compliance, and employee wellness initiatives. Additionally, the Safety Manager oversees community services, emergency response, hazardous waste dumping programs, and updates to health and safety policies.

The Safety Manager collaborates with stakeholders to build positive relationships with county staff and outside agencies to reinforce the importance of safety for county staff and the community they serve.

The Safety Manager conducts training on federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations. Manages programs for worker safety, accident prevention, hazardous waste cleanup, and damage claims. Collaborates with the Departments on investigations and solutions.

This posting is open until filled.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:

Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above and the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Education:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in industrial engineering, occupational health studies, industrial hygiene, environmental studies, safety management, risk management or a closely related field is highly preferred.

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience in municipal risk management, occupational safety or other related field including accident investigation and analysis techniques. Training in basic first aid and CPR is required.

Knowledge of: Principles of accident prevention, industrial hygiene, and safety. Extensive knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations governing occupational safety and health, specifically but not limited to the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) and Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA). Training program and material development, including effective training techniques. Personal computer and applicable software used in analysis, program, and plan development.

Ability to: Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations. Evaluate county facilities, equipment, materials, and employee work practices to determine hazardous conditions and instances of non-compliance. Use risk and vulnerability analysis techniques to develop creative solutions to complex problems. Provide advice to county personnel on safety rules and regulations. Interact with various departments within the organization to accomplish emergency safety goals. Work independently with minimal supervision. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during business. Ability to train, organize, coach, facilitate groups and evaluate staff. Communicate effectively with audiences of various levels of technical sophistication.

Other Special Requirements: Some positions require a valid driver’s license and a successful criminal background check as required by law.

License or Certificate:

Certified Safety Professional designation is highly desirable

Selection Process:
Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application and cover letter are required. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidate and may include verification of education.

It is general policy of the County that new employees should be hired at the lower steps of the applicable range and advance through the range at the normal progression.

Examples of Duties
KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan, organizes, develops, and implements a safety management program; evaluates and recommends actions to improve the effectiveness of the program.

Oversee major safety initiatives. Develop and implement various employee safety programs such as safety recognition programs, emergency preparedness programs, or emergency evacuation procedures. Work with safety officials of other governmental agencies, industry organizations and committees and with representatives of State and Federal regulatory agencies in coordinating and overseeing safety initiatives.

Develops and implements safety policies and accident prevention programs, develops general safety inspection procedures for project construction sites and maintenance activities, develops or selects a variety of training materials based on specific needs of programs. Performs compliance audits of procedures, facilities, equipment, and worksites, and assesses compliance with worker safety and environmental regulations. Advises staff of actions required to ensure safe working conditions.

Manages and conducts education and equipment training and certification programs. Evaluates and recommends purchase of necessary protective equipment, clothing and first aid material. Implements and develops a job safety orientation program and guidelines for new employees, identifies by job classification safety training and certification requirements and maintains training records. Schedules and/or coordinates training and refresher courses and notifies appropriate personnel as required.

Develops short and long-term goals, objectives, and performance measurements for the program. Assists with the development and management of assigned program budget and approves expenditures.

Develops inspection guidelines and safety/personal protective equipment usage limitations and develops policies and procedures. Develops criteria and/or outlines for training procedures and programs.

Inspect the safety of vehicles and equipment and County facilities to identify hazards and non-compliance with safety standards and guidelines; prepare reports of findings and recommendations. Develop and communicate procedures and timelines for achieving compliance. Accompany inspectors on inspection tours of County facilities.

Review, investigate, and document accidents, incidents and near misses that occur in work units; interview those involved and witnesses; prepare documentation of incidents, accidents and near misses and evaluate possible causes; provide reports to managers and supervisors and recommend procedural or other changes to eliminate causes and to avoid future accidents or injuries.

Coordinates, monitors, and ensures compliance of the department's Commercial Driver License alcohol and drug testing program in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Licensing (DOL), and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) rules and regulations.

Interprets Federal, State, and County safety laws, ordinances, regulations, and procedures. Ensures compliance of personnel, facilities, and equipment including L&I, DOE, DOH, DNR, OSHA/WISHA, DHS, and MUTCD.

Maintains comprehensive records and files on personal injury accidents which comply with the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act. Regularly reviews accident prevention program and recommends strategies for improvements.

Coordinates Risk Management activities with the County Risk Manager. Investigates vehicular accidents, and personal injuries, illness and exposures involving department employees. Prepares comprehensive reports and coordinates reports with the appropriate agencies.

Maintains a Hazardous Waste Management Plan that meets state requirements. Monitors department compliance with Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements and procedures for use of hazardous materials ensuring proper handling and disposal, compliance with ventilation requirements and use of personal protective clothing or equipment. Manages the County’s online SDS Sheet program.

Develops and maintains a program which identifies the process of generating hazardous waste or contaminated materials and identifies required temporary storage container or facility, and appropriate disposal method. Ensures compliance with storage and disposal requirements. Maintains records of disposal or certificates of destruction.

Lead, participate in, and act as support to division safety committee; establish topics for, coordinate and facilitate regular safety committee meetings; collect, compile and present information on workplace hazards, accidents, and other safety related issues; follow up with supervisors and managers to ensure that safety committee suggestions, recommendations, and decisions are implemented.

Manage activities related to hazardous materials spills, flooding, windstorms, and snow and ice storms. Ensures compliance with Federal Homeland Security mandates.