Safety Officer

The Position:

Summary:

Job descriptions are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in this job. Specifications are NOT intended to reflect all duties performed with the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, performs a variety of professional, supervisory, and administrative duties in the development, organization, implementation, and coordination of a safety and risk management program; oversees workers’ compensation, occupational safety, insurance and general liability, safety training, and emergency management program activities and services; plans, schedules, assigns, and reviews the work of assigned staff; provides complex staff assistance to management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a supervisory-level class that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized occupational safety and risk management program activities, with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff and for providing technical support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

Immediate Impact: The successful candidate will be given the following objectives upon hire:

• Within the first 3 months, become familiar with the District’s policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety, Emergency Management, Injury Illness and Prevention, Risk Management, General Liability, and Worker’s Compensation.
• Within the first 3 months, become familiar with the staff and structure of the District, along with job classifications requiring higher levels of safety training and awareness that align with Cal/OSHA requirements, along with representatives from the District’s joint power authorities self-insurance pool.
• Within the first 6 months, develop an Occupational Health and Safety Training Plan for staff and volunteers.
• Within the first 6 months, complete an assessment of the Emergency Command Center to identify needed equipment and staffing.
• Within the first 12 months, create a Safety Policy Library that aligns with State and Federal laws, along with assuming full responsibility of the Emergency Management Program.

The Ideal Candidate: The successful candidate will possess the following skills and/or experience and education:

• The ability to develop and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards for a comprehensive occupational safety program.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Experience working in a Public Sector Occupational Health and Safety environment is desired.
• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in occupational safety, risk management, human resources, business or public administration, or related field.
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in occupational safety and risk management, including (2) years of lead experience.
• • A valid California Class C driver’s license, to be maintained throughout employment.

Responsibilities:

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Oversees and participates in the management and implementation of the District’s safety and risk management programs; performs a variety of professional level duties involved in the development, organization, implementation, and coordination of workers’ compensation, occupational safety, insurance and general liability, safety training, and emergency management programs.
• Implements the District’s safety programs; maintains, oversees, and updates the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP); reviews, develops, and updates safety related policies and procedures; develops and provides training of various safety topics to employees; inspects District facilities, equipment, and records for compliance with state and federal occupational safety and health standards; prepares reports to executive management regarding program emphasis, recent accomplishments, and areas of concern.
• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff participating in District-wide safety and risk management program; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Monitors occupational safety and risk management program activities; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendationsconcerning process changes and reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with those of other divisions and outside agencies; organizes, coordinates, and solicits feedback and input from the employee safety committee.
• Serves as the District’s liaison to Cal/OSHA regarding questions, inquiries, employee claims, inspections, injuries, and compliance.
• Responds to the scene of accidents/injuries; investigates and analyzes conditions and circumstances related to the accident/injury; develops findings and recommends corrective action, as necessary.
• Represents the District and promotes the District’s interests with joint powers authorities (JPAs) self-insurance pools, third-party administrators, and consultants; attends meetings and participates in issues involving member agencies; advocates for the fiscal health of the self-insurance pools.
• Oversees and participates in the development, management, and implementation of the District’s Emergency Management Program; ensures the District is prepared to respond during a disaster; trains staff on the principles of the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS); participates in the development of emergency exercises and drills and analyzes staff response and efforts.
• Oversees and manages the development and implementation of the District’s safety training program; ensures employees receive required training and meet regulatory obligations; oversees the development and maintenance of a training database.
• Receives and processes liability and property loss claims; coordinates with claimants, attorneys, insurance carriers and District personnel; participates in the negotiation of claim settlements; representing the District; advises management on recommended resolution.
• Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs and prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures.
• Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files.
• Resolves complex customer questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Reviews contract documents and audits existing contracts and service providers to ensure that insurance requirements are met and maintained; reviews contract language to ensure effective risk transfer has taken place.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to workplace safety and risk mitigation; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies and skills:
Essential:
* Experience
Nonessential:
* Decision Making
* Enthusiasm - Possessing a strong drive and desire for learning, innovation, forward-thinking, and the overall desire to do your job well.
* Inclusiveness - Conducting yourself in a manner which promotes respect and teamwork; communication with and appreciation for all, understanding each person is unique; Striving to understand how to work with our differences, provide better service, work products, and enhance organizational culture.
* Integrity - Demonstrating sincerity and high moral standards in principles, intentions, and actions; having an honest and open approach to all conduct aspects that encourages loyalty, transparency, fairness, and trust.
* Leadership
* Professionalism - Demonstrating knowledge, effectiveness, and competency when interacting with coworkers and customers while maintaining a calm, professional outward demeanor, upholding a reputation for accuracy, dependability, expertise, efficiency, and high quality through delivery of information, services, and products.
* Stewardship - Taking responsibility and ownership for assigned responsibilities; considering the expectations of customers, both internal and external, while demonstrating a proactive, positive willingness to serve.
* Strategic Planning

Credentials:
Essential:
* CA Class C Driver's License

Education:
Essential:
* Bachelors Degree

Compensation:

• Medical, dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, a life insurance policy equal to two times the annual salary for the employee and a $1,000.00 policy for eligible dependents. Benefits become effective on the first of the month following a 30-day waiting period and the Authority contributes 90% of the cost of such insurance.
• CalPERS Retirement is provided using the 2.7 at age 55 formula for “Classic” Members. Retirement is provided using the 2% at age 62 formula for “New/PEPRA” Members.
• Three deferred compensation plans to which an employee may voluntarily contribute up to $23,000 per year. The Authority does not contribute to these plans.
• Twelve (12) paid holidays per year. Upon employment with WESA for one (1) year, employees also receive one (1) floating holiday annually.
• Employees accrue vacation at a rate of 3.08 hours per two-week pay period for the first 4 years of employment; 4.62 hours for years 5-9; 6.16 hours for years 10-14; 6.47 hours for years 15-19; and 6.78 for 20+ years of service.
• Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 3.70 hours per bi-weekly pay period for a total of 96.20 hours per year with unlimited accumulation.
• Additional benefits available include: 9/80 work schedule, Direct Deposit, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance, Certification Reimbursement Program, Certification Bonus Program, Onsite Wellness Center, and two credit unions.

Our Mission: To manage our natural resources to provide reliable, cost efficient and high quality water and wastewater services for the communities we serve, while promoting conservation, environmental responsibility, educations, community interaction, ethical behavior and recognizing employees as highly valuable assets.

The Water Employee Services Authority: WESA was established as a joint powers authority between the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Meeks & Daley Water Company. As a joint powers authority, WESA provides professional water and wastewater services to both agencies. WESA is committed to:

• Professionalism-Demonstrating competency while maintaining a professional demeanor and upholding a reputation for expertise, efficiency, and high quality through delivery of information, services, and products.
• Enthusiasm-Possessing a strong drive for learning, innovation, forward thinking, and the overall desire to do your job well.
• Transparency-Demonstrating high moral standards in principles, intentions and actions; conduct that encourages loyalty, integrity, and trust.
• Inclusiveness-Promoting respect and teamwork through communication and appreciation for all.
• Stewardship-Taking ownership and responsibility for assigned responsibilities, while demonstrating a proactive, positive willingness to serve.

The Application Process: If you are interested in this opportunity, submit a completed WESA employment application online at www.wesawater.com. Resumes and certifications may be included, but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. This recruitment is open until filled with the first review of application beginning on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

For questions and inquiries, please contact: Jenielle Ollerton: jollerton@evmwd.net or (951) 674-3146 ext. 8244.

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• Water Employee Services Authority

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