Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Senior - Austin Resource Recovery

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general direction, develops, administers, and implements the departmental occupational safety program.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Bears responsibility for the implementation of the safety program and assists in the development of the safety program by inspecting or reviewing areas, equipment, work processes, and work activities for hazardous conditions.
  
• Establishes standards and procedures to ensure compliance with required government occupational safety regulations, internal City or departmental safety policies, or operational needs related to specific job conditions.
  
• Conducts safety meetings and presents safety topics to employees; prepares and maintains training materials, presentations, and related safety program documentation.
  
• Provides, as necessary, training to managers and others on occupational safety issues.
  
• Administers, develops, and reviews departmental occupational safety plans and investigates work-related accidents according to designated procedures.
  
• Identifies trends and prepares recommendations for new or modified occupational safety programs to reduce or prevent accidents.
  
• Assists in auditing compliance with Federal, State, and Local occupational safety regulations.
  
• Develops and writes departmental safety policies and procedures.
  
• Coordinates department-wide safety drills, orientation of new employees, or other safety program events; and maintains communication with internal customers and other agencies to support the safety function.
  
• Collaborates and participates on teams with safety, technical, management, and other stakeholders.
  
• Research occupational safety information to assure the best available methods and equipment are adopted to minimize the hazards in the workplace.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of safety and risk management principles, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of basic training and learning principles.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Skill in investigative analysis.
  
• Skill in identifying safety and risk hazards.
  
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to deliver training.
  
• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in occupational health and safety programs.
  
• Ability to develop and facilitate training sessions.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications :

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major coursework in a related field, plus two (2) years of experience in the assigned area of specialization.
  
• Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required :

• Valid Texas Driver License.
  
• Licensing for specific disciplines may be required.
  
• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
  

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience with a wide variety of safety programs (i.e. Hazard Communication, Ergonomics, PPE evaluation, Respiratory Training Program, Hearing Conservation Program)
  
• Performs Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), Job Site Analyses (JSAs), and Job Demands Analyses (JDAs) to identify and mitigate workplace risks and ensure compliance with safety standards.
  
• Skills in using computers and related software, including Microsoft Office (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, and Word).
  
• Experience evaluating workplace hazards and mitigation techniques and recommending process improvements and efficiencies to support the reduction in safety incidents.
  
• Experience writing, creating, and presenting safety related training to a wide variety of individuals using multiple platforms.
  
• Experience with injury/vehicle incident prevention and investigations
  
• Safety-related experience.
  
• Experience in solid waste heavy fleet/equipment operations and DOT/OSHA regulations.
  
• Class A or B Commercial Driver License is a plus and/or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
  
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus
  

Notes to Candidate:

Pay Range :

$31.39 - $39.24

Work Schedule :

• Employees will work a four-day, 10.5-hour schedule, either Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., based on business needs.
  
• Employees must be available to work after-hours, holidays, weekends, and during special events as required by business operations .
  

Application: Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meet the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees, in Good Standing, who are Candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.

A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Your application should reflect your complete employment history (to include all job duties responsibilities and employment dates) on your online application. The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see Linkedin Profile”). The responses to the supplemental questions inquiring about experience should be reflected on your application.

A resume is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please include contact information from previous employers.
A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.

Virtual Interviews: Austin Resource Recovery may conduct virtual interviews.

Skills Assessments: A competency assessment may be required to verify your skill set. Including assessments in Business Writing, Basic PowerPoint, and a Safety Assessment.

90-Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other similar positions within Austin Resource Recovery outside of the division listed above.

Nepotism Policy: The City of Austin Nepotism Policy states, “No person, regardless of job title or length of tenure with the City, shall be employed in a position in which the relative has direct or indirect supervisory authority regarding the terms and conditions of their relative’s employment.”

Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty (20) pounds. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Benefits: Working with the City of Austin at Austin Resource Recovery ( ARR ) provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( PSLF ) Program. This is a federal program designed to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans upon meeting program requirements.

Military/Veteran: Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of interview.

Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All Austin Resource Recovery locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any ARR worksite - including parking lot or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Important Note to Applicants :

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59pm the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-12-02

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• City of Austin

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