Description

A safety specialist at MSD works closely with the Safety Manager and serves as a subject matter authority for the application of safe operational practices and demonstrates compliance with company policy. A safety specialist will act as a coach to safety coordinators and promote a positive safety culture at the District.  

Essential Functions:

• Drive personal accountability to improve safety performance across business segments and serve as a liaison between management and employees on safety-related issues. 
• Provide safety training to employees, supervisors, management, and safety coordinators, including new hire safety training.
• Conduct facility audits and risk assessments to identify hazards and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct field safety observations aimed at identifying risks with follow-up communications to supervision and management.
• Select, train, and coordinate the inspection of safety equipment for new and existing job practices. 
• Develop and update new and existing safety policies and procedures.
• Responsible for providing safety documentation including incident reports, training records to management and supervision.
• Coordinate safety drills and assist with creating and updating emergency response plans to ensure preparedness.
• Provide safety support for operations in the pump station, collection, and treatment plants. Provide safety support for other departments as needed. 
• Develop annual training programs and update training materials.
• Collaborate with safety coordinators and safety manager to ensure District safety policies and procedures are being met.
• Independently solve moderately complex issues with minimal supervision, while escalating more complex issues to the safety manager.
• Acts as a coach to safety coordinator and provides guidance and instruction in the proper and most efficient methods of accomplishing tasks and leads projects.
• Occasionally provide support outside of normal working hours.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform related work as required or as delegated by supervisor.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Preferably in Occupational Safety Management or related field
  AND
• Three years of safety-related experience required 

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize and self-direct work activities with little direct supervision and participate in a geographically dispersed team environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office and PowerPoint required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects to successful completion.
• Strong analytical, communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation is preferred. 
• Knowledge of utility operations and construction preferred.
• Ability to explain technical concepts in simple terms.
• Public speaking and presentation skills, ability to engage diverse audiences.

Special Requirements: 

• Must obtain the OSHA 511 within six months of employment or assuming the role.
• Must obtain the Specialist in Safety and Health (SSH) General Industry within a year of employment or assuming the role. 
• Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state in which the employee resides.
• Pursuant to MSD's "Substance Abuse Policy and Procedures," this position has been designated as safety sensitive and candidate must pass a Non-D.O.T. Drug Test for this position. Employees occupying this position are not subject to Federal (D.O.T.) Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations.
• Current employees of MSD must have a meets expectation on their most recent performance evaluation.