Transportation Occupational Safety Specialist Senior - Kanawha County

The Transportation Occupational Safety Specialist Senior performs advanced level work administering an occupational safety program designed to ensure compliance with all federal and state workplace safety requirements in a district of the Department of Transportation. Reviews work practices, worksites and facilities to identify unsafe conditions. Serves as the lead specialist for the agency or division. Coordinates routine and specialized safety work with district safety specialists. Responsible for identifying, coordinating and delivering specialized safety training needed by district safety specialists to perform their functions. Required certifications must be up to date. Performs other related duties as required. 

Preferred certifications: OSHA 2225 Respiratory Protection, 3015 Excavation/Trenching, and 3115 Fall Protection. Safety experience with the Department of Transportation is preferred.

Pay Grade 18
T0392N

• Reviews the administration of the safety program on an agency wide basis to ensure district compliance
• Safety Specialists are carrying out assigned duties
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the safety program as it is administered in each district
• Researches literature, standards, laws, and rules to provide management with solutions to safety related problems
• Assists district Safety Specialists in the resolution of difficult or complex occupational safety problems and issues
• Evaluates work sites for hazardous conditions
• Conducts industrial hygiene testing with complex testing equipment
• Develops and conducts training for Safety Specialists and agency personnel
• Identifies new training needs based on research into emerging occupational safety issues and/or changes in laws and regulations
• Responds in accordance with approved emergency response procedures to spills or release of pollutants, some of which may be hazardous substances
• Trains new district Safety Specialists
• May perform all duties of a district Safety Specialist as may be required from time to time
• The personal contacts are with individuals or groups from outside the employing agency in a moderately unstructured setting.
• The work affects a wide range of agency activities, major activities or industrial concerns, or the operation of other agencies.
• Travel may be required; therefore, a valid driver’s license is required.

• Knowledge of established and effective methods of investigation
• Assignments requiring some degree of advanced knowledge related to highways, buildings and attending structures may be required at this level.
• Knowledge of the various core elements within construction and general industry occupational safety regulations, RCRA Regulations, USDOT Motor Carrier and Hazardous  Material regulations, MUTCD Policies, NFPA regulations and NESHAP regulations
• Knowledge of general highway standards and maintenance techniques
• Knowledge of capabilities of construction and maintenance equipment
• Knowledge of occupational health issues
• Ability to effectively explain and interpret provisions of laws and regulations
• Ability to enforce laws, rules and regulations with firmness and impartiality
• Ability to operate a personal computer
• Ability to speak before groups
• Ability to maintain working relationship with others
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, exercise sound judgment and work under limited supervision
• Ability to keep accurate records, write reports in a clear, concise form, and present factual material and ideas effectively
• Ability to work in special apparel such as self-contained breathing apparatus SCBA, respirators, and/or encapsulated suits. NOTE: Personnel engaged in activities  associated with hazardous wastes risk exposure to situations or chemicals that may cause injury or illness if proper procedures are not followed.
• Ability to interpret laws and standards and apply them to a particular situation
• Ability to analyze situations, problems and information and develop appropriate responses and resolutions
• Ability to develop and conduct safety training programs including curriculum and audiovisual material
• Skill to conduct heavy equipment, motor vehicle, and workplace safety inspections and assess situations quickly

REQUIRED TRAINING/EDUCATION 
• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a degree in occupational safety; industrial hygiene; criminal or social justice; general, industrial, or social psychology; human relations; or related applied sciences.
• Current Certifications are required: 
    •   OSHA 500-501 Authorized Trainer
    •   HAZWOPER supervisor certification
    •   ATSSA Traffic Control Supervisor and Flagger Instructor
    •   CPR/First Aid/AED instructor
    •   Asbestos Inspector license
• Substitution: Full-time or part-time equivalent paid experience in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, or industrial maintenance may substitute for the required training/education on a year-for-year basis.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE 
• Five (5) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in occupational safety, industrial hygiene or industrial maintenance.
• Substitution: A master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a degree in occupational safety; industrial hygiene; criminal or social justice; general, industrial, or social psychology; human relations; or related applied sciences may substitute for the required training/education and two (2) years of the required experience. Graduate coursework in occupational safety, industrial hygiene or industrial maintenance may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.