Transportation Occupational Safety Specialist Trainee - Marshall County

The Transportation Occupational Safety Specialist Trainee will report to the District 6 Headquarters in Marshall County. This position performs entry-level work to assist in 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. Assists in reviewing work practices, worksites, and facilities to identify unsafe conditions. Works with higher level safety specialists to inform supervisors and managers and to identify and correct workplace safety problems. Assist higher level specialists to ensure hazardous wastes are disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations. Participates in classroom and on-the-job training and certification programs covering various aspects of occupational safety. Performs other related duties as required.

Pay Grade 14
T0390N

• Keeps records and makes oral or written reports of all investigations and inspections
• Assists in the development of cost-effective methods to correct hazardous conditions
• Assists in developing and conducting employee safety training programs
• May assist in developing areas of specializations such as chain saw training, ergonomics, lead safety inspections, traffic control, qualitative/fit testing, etc.
• Assists higher level specialists in researching literature, standards, laws, and rules to provide management with solutions to safety related problems
• Assists in providing counseling and other support services for employees
• Receives classroom and on-the-job training pertaining to evaluating work sites for hazardous conditions
• Responds to requests from management and work force in a timely fashion regarding safety issues
• Participates in training to improve safety, industrial hygiene and communication skills
• Assists higher level specialists in regular inspections of sites to ascertain types of wastes produced, sources and volumes of waste, disposal methods, compliance with  laws and regulations
• Assists in performing field reviews of employee work practices for compliance with state and federal work site safety regulations
• May attend monthly safety meetings with higher level specialists in each of the district organizational units
• Assists in inspecting and sampling work sites and structures for presence of asbestos
• Assists with inspection of vehicles traveling interstate highways and carrying hazardous waste
• Personal contacts may include individuals or groups from outside the Department of Transportation. Certain meetings or conversations may take  place outside of the agency in a somewhat unstructured setting.
• Travel may be required; therefore, a valid driver’s license is required.

• A wide range of problems or situations may be presented in this level of knowledge. An understanding of an extensive set of rules, regulations, guidelines, and  operations will be required to adequately perform duties.
• 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 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 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), respirator, 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 situation
• Ability to analyze situations, problems, and information and develop appropriate responses and resolutions
• 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.
• 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 
• No prior experience is required. This is the entry-level classification in this series.