Job Summary

The primary purpose of an Occupational Safety Specialist is to design, implement, and maintain comprehensive safety programs tailored to the unique needs of craft/trade and campus support staff. This specialist identifies hazards through site assessments, risk analysis, and regulatory review, then translates findings into clear, actionable written materials—such as standard operating procedures, safe work guidelines, and training manuals. This position is responsible for preparing and delivering engaging and effective training sessions, both in-person and virtually, ensuring employees understand safety standards, equipment use, and emergency protocols. The scope also includes tracking program effectiveness through feedback, incident monitoring, and compliance auditing, making continuous improvements where needed. Ultimately, this role fosters a proactive safety culture—empowering frontline workers with the knowledge and tools to perform their tasks safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Function 1 - Develop and Maintain Safety Programs - Create, revise, and implement written occupational safety programs in compliance with OSHA general industry standards, best management practices and regulatory requirements, specifically tailored for crafts/trades and campus support operations.
• Function 2 - Perform Hazard Assessments and Site Inspections - Conduct routine safety audits, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and inspections of workspaces, equipment, and processes to identify risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Function 3 - Conduct Training and Educational Outreach - Deliver regular safety training sessions and hands-on instruction for employees on topics such as PPE use, hazard communication, fall protection, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and other relevant areas.
• Function 4 - Support Continuity of Operations and Facility Protection - Develop and implement safety measures that support the continuity of essential campus services and protect campus infrastructure during emergencies, maintenance operations, and adverse conditions.
• Function 5 - Incident Investigation and Reporting - Lead or assist in the investigation of accidents and near misses, analyze root causes, and develop and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
• Function 6 - Ensure Regulatory Compliance - Monitor and interpret local, state, and federal regulations to ensure institutional compliance and update safety programs as needed.
• Function 7 - Maintain Safety Records and Documentation - Track training attendance, inspection findings, corrective actions, and incident reports; maintain accurate documentation for compliance and performance evaluation.
• Function 8 - Collaborate Across Departments - Work closely with Facilities, Environmental Health & Safety, Human Resources, and departmental supervisors to integrate safety into daily operations.
• Function 9 - Promote a Culture of Safety - Actively encourage employee engagement in safety initiatives, support safety committees, and serve as a resource for safety concerns and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Health, Public Health, Risk Management, or a related field
• Note: An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered
• At least 2 years of experience in occupational safety, safety compliance, or related field
• Experience delivering safety training and conducting safety inspections

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in occupational safety, safety compliance, preferably in facilities, construction, or campus operations
• OSHA 30-Hour certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• Certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST), or similar are a plus
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and other applicable safety standards (e.g., NFPA, ANSI, EPA)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

• Ability to develop and implement safety programs and procedures
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, climb, and work in various environmental conditions (indoor/outdoor, heights, confined spaces)
• Ability to work flexible hours or respond to emergencies when needed

SKILLS

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with frontline workers, supervisors, and management.
• Proficiency in standard office software and ability to use safety-related systems and databases for training records, inspections, and incident reporting (e.g., Excel, SharePoint, learning management systems, or EHS compliance platforms).