Field Safety Specialist

Job Description

UWF Safety Department has an outstanding opportunity for a Field Safety Specialist to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Safety, the Field Safety Specialist assists departmental directors, managers, supervisors, and leads in integrating safety program requirements, safety analysis, work planning, hazard assessments, and safety training into the daily planning and scheduling of work. Using knowledge of health and safety regulations, skilled trades operations, and departmental work management processes, this position conducts worksite audits to ensure safe work practices are followed in accordance with university and departmental policies, procedures, and training. This position requires a safety professional who can develop reports, analyze data, and prepare presentations that clearly identify actionable recommendations focused on improving safety programs and practices and reducing or eliminating workplace incidents and injuries within the departments they support.

This position is posted Open until Filled; resumes will be reviewed starting Sept. 21.

Key Responsibilities

Field Safety Support & Consultation - 60%

• Conduct regular worksite audits and walkthroughs to evaluate work practices, ensure supervisors are reinforcing safe work practices, and verify employees are following required safety procedures and training.

• Attend monthly shop safety meetings to provide safety updates and information that benefit all employees.

• Regularly meet with shop supervisors to review Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) regulations, UWF safety policies and practices, and industry best practices. Work with supervisors and leads to review, update, and develop HRCs, SOPs, and JHAs.

• Identify applicable health and safety compliance requirements; conduct program and compliance audits to evaluate compliance activities and assess the effectiveness of safety programs; identify areas for improvement; and work with UWF department leadership to implement new or revise existing policies and processes.

• Maintain current knowledge of applicable health and safety regulations and industry best practices through professional development courses, conferences, regulatory agency update sessions, and other educational opportunities.

• Review proposed rulemaking from L&I, EPA, and other regulatory agencies and assess potential impacts on departmental operations and safety programs.

Safety Program Evaluation & Incident Prevention – 30%

• Review Online Accident Reports, including root cause findings, recommendations, and near-miss reports, with shop personnel, and provide guidance on preventing similar incidents.

• Identify and analyze departmental accident, injury, and illness trends; evaluate safety program effectiveness; work with department leadership and the UWF Safety Director to identify intervention strategies and make recommendations for policy, program, and workplace safety improvements.

• Participate in root cause investigations of significant safety incidents and recommend updates to safety practices, policies, and safety and training programs based on investigation findings.

• Conduct program and compliance audits to evaluate compliance activities and assess the effectiveness of safety programs.

Safety Training & Development – 10%

• In collaboration with the UWF Safety Training Manager and EH&S, assist supervisors and managers in developing and delivering department-specific safety training.

• Evaluate department-specific safety training for applicability, effectiveness, and opportunities for improvement, and recommend updates based on evaluation findings, incident trends, regulatory changes, and other identified needs.

This position performs essential services and may be required to work during any period of declared suspended operation.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Bachelors’ degree with major study in Occupational Health & Safety or closely related field

• Five years of professional experience in the practice, administration and implementation of occupational health and safety programs.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience applying WISHA/OSHA and/or other occupational and/or construction safety regulations and requirements to the planning and coordination of facilities operations work.

• Possess a thorough understanding and knowledge of occupational health & safety regulations. Have the ability to interpret, apply, and assess compliance for numerous, complex, and technical regulations for a wide variety of work environments.

• Demonstrated knowledge of occupational safety practices and techniques.

• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communications skills and use of computer technology to access and manage information.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperate with others to resolve issues and problems and to provide excellent customer service

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as Certified Industrial Hygienist and/or Certified Safety Professional.

• Experience in reviewing and managing safety practices.

• Experience in developing, implementing and managing a comprehensive safety program in a large organization.

• Experience in the use of a computerized maintenance management system. AIM is the current CMMS used by Facilities Services.

• Work experience as a field safety professional or industrial hygienist in areas such as fall protection, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, scaffolding, lead worker, asbestos awareness, respiratory protection, and ladder safety, transportation safety, custodial, ergonomics, or high energy systems.

Working Conditions

• Valid driver's license recognized by the State of Washington; ability to travel locally to alternate work sites as needed.

• Must be able to work in a smoke-free environment.

• Regular and predictable attendance.

• Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job. Must participate in medical screening/monitoring (such as TB screening and proof of measles inoculation) required for work assignments in locations, including but not limited to, non-human primate areas, the Animal Research & Care Facility, and the University of Washington Medical Center.

• Approved footwear must be provided at the employee's expense and worn on the job.

• Professional travel may be required.

• While most work performed by this position is within normal business hours, work may be required after normal business hours including weekends. Position requires flexibility to deal with emergency situations, meetings, or other scheduled work that may fall outside normal work hours.

• Must be able to regularly navigate construction sites. Work may require access to confined spaces and heights using approved safety measures.

• Ability to lift and move heavy material up to fifty pounds may occasionally be required.

About the Team

UW Facilities Safety is dedicated to promoting and supporting the University’s efforts to protect human health, safety, and the environment. Facilities Safety develops, implements and updates Facilities safety policies and procedures, works closely with organizational leadership, and works with Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) to assure compliance with all relevant regulations and UW policies. Facilities Safety works with Facilities Leads, Supervisors, Managers, and Directors to assure they and their employees follow policies and procedures, comply with regulations, and to provide employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards. Additionally, Facilities Safety works closely with field personnel in developing best practice approaches to performing their work safely.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$84,996.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$110,004.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.