Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Senior, Animal Services

About This Position

Under general direction, develops, administers, and implements the departmental occupational safety program.

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• →Bears responsibility for the implementation of the safety program and assists in the development of the safety program by inspecting or reviewing areas, equipment, work processes, and work activities for hazardous conditions.
• →Establishes standards and procedures to ensure compliance with required government occupational safety regulations, internal City or departmental safety policies, or operational needs related to specific job conditions.
• →Conducts safety meetings and presents safety topics to employees; prepares and maintains training materials, presentations, and related safety program documentation.
• →Provides, as necessary, training to managers and others on occupational safety issues.
• →Administers, develops, and reviews departmental occupational safety plans and investigates work-related accidents according to designated procedures.
• →Identifies trends and prepares recommendations for new or modified occupational safety programs to reduce or prevent accidents.
• →Assists in auditing compliance with Federal, State, and Local occupational safety regulations.
• →Develops and writes departmental safety policies and procedures.
• →Coordinates department-wide safety drills, orientation of new employees, or other safety program events; and maintains communication with internal customers and other agencies to support the safety function.
• →Collaborates and participates on teams with safety, technical, management, and other stakeholders.
• →Researches occupational safety information to assure the best available methods and equipment are adopted to minimize the hazards in the workplace.

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety and risk management principles, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic training and learning principles.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in investigative analysis.
• Skill in identifying safety and risk hazards.
• Ability to handle hostility, conflict, and uncertain situations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to deliver training.
• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in occupational health and safety programs.
• Ability to develop and facilitate training sessions.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major coursework in a related field, plus two (2) years of experience in the assigned area of specialization.
• Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

• Demonstrated experience responding to emergency situations and assisting with emergency response coordination.
• Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience overseeing the investigation and documentation of safety incidents such as on-the-job injuries, vehicle collisions and near misses in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience developing and implementing safety-related policies and procedures.
• Experience conducting safety audits in an animal sheltering environment and/or facilities safety.
• Demonstrated experience handling incident reporting, root cause analysis, and administering corrective action plans.
• Experience conducting safety meetings and presenting safety training to all levels of employees, both in the field and in classroom settings, preparing and maintaining training materials, presentations, and related safety program documentation.
• Experience identifying trends and preparing recommendations for new or modified safety programs to reduce or prevent on-the-job injuries.
• Preferred Licenses/Certifications or the ability to obtain any one within six (6) months of hire:
  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
  • Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
  • Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP)
  • Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO)

The Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Sr. will be responsible for developing and implementing the Animal Services Safety Program.  This position will deliver safety and occupational training including workplace violence prevention, injury prevention, defensive driving, periodic emergency/fire drills, and New Employee Safety Orientation. 

The position will conduct accident and incident investigations, job hazard analysis, corrective actions plan, and catastrophic event reporting. Responsibilities include administering the driver safety program within Animal Services. This position will conduct periodic safety and physical security audits, and develop written department safety policies, plans, and guidelines. This position will perform injury and collision trend analysis, and report recommendations to departmental Leadership. This position will establish and maintain departmental safety policies and procedures in accordance with regulations. This position will participate in the City Occupational Safety and Health Network (COSHN) meetings along with maintaining competency in OSHA regulations, and industry’s best practices.  This position will perform other related duties as assigned.   

This position requires a Valid Class “C” Texas Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. The job offer is contingent on having a driving record that meets the City’s Driver Record Evaluation Standards.

If you are selected to interview: Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference.

If you are selected for hire: You must provide proof of education which may include your official college transcript, High School diploma, GED or equivalent degree and your professional licenses. A Criminal Background check (CBI) will be conducted.

Additional Information: Austin Animal Services’ worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APH/AAS worksite – including construction sites, parking lot, or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

• Valid Texas Driver License.
• Licensing for specific disciplines may be required.
• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.

A skills assessment/s will be required for this position.

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.