About this role

About This Position

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.

Job Description:

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Senior

Purpose:

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

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

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.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

- 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.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

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

Notes to Candidate:

Preferred Qualifications:

- 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.

Who Are We?
Austin Animal Services’ mission is to enhance the lives of pets and people by preventing animal homelessness, to help lost pets find their way home or find new homes, to provide education and resources to preserve the human-animal bond, and to administer animal-related ordinances to ensure public and animal safety, all while achieving a 95% live outcome rate for sheltered pets.

Austin Animal Services offers outstanding benefits including several health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click City of Austin Benefits for more information.

Regarding Your Application:

The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure that your application is a reflection of your entire work history.

- Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
- A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Describe your specific experience for each position. Include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates.
- A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please include contact information from previous employers.

Pay Rate: $33.02 - $41.28/hour based on experience

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

This position is considered “essential;” employees may be required to report to work when the City of Austin offices are otherwise closed (bad weather, etc.).

Work Location: Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop Bldg. A 78702

PLEASE NOTE: Austin Animal Services is not a 100% remote operation. This position is considered “essential;” employees may be required to report to work when the City of Austin offices are otherwise closed (bad weather, etc.).

Driving Requirement:

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.

Skills Assessment:

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

90-Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other sections within the Division. Decisions on assigned section will be made at the time of hire based on business needs.

PLEASE NOTE: this posting may close any time after 7 days .

Essential Employee:
This position has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a city-designated extraordinary situation or emergency condition, essential employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees, as well as ensure the continuity of essential operations. Essential Employees may be called back in during such events, required to modify their schedule, assigned to a City-designated work site, or retained on-site to assist with operations and recovery.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply , but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed . All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once the position has been unposted, it will no longer be viewable.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

- 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.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin: