Safety Specialist

Job Description:

Safety Specialist

Description

The Position:

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of administrative and technical duties in support of the District’s safety and risk management programs; coordinates safety training activities to ensure the District complies with all applicable federal, state, and local safety laws, regulations, and standards; assists with updating safety policies and procedures and administering a variety of safety programs; provides support to the District’s workers’ compensation and injury management program; and performs related duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is responsible for independently performing a variety of duties in support of the District’s workplace safety and risk management programs and initiatives. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Immediate Impact: The successful candidate will be given the following objectives upon hire:

• Within 3 months: Become familiar with the District’s staff, organization, and operations, and develop a solid understanding of existing safety programs, policies, and risk management practices. Conduct initial site visits and establish working relationships with department leads to support safety coordination.
• Within 6 months: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the District’s safety training program and training platform, demonstrating the ability to identify, coordinate, assign, track, and facilitate required training to ensure compliance with Cal/OSHA and other applicable agency standards. Assist in leading or coordinating at least one formal safety training or Safety Committee meeting, and begin managing updates to safety documentation, including the IIPP, SDS library, and SOPs.
• Within 6 months: Become knowledgeable of the District’s Department of Transportation (DOT) program and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) portal, assuming responsibility for ongoing program management and compliance tracking.
• Within 12 months: Demonstrate full competency in risk management, including liability claims handling, insurance and contract coordination, and risk mitigation practices.

The Ideal Candidate: T he ideal candidate will meet the following qualifications:

• Equivalent to an associate degree from an accredited college with major coursework in human resources management, business administration, occupational safety, risk management, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience supporting occupational safety, industrial hygiene, risk management, human resources, field training, or a related program.
• O SHA 30-Hour (General Industry or Construction), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), or Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST) certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals is highly desirable.

Have the understanding and be able to administer:

• The principles and techniques of accident prevention.
• Safety education and training methods and techniques.
• Programs and equipment related to occupational health and safety.
• Personal computer fundamentals, including Microsoft Office software.
• Effective communication with the ability to present technical and regulatory information in a clear and understandable manner across all levels of the organization.
• Addresses sensitive issues with diplomacy and confidentiality, demonstrating honesty, respect, trust, and courage.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Participates in the day-to-day operation of the District’s risk management and safety programs; performs a variety of technical and administrative duties involved in the development, organization, implementation, and coordination of safety and risk management programs including employee training, safety compliance, workers’ compensation support, and emergency management programs.
• Coordinates and schedules employee training, including occupational health and safety training and emergency management training; ensures training courses meet District and regulatory requirements; enrolls employees in training courses as required; tracks, monitors, and documents employee participation in training to ensure compliance and maintenance of certifications; participates in the development and maintenance of a training database.
• Oversees training consultants; develops bids and requests for proposals (RFP) and negotiates contracts for training coursework; determines training needs and drafts scope of work; recommends contractors/vendors to award; evaluates vendor performance and ensures vendor compliance with contracts.
• Facilitates and conducts safety training and coordinates training with internal subject matter experts; develops training content, including presentations and training materials; ensures all training is tracked in appropriate database.
• Conducts workplace safety audits and inspections of safety equipment; drafts reports on compliance and actions that can be taken to ensure ongoing compliance; inspects AED and First Aid kits and ensures equipment and supplies are in working order and appropriately stocked.
• Conducts safety training orientations for new employees; ensures employee enrollment in training and safety database systems and appropriates documentation of certifications for newly hired employees.
• Assists in updating safety-related policies and procedures; maintains records for compliance with state and federal occupational safety and health agencies; prepares a variety of reports documenting safety program activity.
• Schedules Department of Transportation (DOT) random drug and alcohol testing and coordinates federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) portal and Entry Level Driver Training program for commercial drivers.
• Administers and maintains the motor vehicle Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program; monitors and notifies employees and department management staff of any licensing issues or expirations; schedules required physicals.
• Assists with workers’ compensation program activities; responds to incident reports and assists employees with information and support for medical examinations; works with third party administrator in coordinating workers’ compensation and general liability claims.
• Investigates claims filed by members of the public or other organizations; advises executive management on recommended resolution; makes or reviews claim acceptance/denial recommendations from Department Heads to ensure that proper risk management and benefit has been achieved; receives and processes all liability and property loss claims; coordinates with claimants, attorneys, insurance carriers, and District personnel; participates in the negotiation of claim settlements in small claims including to represent the District in small claims court when necessary; communicates status on a per-case basis as needed and coordinates status reporting.
• Participates in the development and implementation of the District's Emergency Management Program; assists in developing disaster preparedness training and coordinates training and emergency exercises/ drills; assists with drafting SOPs for emergency protocols; performs safety and emergency preparedness inspections of District equipment and facilities.
• Provides support to departments on a variety of safety-related projects; assists with safety training program outreach and education and participates in educational events; sets-up and takes-down booths; creates and presents safety related games and educational materials.
• Attends and participates in a variety of safety meetings and committees, including the employee safety committee; organizes, coordinates, and documents solicited feedback and input from the employee safety committee.
• Responds to the scene of accidents or injuries; assists Safety Officer in conducting thorough investigation and analysis of conditions and circumstances related to the accident or injury.
• Conducts ergonomic evaluations and provides feedback to staff and supervisors related to ergonomic issues, makes recommendations; maintains records related to ergonomic evaluations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Compensation:

• Medical, dental, vision, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, a life insurance policy equal to two times the annual salary for the employee and a $1,000.00 policy for eligible dependents. Benefits become effective on the first of the month following a 30-day waiting period and the Authority contributes 90% of the cost of such insurance.
• CalPERS Retirement is provided using the 2.7 at age 55 formula for “Classic” Members. Retirement is provided using the 2% at age 62 formula for “New/PEPRA” Members.
• Three deferred compensation plans to which an employee may voluntarily contribute up to $23,500 per year. The Authority does not contribute to these plans.
• Twelve (12) paid holidays per year. Upon employment with WESA for one (1) year, employees also receive one (1) floating holiday annually.
• Employees accrue vacation at a rate of 3.08 hours per two-week pay period for the first 4 years of employment; 4.62 hours for years 5-9; 6.16 hours for years 10-14; 6.47 hours for years 15-19; and 6.78 for 20+ years of service.
• Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 3.70 hours per bi-weekly pay period for a total of 96.20 hours per year with unlimited accumulation.
• Additional benefits available include: 9/80 work schedule, Direct Deposit, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance, Certification Reimbursement Program, Certification Bonus Program, Onsite Wellness Center, and two credit unions.

Our Mission: To manage our natural resources to provide reliable, cost efficient and high quality water and wastewater services for the communities we serve, while promoting conservation, environmental responsibility, educations, community interaction, ethical behavior and recognizing employees as highly valuable assets.

The Water Employee Services Authority: WESA was established as a joint powers authority between the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Meeks & Daley Water Company. As a joint powers authority, WESA provides professional water and wastewater services to both agencies. WESA is committed to:

• Professionalism-Demonstrating competency while maintaining a professional demeanor and upholding a reputation for expertise, efficiency, and high quality through delivery of information, services, and products.
• Enthusiasm-Possessing a strong drive for learning, innovation, forward thinking, and the overall desire to do your job well.
• Transparency-Demonstrating high moral standards in principles, intentions and actions; conduct that encourages loyalty, integrity, and trust.
• Inclusiveness-Promoting respect and teamwork through communication and appreciation for all.
• Stewardship-Taking ownership and responsibility for assigned responsibilities, while demonstrating a proactive, positive willingness to serve.

The Application Process: If you are interested in this opportunity, submit a completed WESA employment application online at www.wesawater.com. Resumes and certifications may be included, but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. In order to be considered, applications must be received no later than 5:30 pm, Tuesday October 28, 2025.

For questions and inquiries, please contact: Jenielle Ollerton: jollerton@evmwd.net or (951) 674-3146 ext. 8244.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-10-28

Salary:

7,701.23 - 10,103.60