Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Under general supervision, plans and coordinates the safety program throughout the District.

Essential job functions are fundamental, core functions common to positions in a classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are designed to be descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents may complete one or all of the job duties listed or tasks of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Assigns, supervises, and reviews work.  Recommends hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion, or discharge.  Schedules personnel for special projects and assignments and ensures task completion.
• Coordinates, reviews and updates mandated OSHA training and MWRD recommended training for employees.  Ensures maintenance of records of training received by all MWRD employees.
• Reviews accident statistics and prepares monthly and annual reports to OSHA, Water Environmental Federation, NSC and MWRD management. Identifies trends and suggests corrective action.  Discusses accident reports with plant managers as necessary.
• Reviews construction and maintenance contracts to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Assists in preparation of the Safety budget by determining needs for safety equipment, materials and supplies.
• Reviews current literature for instructional material, new OSHA regulations, and state-of-the-art safety equipment and methods.
• Coordinates and implements District Safety Programs. Evaluates the capability of present systems, policies and procedures and makes recommendations for new equipment; facilitates updates to Safety Programs.

• Arranges training for MWRD Safety staff.
• Prepares and administers contracts for asbestos and lead abatement, portable fire extinguishers, special programs, first aid supplies, and training. 
• Oversees District employee benefit safety programs such as those for obtaining safety shoes, eyeglasses and arc flash garments.
• Inspects new construction and maintenance projects to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Presents information on District, OSHA, and Illinois Health and Safety Code requirements at pre-bid and preconstruction conferences, state and local official meetings, and plant safety meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

May involve exposure to a variety of operating mechanical equipment and loud noise and/or noxious odors.  May include working in all types of weather conditions throughout the plant facility and collection system. Typical office environment.  May use standard office equipment and computer terminals.

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of construction, plant, and office safety.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of first aid.
• Extensive knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information in industrial and construction safety.
• Some knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of modern office management.
• Ability to read and follow building plans and blueprints.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to conduct training classes and instruct others.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university majoring in occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, safety technology, engineering, or science and four years of experience in the development, implementation and communication of safety programs in the workplace, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity.

Additional experience in the development, implementation and communication of safety programs in the workplace may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Certification as an Associate Safety Professional by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals may be substituted for the required education and/or experience to a maximum of two years.  Certification as a Certified Safety Professional by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals may be substituted for the required education and/or experience to a maximum of four years.

• Two years of experience with the District as a Safety Specialist.
• Civil service status as a Safety Specialist.