Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

Under general direction, manages the safety programs for 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.

• Plans, develops, supervises, manages, controls, and evaluates the health and safety accident prevention, and fire protection programs to comply with OSHA regulations and District rules and policies.
• Partners with operating and support departments to promote a “Safety Culture” and establish accountability for the safety program.
• Supervises and participates in the analysis, development, communication and management of new and revised safety rules, programs and regulations throughout all plant and office areas; oversees compliance with Federal, State and local policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Supervises the inspection of machinery, facilities, and buildings to see that they are in safe operating condition and comply with applicable safety regulations.
• Supervises the analysis of all accidents and lost-time incidents; develops, plans, and coordinates training to correct deficiencies and address trends, working in coordination with others as warranted.
• Assures timely and efficient entry and tracking of workers’ compensation claims and record only incidents in the District’s RMIS system, along with coding for OSHA.
• Assures ongoing support by the Safety staff for the District’s Return-to Work Program, working together with the Risk Management Section.
• Overseas the development of training programs for safety practices and OSHA compliance.
• Actively partners with the Risk Manager for District emergency/disaster preparedness activities; serves as a core member of the District’s Incident Management Team.
• Prepares periodic reports to management and on specific topics, as requested.
• Maintains safety records in accordance with state and federal requirements.
• Recommends, administers, and manages budget to provide for adequate equipment and resources to perform mission; prepares periodic updates, as required.
• Assigns, coordinates and supervises work done by subordinates; rewards, disciplines, directs or adjusts grievances of other employees or effectively recommends their hiring, transfer, suspension, layoff, recall, promotion or discharge.

• 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. Work also performed in a 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.
• Ability to develop, direct, and coordinate comprehensive safety programs for the District's plants, laboratories and offices.
• Ability to analyze managerial and operational problems and to develop and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Graduation from a four-year accredited college or university with a major in occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, safety technology, engineering, or science.  Six years of experience in the development, implementation and communication of safety programs in an industrial, construction, manufacturing or process environment, including three years in a supervisory capacity.

Additional experience in the development, implementation and communication of safety programs in an industrial, construction, manufacturing or process environment 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.

• One year of experience with the District as a Senior Safety Specialist.  
• Civil service status as a Senior Safety Specialist.