Job Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Arlington County’s Department of Environmental Services is looking for a collaborative and forward-thinking Safety Specialist to champion workplace safety across some of the County’s most operationally complex environments. This position will partner with employees and management to strengthen safety practices, support regulatory compliance, and promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement, with primary responsibility for the Equipment Bureau and Solid Waste Bureau.

Major job duties include:

• Developing, implementing, monitoring, and improving safety programs, policies, and procedures to support departmental operations and ensure compliance with County, OSHA, VOSH, DOT, and other applicable regulations;
• Identifying hazards, evaluating risks, recommending corrective actions, and supporting a proactive safety culture for department staff.
• Developing, delivering, and coordinating safety training programs, materials, and educational initiatives that address operational risks, regulatory requirements, and employee development needs;
• Conducting safety inspections, audits, investigations, and program evaluations[WJ1.1][RS1.2] of facilities, equipment, operations, and work practices to identify hazards, ensure compliance, and support continuous improvement;;
• Analyzing accident, incident, and exposure data to identify trends and recommend preventive measures;
• Collaborating with departmental leadership, safety personnel, Risk Management staff, regulatory agencies, and external vendors on safety initiatives, compliance matters, and program improvements;
• Monitoring emerging safety, industrial hygiene, fleet safety, and regulatory trends;
• Recommending and implementing enhancements to safety practices, equipment, and operational controls;
• Preparing and maintaining reports, records, documentation, and other administrative materials related to safety activities, incidents, compliance, training, and medical surveillance programs; and
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Education: Associate’s degree in safety sciences, safety management, industrial hygiene or similar field from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Considerable experience performing responsible technical safety related work in or for an industrial environment.

Substitutions: Additional education may be substituted for experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to applicants with experience in or possession of one or more of the following:

• Professional safety in public works, fleet safety, and/or vehicle repair environment;
• ASP (Associate Safety Professional) or CSP (Certified Safety Professional) designation;
• Certification as a Defensive Driving Instructor;
• OSHA Outreach Trainer certifications;
• CDL License; and/or
• Fleet safety technology including AVL/GPS, in vehicle camera systems, etc.

Special Requirements

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver's License: Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver’s license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicant’s driving record. Alternatively, the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite.

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.

Additional Information

Work hours: Normal work hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. Must be available during emergencies. Some telework may be available contingent upon supervisor approval and workload.

Working Conditions: Includes exposure to weather, drafts, noise, dust, grease, and dirt with extended periods of sitting, bending, and lifting light to very heavy objects and equipment, weighing up to 50 pounds. The employee in this position performs duties in all weather-related situations.

Starting salary is commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected.

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan. For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

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