About This Position
ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.
Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.
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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a Utility with high-risk environments such as construction site operations and plant operations.
- Experience handling incident reporting and documentation for a Utility in high-risk environments.
- Act as a safety investigator or advisor to an operational group in a Utility.
- Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on experience overseeing the investigation and documentation of safety incidents like collisions, injuries, and near misses in a Utility with high-risk environments.
- Experience working with or on safety committees and delivering information and content regarding safety incidents like collisions, injuries, and near misses.
- Experience implementing or working with corrective actions and corrective action plans.
- Experience in administering, developing, or implementing safety programs.
- Experience inspecting work activities for hazardous conditions, consulting with all levels of employees on safety-related topics and ensuring compliance with occupational safety regulations, safety policies or operational needs related to specific job conditions.
- Experience conducting safety meetings and presenting safety topics to all levels of employees; preparing and maintaining training materials, presentations, and related safety program documentation.
- Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with different levels within an organization.
- Proficiency with computers and experience using Microsoft Suite products.
- TCEQ Class C Water or Wastewater License
Notes to Candidate:
Position Overview:
Austin Water, a large City of Austin Department with over 1,400 employees, provides water and wastewater services to more than one million
customers. The Occupational Health & Safety Division ensures employee safety in high-risk environments within the Utility. Austin Water is
seeking an Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Senior to work with a small team conducting safety audits, training, incident support, and
field coaching. The ideal candidate will possess hands-on safety experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to promote safe
work practices. This position plays a key role in fostering a proactive safety culture and protecting Austin Water’s workforce.
Pay Range:
Work Location:
- Glen Bell Service Center, 3907 S Industrial Dr, Austin TX 78744
Days & Hours:
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with some flexibility
Benefits:
- Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information.
When completing the City of Austin employment application:
- 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.
- Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.
- Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.
- The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
- A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.
If you are selected as a top candidate:
- Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
- If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
Critical:
- This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.
Driving Requirement:
- This position requires a Valid Texas Class C Driver’s 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.
Secondary Employment:
- All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
- Austin Water will review all secondary employment.
- Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.
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.
Important Note to Applicants:
All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free.
Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.
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. The posting may also close at any time after seven days.
We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
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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.
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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.
