Safety Technician

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Safety Technician

Salary

$54,344.86 - $79,837.36 Annually

Location

Lakeland, FL

Job Type

Full Time Regular

Job Number

2066-05

Department

Risk Management and Purchasing

Division

Safety 0403000000

Opening Date

09/06/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NA

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This highly professional and technical position assesses, plans, develops, coordinates, and implements City occupational safety programs. Work involves conducting investigations of incidents and accidents resulting in personal injury to employees or property loss to the City. Additionally, provides safety equipment recommendations and conducts employee training in safety loss prevention. Work will involve participating in and developing new-hire employee onboarding programs. This employee is expected to function with a high degree of independence while upholding the City’s Mission, Vision, and Values. The Safety Specialist reviews work through periodic conferences, observations, reports, and feedback. The successful execution of this work requires work planning, performance measurement, workload management, tracking of work progress, administration duties, field checking of work groups, monitoring of crew safety, customer relations, and assisting in emergencies. Work is performed under the general direction of the Safety Specialist.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Designs, develops, and coordinates the implementation and conducts various training programs for employees and supervisors in occupational safety and health topics.

• Conducts job hazard analyses, prepares reports for departments or management, and recommends changes in occupational safety equipment or work practices. Inspects or evaluates workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure safety standards and regulations compliance.

• Recommends measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials.

• Maintains incident reports and compiles statistical data on all incidents/accidents within assigned areas.

• Coordinates with departments to identify high-risk areas and develops a safety program to address deficiencies.

• Maintains safety certifications and stays current on legal and statutory requirements to ensure compliance.

• Functions as a consultant to respective division managers and assists or guides those managers in conducting viable safety programs.

• Responds to incidents and accidents throughout the city, daily areas of responsibility, and being on-call when scheduled.

• Assists with Drug-Free Workplace Program, Post-Accident, and Random Testing efforts.

• Participates in department/divisional safety committees.

• Supports City preparedness and recovery operation efforts due to an emergency event or a disaster.

• Required to work overtime or alternate hours for On-Call as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.

• Participates in new hire safety training.

• Participates in the City of Lakeland’s Commercial Driver’s License Program, including but not limited to obtaining a Third-Party Tester certification.

• Utilizes Microsoft Office applications.

• Position is designated as Mission Critical.

  ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

• Four years of experience in loss control, safety, specialization in safety engineering, or a related field.

• Two years of experience in a training environment or classroom activities.

• OSHA 511 General Industry and/or Construction Industry Certification and/or OSHA 30 hour in general industry or construction.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies necessary for success in the target position.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Must maintain a valid telephone number.

• Be eligible to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License within the first six months of hire or demonstrate at least three (3) years of experience as a commercial motor vehicle trainer.

• CPR certification following American Health and Safety Institute Guidelines required within six months of hire.

• Desirable certifications: Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Occupational Safety Manager (COSM) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

• Complete the following training and successfully pass a written/situational review within one year of hire: OSHA 501

• Complete the following training and successfully pass a written/situational review within two years of hire:

• Asbestos Awareness Course

• Respiratory Protection Instructor’s Course

• Trenching and Shoring Competent Person Certification

• FDOT Equivalent Work Zone Safety Certification

• Completion of Power Plant Fundamentals Course

• Scaffolding Training

• Maintenance of Traffic

• Personal Protection Equipment Certification

• Hazwoper Trainer Certification

• Reasonable Suspicion Training

• Confined Space eight (8) hour

• Ergonomics

• Forklift Certification

• Respiratory Fit Testing

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Knowledge and understanding of applicable OSHA and State regulations regarding safety programs/requirements.

• Knowledge of federal, state, and city ordinances, codes, and regulations for safety practices and protective systems.

• Knowledge of hazardous material compliance, emergency response, and mitigation practices.

• Knowledge of utility equipment and the generation of electricity.

• Knowledge of work zone safety procedures and uniform traffic control devices.

• Demonstrate strong customer service orientation.

• Demonstrate effective problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to develop curriculums and deliver training on various safety subjects to all departments/divisions.

• Ability to work effectively as a member of cross-functional teams.

• Ability to drive results consistent with strategic objectives.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to perform respiratory fit testing, use of colorimetric and other air sampling devices, radiological monitoring equipment, audiometric equipment, and coefficient of friction monitoring devices.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires work involving walking or standing, regularly exerting up to 10 pounds of force, and routine keyboard operations. Some climbing may be required up to 100+ feet.

• The job risks possible exposure to hazardous atmospheric conditions.

• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

• Field work requires driving City vehicles to various locations throughout the city.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

The City of Lakeland is a drug free workplace. This position is considered a mandatory testing position, which is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment you will be required to pass the pre-employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

City of Lakeland

2024 Summary Sheet

Annual Leave

Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows:

Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned. All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.*

Sick Leave

Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.

*NOTE: REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.

Sick Leave Pool

Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full-time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part-time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part-time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.

For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768

Family & Medical Leave

Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.

For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.

Pension Plan

Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.

Defined Benefit Plan:

Plan C Employee 3.12%

Employer 15.64%

OR

Defined Contribution Plan:

Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits

Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire

Employer 15.39%

Deferred Compensation 457 Plan:

A voluntary plan that is invested in mutual funds. The Employees' Pension Board performs the due diligence on the mutual funds. Employees may reallocate their account at any time.

Maximum contribution for 2024 is $23,000; employees aged 50 or older can also add a "catch-up" amount of $7,500. Additionally, a match of up to 5% of salary is offered by the City in Plan C.

Holidays

Twelve (12) holidays, includes one (1) personal floating holiday to be used at any time after three (3) months of employment and prior to the end of the calendar year.

Funeral Leave

Up to three (3) days off with pay due to death of an immediate family member (as defined in the policy manual). Up to four (4) hours off with pay may be obtained through supervisor approval to attend local funeral services of persons other than immediate family.

Jury/Witness Duty

Employees required to serve on jury duty will be relieved of responsibility for their regular work shift or portion thereof and receive full pay while serving. All fees received for such service may be retained by the employee. Employees subpoenaed to any civil or criminal court proceeding, which employee is not personally or monetarily interested, shall be paid as if engaged in regular work activities.

Military Leave

Allows for up to 240 hours in any one calendar year for annual military training without loss of pay or benefits for any employee in some type of reserve status for the United States Armed Forces. (see policy manual for additional information).

Maternity Leave

Refer to Family & Medical Leave for those employees who qualify. Others may take up to three (3) months leave of absence available upon approval of the Department Head. Employees may opt to utilize any combination of paid (sick or annual leave) or unpaid leave.

Leave of Absence Without Pay

Written requests are subject to approval by Department Head and City Manager or designee for less than ninety (90) days. Requests for more than ninety (90) days also require Civil Service Board approval for employees in a Civil Service classification.

Longevity Pay

Tuition Reimbursement

Program provides employees up to $2,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for reimbursement of tuition of approved college, university, vocational, or correspondence classes upon completion with a grade of "C" or better in credit courses only. Full reimbursement is given for courses and fees, upon approval. The program does not include reimbursement for cost of books, supplies or other related expenses.

For more information, contact Sue Cook at 834-6844.

Suggestion Awards

A program designed to provide a consistent and organized method for employees to submit and be rewarded for constructive ideas for improvement. Maximum award is $1000.

For additional information, contact Kathy McNelis at 834-6348.

Direct Deposit of Paycheck (refer to handout in new employee folder)

An account must be established with the institution of your choice prior to signing up for direct deposit.

Uniforms/Equipment

Uniforms issued at no cost to employees for those job classifications which require them. Equipment is issued to employees at either no cost or discounted cost depending upon job classification.

Parking

Free while at work.

Break Periods

Employees may be permitted two (2), fifteen (15) minute breaks during the workday. The time shall be at the discretion of the supervisor.

For Information on Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance please contact Benefits at 834-6797.

For Information on Retirement Benefits, contact the Retirement Services Department at 834-8765 or 834-8797.

For Information on Firefighter and Police Officer Retirement Benefits, contact Foster & Foster at 239-333-4872.

01

Please indicate your highest level of education.

• Less than a High School Diploma or GED

• High School Diploma or GED

• Some College - less than 30 credit hours

• Some College - 30 credit hours, but less than 60 credit hours

• Associate's Degree or 60 credit hours

• 90 Credit Hours

• Bachelor's Degree or 120 credit hours

• Master's Degree

• Doctorate Degree

  02

  How many years of experience do you have in loss control, safety, specialization in safety engineering or a related field?

• No experience

• Some experience, but less than 2 years

• At least 2 years, but less than 4 years

• At least 4 years, but less than 10 years

• At least 10 years, but less than 13 years

• At least 13 years, but less than 16 years

• 16 years or more

  03

  Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application.

  04

  Do you have two (2) years of experience in a training environment or classroom activities?

• Yes

• No

  05

  Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application.

  06

  Do you have an OSHA 511 General Industry and/or Construction Industry Certification and/or OSHA 30 hour in General Industry or construction?

• Yes

• No

  07

  Please list any Teaching Certifications. If none, please type N/A.

  08

  Do you have the following certifications? Please check all that apply.

• Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST)

• Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)

• Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

• Certified Occupational Safety Manager (COSM)

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP

• None of the above

  09

  Have you completed any of the following training and successfully passed a written/situational review? Please check all that apply.

• OSHA 501

• Asbestos Awareness Course

• Respiratory Protection Instructor's Course

• Trenching and Shoring Competent Person Certification

• FDOT Equivalent Work Zone Safety Certification

• Completion of Power Plant Fundamentals Course

• Scaffolding Training

• Maintenance of Traffic

• Personal Protection Equipment Certification

• Hazwoper Trainer Certification

• Reasonable Suspicion Training

• Confined Space eight (8) hour

• Ergonomics

• Forklift Certification

• Respiratory Fit Testing

• None of the above

  10

  Please indicate which type of valid driver's license you possess.

• Florida driver's license

• CDL Class "A"

• CDL Class "B"

• I have an out-of-state driver's license

• I do not have a valid driver's license

  11

  By clicking "Yes" below, I understand that all relevant work experience MUST be entered in the "Work Experience" section on my application. In addition, all current City of Lakeland employees must list all previous City of Lakeland work experience in the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section will disqualify you from the application process.

• Yes

• No

  Required Question

Agency

City of Lakeland, Civil Service

Address

500 N Lake Parker Avenue Lakeland, Florida, 33801

Phone

(863)834-8790

Website

http://www.lakelandgov.net/employmentservices