Safety Specialist

Salary Range

7,339.00 - 11,010.00

Job Summary

With a fabulous waterfront, vibrant downtown, great parks, neighborhoods and public spaces, a commitment to smart growth, excellent service delivery and community engagement, Vancouver, Washington is all grown up, and we need excellent talent to keep us going (and growing) strong!

We're currently recruiting for a Safety Specialist. The primary responsibilities for the job are to serve as the Public Works department's subject matter expert (SME) on safety and health programs, practices, and regulatory compliance, collaborating with City Risk and Safety Division to advance the maturity and effectiveness of the Public Works safety culture through the planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of comprehensive and compliant safety and health programs.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm.

Open until filled. First review - August 19, 2026.

Compensation philosophy: At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to paying our employees fairly, equitably, and competitively. City salaries are structured so that the midpoint of the salary range approximates the amount typically paid for the job in this geographic area. Candidates with experience supporting their ability to come in and hit the ground running may receive a starting salary around the midpoint of the listed salary range. Actual salary at offer is influenced by a host of factors, including a candidate's relevant experience, education, licensure, certifications, and internal equity. The higher end of the listed pay range indicates the salary growth potential of the position.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate with the City Risk and Safety Division to ensure alignment with citywide safety programs, policies, and initiatives. Conduct program assessments and develop reports to support program effectiveness and continuity.
• Conduct systematic safety inspections to identify hazards, unsafe conditions, and non-compliance; recommend and follow up on corrective actions. Evaluate and recommend safety equipment; ensure appropriate safety devices are implemented in work areas. Identify and recommend opportunities for continuous improvement in safety programs and practices.
• Research and evaluate regulatory updates, industry standards, and best practices to inform program development and implementation. Provide technical guidance and consultation to staff, supervisors, and management on regulatory requirements, safety programs, and project safety considerations.
• Communicate and disseminate safety program requirements to field crews and work groups. Develop, coordinate, and deliver safety training; prepare program materials, manuals, and presentations.
• Investigate incidents, accidents, and injuries; determine root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions. Track and analyze incident data to identify trends and prioritize prevention strategies. Communicate findings, trends, and recommendations to leadership and management.
• Facilitate and participate in departmental safety committee meetings.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Three (3) years of related experience
• Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Safety Management, or related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• Possession of Certification as an Occupational Safety Specialist, Certified Health and Safety Technician, Associate Safety Professional, and/or Certified Safety and Health Specialist preferred.

Knowledge

• Federal and Washington State occupational safety and health regulations (OSHA/WISHA)
• Applicable codes and standards (e.g., National Fire Protection Association, building codes, NEC)
• Safety program administration, hazard identification, and risk control methodologies
• Industrial insurance (workers' compensation) regulations and practices
• Safety training principles and adult learning methodologies
• Research methods and data analysis techniques
• Inspection and audit practices
• Hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and pollution prevention regulations (Washington State)
• Community Right-to-Know requirements
• City policies, procedures, and administrative regulations
• Occupational hazards and safe work practices relevant to Public Works operations
• Modern office practices, recordkeeping, and documentation standards
• Computer systems and standard business applications

Abilities

• Develop and deliver effective safety training and presentations
• Prepare clear, concise, and technically accurate reports and documentation
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies
• Analyze safety data and performance metrics to identify trends and drive improvements
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct inspections, audits, and incident investigations
• Utilize computer systems and relevant software applications
• Work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships across departments
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including field personnel and leadership
• Provide high-quality customer service and maintain a professional public-facing presence
• Promote a positive safety culture and model safe work practices
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and perform duties consistently
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you'll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans' Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans' preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us

Job Posting End Date

Open Until Filled