Careers

Description:

The City of Kirkland is looking for a seasoned professional to be the next Safety & Training Coordinator with the Public Works & Parks Departments.

The role of the Safety and Training Coordinator is to coordinate and administer all aspects of occupational health and safety for the Public Works Department and the Parks and Community Services Parks Management Division. The Safety and Training Coordinator develops, implements, and maintains cross-departmental policies, practices, and training programs related to safety, training, and employee development.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Safety and Training Coordinator works closely with Public Works and Parks and Community Services Parks Management managers, supervisors, and leads to ensure that maintenance and operations staff have received full safety training and are performing work using safe methods. The Public Works Department and the Parks and Community Services Parks Management Division safety and training programs are centralized under this position. The Safety and Training Coordinator collaborates with the Human Resources Department to report incidents and implement programs.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develops, coordinates, and advises management regarding the implementation of all policies, procedures, guidelines, rules, and plans related to the City’s safety program and accident/illness prevention programs.
• Ensures integrity of the safety program by reviewing various aspects of the program to ensure compliance with all City policies and relevant laws, regulations, and labor agreements.
• Develops, conducts, and/or coordinates with vendors to provide all safety training including first aid/CPR, confined space entry, hazard communication, lifting, forklift operation, trenching, operating power equipment and other relevant topics.
• Makes regular site and field visits to ensure safe methods of work are performed, coaches on safe methods of work, reinforces occurrences of safety in the field, and has authority to issue a stop work directive if safety methods are not being appropriately adhered to.
• Inspects and maintains safety-related equipment and works with supervisors and vendors to ensure it is working properly.
• Conducts safety and accident inspections and investigations; compiles and analyzes data to prepare reports containing findings and recommendations for mitigating hazards; identifies trends in evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs and activities to develop and recommend new and revised programs and procedures; designs safety training workshops; coordinates with the supervisor and Human Resources on investigations, which may be used in disciplinary actions.
• Serves on the City’s Safety Committee as an appointed member. Prioritizes safety objectives that emerge from the Committee.
• Maintains, develops, and organizes relevant records for safety and training programs in Public Works and Parks and Community Services Parks Management, in compliance with City policies, state and federal regulations, and labor agreements, in coordination with Human Resources.
• Coordinates with Human Resources regarding on-the-job incidents or accidents and coordinates the return-to-work program.
• Assists in preparing and administering safety and training budget.
• Plans, develops, and coordinates a robust learning and development plan for the Departments, including on-the-job training, mentoring, and apprenticeship programs. Assists leadership in identifying required trainings and re-certifications, and coordinates and schedules trainings including sourcing trainers, arranging logistics, and ensuring that employees have appropriate tools for training. Identify and provide effective training methods (e.g., video, hands-on, classroom, etc.). Coordinates mandatory annual City trainings with Human Resources, tracks completion, and provides records to Human Resources.
• Supports the orientation and onboarding of new employees, including continually improving processes, documents, and materials. Assists in creating an organizational culture that is inclusive, welcoming, and where new employees feel a sense of belonging.
• Determines training needs by conducting employee surveys and consulting with managers and supervisors, as well as with Human Resources.
• Develops and prepares training manuals, presentations, and materials.   
• Partners with the Office of Emergency Management to identify ongoing emergency readiness and preparedness priorities.

Peripheral Duties:

• Performs functions as assigned in the City’s emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

• Knowledge of federal and state safety standards and regulations, including OSHA and WISHA.
• Knowledge of safety equipment function.
• Knowledge industrial first aid, CPR, high risk accident prevention, back injury prevention, eye safety, hearing conservation, chemical exposure, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and confined space.
• Proficiency in computer and software, including word processing and spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of classroom instruction and training techniques.
• Knowledge of safety and loss control principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of accident reporting procedures.
• Skilled in communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Skilled in public speaking and presentation skills required to deliver training sessions to large groups of people.
• Skilled in organization and multi-tasking.
• Ability to maintain required records and preparing necessary reports and other written materials.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee records and other personal information.
• Ability to develop a learning and development plan, including individualized training plans.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, training and development, human resources, or related field.
• Experience: 2 years of related experience.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s license and ability to remain insurable under the City’s insurance to operate motor vehicles.
• Experience in industrial and/or occupational health and safety preferred.
• Program management or coordination experience is preferred.
• Ability to obtain certification as a Safety and Health Specialist.

Physical Demands and Working Environment: 

• Work is performed in an office environment with frequent trips to work sites throughout the City which may include accident scenes and outlying operation centers. The employee is exposed to a variety of hazards such as working around heavy equipment and is exposed to dust, fumes, grease, and inclement weather conditions when working in the field. May require occasional work outside normal business hours.
• Physical demands include the ability to operate a computer, telephone, camera, and other standard office equipment. May be required to stand for long periods of time. Ability to lift and carry large boxes, usually not exceeding 30 pounds. Ability to speak and project sufficiently to deliver training sessions to employees. Ability to communicate with employees, contractors, and vendors. Ability to traverse uneven ground at work sites and other District sites. Ability to ascend/descend stairs and ladders at District facilities and work sites. Frequently works outdoors in all weather conditions to perform field inspections and accident investigations.