Job Summary

The Safety Specialist implements and monitors procedures and programs established to promote the System-wide compliance with College safety responsibilities, including local and state regulations related to fire and life safety measures and environmental issues at all College buildings.  Maintains a credible inspection program to identify deficiencies in workplace hazard prevention and fire and life-safety protection systems.  Utilizes a documented audit process to notify appropriate responsible person(s) and track corrective measures taken. Assists proper authority to identify necessary corrective action plan to resolve existing deficiencies.  Identifies and recommends measures to enable the College facilities to maintain a safe, hazard-free and regulatory compliant environment on a day-to-day basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Inspect all campus facilities and grounds for physical safety hazards and coordinate corrective measures with Campus Manager and Maintenance Project Manager.

Maintain detailed records associated with the specific tasks assigned within the safety programs.  Prepare and submit reports documenting findings related to safety conditions at College facilities.  Make recommendations to improve safety measures as needed.

Coordinate Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements (HMIS) as necessary and required by fire department or city building inspections.  As necessary, maintain documentation and monitor use and storage of flammable and combustible materials by contractors and others in System property.

Ensure readiness of the College facility fire extinguishers, extinguishing system and emergency lighting equipment and other life-safety equipment through a program of periodic inspections. Coordinate maintenance and replacement of fire extinguishers with vendor(s) having fire equipment maintenance contracts.

Actively involved with environmental safety issues such as indoor air quality investigations using investigative protocols and sampling instrumentation. Prepare reports on findings and coordinate remediation responses

Ensure College System is compliant with regulatory guidelines

Assist in preparing the new Environmental Management System

Assist the Campus Manager, Maintenance Project Manager and other Program Managers with the evaluation and coordination of fire and of safety related equipment placement, including alarm systems and fire extinguishing systems.  Make recommendations concerning other existing or proposed specialized protection needs of specific sites or particular programs

Ensure placement of user manuals or procedures for building life safety features at all sites.  Coordinate an orientation program with the Police and Maintenance Departments to ensure all appropriate on-site personnel maintain effective operational readiness of life safety equipment for emergency events

Assist the Environmental Safety Manager in safety orientations and presentations to promote a safe work and learning environment.

Provide emergency response support for the College System for environmental, health and safety incidents.

Perform other duties, tasks and assignments as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree or certificate in safety or fire technology related field from an accredited college or university preferred
• 6 years of related work experience may be substituted for degree requirement with high school or GED completion and specialized training in related field
• 3 years of work experience required, preferably in an institution of higher education

Licensing & Certification               

• Valid Texas Driver License and driving record acceptable to insurance provider

Special Skills

• MS Office Programs
• Ability to organize, plan and develop appropriate procedures to establish compliance objectives
• Working knowledge of fire and building safety codes, worker safety issues (i.e. OSHA, NFPA) and other standards related to life safety practices in an educational environment

Competencies 

• Delivering High Quality Work
• Accepting Responsibility
• Serving Customers
• Supporting Organizational Goals
• Driving Continuous Improvement
• Acting with Integrity
• Thinking Critically
• Managing Change
• Communicating Effectively

Working Conditions

General Office.  Must be able to perform all job requirements with or without reasonable accommodations; remain in a stationary position during shift; move items weighing up to 25 pounds; position self to operate job equipment; apply established protocols in a timely manner.  Must access, input and retrieve information from technology devices; communicate with others to accomplish job requirements.  May be required to work after hours to include weekends and holidays.

SECURITY SENSITIVE:  This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215