Occupational Health and Safety Professional/ Specialist

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The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth largest transportation system in the United States, with a vast network of fixed route services including bus, subway/elevated, trackless trolley, light rail, and commuter rail serving a 2,200 square mile service region. SEPTA has become an integral force in the economic success of the Philadelphia region, providing an efficient and reliable source of transportation.

We are seeking candidates for the position of Occupational Health and Safety Professional/ Specialist (9069) in the System Safety.

Opening Date: 05/14/2024

Closing Date: 05/27/2024

Job Grade: SAM 40

Salary Range: Min: $79,534.00 - Mid: $99,424.00 - Max: $119,314.00

BASIC ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

* Participates in the development of policies in the immediate manager's organization and interprets such policies throughout the department.
* Develops objectives, policies, and procedures for the approval of immediate manager.
* Interprets and administers programs and procedures in accordance with approve policies.
* Performs special assignments for immediate manager as requested.
* Reports performance to immediate manager.
* Coordinates expense budget spending for the departments to maintain performance within budget.
* Participates in developing a sound organization, staffed with trained personnel able to perform the functions of the departments.
* Develops a suitable successor and be responsible for training replacements at all levels within the department.
* Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public self and/or other employees.Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

The Safety Officer will coordinate and cooperate with all levels of Authority management and collective bargaining unit employees to provide expert assistance toward identifying, assessing, and prioritizing line management's prevention of safety, health, and environmental hazards. The Safety Officer must be able to satisfy rigorous and demanding work schedules, which include non-traditional working hours (nights and weekends), and short-term deadlines.

The Safety Officer's work effort will be concentrated in primary specialty area of Occupational Safety and Health. To maintain a diverse and broad level of subject matter expertise that is needed to perform all the Division's responsibilities, the required expertise and responsibilities will vary for each hire and be based on the current status of vacancies and needs of the division.

Based on the vacancies and needs of the Division. The Chief Safety Officer, Deputy Chief Safety Officer, System Safety and/or the Department Director will make this determination of what responsibilities are required based on the current staffing needs at the time of posting.

DISCIPLINE RESPONSIBILITIES

II. Occupational Safety Department

1. Maintains professional currency in safety and health disciplines - particularly subjects related to the transit industry, by regular review of safety publications; memberships in appropriate professional safety organizations; and attendance at appropriate safety, and health seminars. Develops a communication network with safety and health professionals at other transportation agencies

2.Develops, updates, and assesses SEPTA's Hearing Conservation Program (HCP). Conducts background noise dosimeter readings at various SEPTA maintenance and operating facilities. Identifies work areas and equipment that require hearing protection. Identifies employee exposures that warrant ongoing monitoring and annual audiometric testing. Ensures all employees identified to be a part of SEPTA's HCP receive annual audiometric testing via a third-party vendor and manage the contract. Provides technical support and annual training to labor and management employees in the area of hearing conservation and personal protective equipment. Works in partnership with SEPTA's Medical Department. Conducts random audits to ensure compliance with and effectiveness of the program.

3.Develops, updates, and assesses SEPTA's Respiratory Protection Program (RPP). Conducts sampling and surveys to determine work duties that require respiratory protection. Works with SEPTA's Medical Department to ensure that all employees with work assignments that require respiratory protection have been medically qualified and manage a third-party contract to ensure personnel are fit tested and received proper training on the equipment. Conducts random audits to ensure that employees are issued and using the appropriate respirators as well as the brand and type that they have been issued during fit testing.

4.Conducts air quality sampling/surveys throughout SEPTA's maintenance and operating locations following a sampling plan established by the Occupational Safety Department. Identifies areas where the air quality exceeds the Permissible Exposure Limits for diesel exhaust, welding operations, and chemical exposures. Identifies engineering controls, administrative controls and/or personal protective equipment (PPE)controls to reduce or eliminate the exposure to the employees and/or public.

5.Develops, updates, and assesses SEPTA's Confined Space Entry Program. Conducts audits and surveys to determine various work groups that may need to enter confined spaces. Provides training to workgroups and conducts periodic compliance checks to ensure compliance.

DISCIPLINE RESPONSIBILITIES

* Develops, updates, and assesses SEPTA's occupational safety programs including but not limited to Biohazard Exposure Control, Fall Protection, Lockout/Tagout, Personal Protective Equipment, and Machine Guarding. Provides training to work groups and conducts periodic audits to ensure compliance.
* Manages a third-party contract to ensure all SDS's are housed in a database and provides training on Hazard Communication to include Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and Pennsylvania Worker &Community Right-to Know Act program requirements and ensure program is implemented on an annual basis. Conduct SDS reviews and provide recommendations. Facilitate a Chemical Task Force to ensure all chemicals are discussed and evaluated prior to use or purchase. Reviews Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to ensure products requested to be tested purchased or used on property are safe. Stipulates the required PPE and precautions required to product use. Tracks reviews and approvals in the Division's database. Completes the annual Hazardous Substance Survey forms and sends to each location.
* .Conducts safety audits and inspection in accordance with OSHA standards 1910 and 1926. Identify corrective actions and recommend cost effective enhancements to existing work practices and safety programs.
* Conducts Job Hazard Analyses for all job tasks throughout the Authority.
* Conducts surveys to determine work duties that require personal protective equipment. Verifies equipment is utilized properly. Facilitate a Personal Protective Equipment Task Force to ensure PPE is discussed and evaluated prior to use or purchase.
* .Reviews in house and third-party design safety plans for accuracy and completeness prior to beginning and during construction. Inspects on-site activities to ensure compliance with Occupational Safety & Health Administration Standards.
* .Responds to and investigates occupational, health and safety incidents/emergencies as needed/required.

DISCIPLINE RESPONSIBILITIES

For those positions specializing in Lead and Asbestos management responsibilities also include:

1. Assists the Division in the oversight of SEPTA's asbestos and Lead Management program and reviews contract specifications to assure regulations are properly addressed for specific projects.

2.Ensures compliance with the City of Philadelphia Air Management Services and NESHAP regulations for Management of Asbestos Containing Material.

3.Conducts asbestos and lead sampling. Coordinated to have samples sent to SEPTA's contracted laboratory and/or SEPTA's Environmental Consultant.

4.Coordinates and oversees third party Contractor's Independent air monitoring for various asbestos and lead abatement projects.

5.Provides project design support in developing specifications for lead and asbestos abatement activity for various SEPTA projects.

6.Supervises SEPTA Environmental Consultant in conducting Asbestos and Lead Inspections to determine the presence for such suspect materials. Oversees Contractors performing abatement projects to ensure compliance and coordinates independent air monitoring and laboratory testing services using the Environmental Consultant.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

* Bachelor's Degree in related Occupational Health and Safety/ Industrial Hygiene disciplines plus five (5) to seven (7) years' experience in safety or safety related field required. .
* Strong knowledge of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, regulations required.
* Strong Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, National Fire Protection Association, and PennDOT Preferred
* Must demonstrate the ability to pursue/perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
* Must have a strong understanding of union and management environment and demonstrate the ability to address health and safety matters directly to union employees.
* Must be able to review and analyze data and participate in the development of corrective action plans to resolve complex safety and health issues.
* Must be able to satisfy rigorous and demanding work schedules, which include non-traditional working hours, and short term deadlines.
* Must have valid driver's license.
* Must have PC experience with MS Word and Excel.
* Must have excellent verbal and technical writing skills with experience writing quality technical reports and Standard Operating Procedures.

BENEFITS

SEPTA offers a comprehensive benefits and retirement program for ALL employees, including:

* Medical - "Minimal annual premium contribution"



Benefit plans with "No Employee annual premium contribution":

* Prescription


* Dental


* Vision



Additional benefits we offer:

* Pension Plan / Retirement Savings


* Defined Benefit Pension Plan


* Voluntary Governmental 457B Deferred Comp Plan


* Life Insurance


* Tuition Reimbursement


* SEPTA Transportation Pass - FREE travel on all SEPTA modes of transportation


* SEPTA employees qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program



SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia