Safety and Environmental Programs Specialist

Salary: $46,360.73 - $75,000.00 Annually
Location : Mechanicsville, VA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 202500260
Department: Public Utilities - Operations
Opening Date: 11/14/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

Description

General Description: The Safety and Environmental Programs Specialist is an administrative, technical position. The incumbent performs a wide variety of duties relating to the Department of Public Utilities safety and environmental programs.

Organization: The Safety & Environmental Programs Specialist reports to the Deputy Director of Engineering and supervises no staff. The Safety & Environmental Programs Specialist is part of Hanover County's Career Development Program (CD) and has four (4) levels including I, II, III, and Senior.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts facility, jobsite and equipment inspections to ensure compliance with various safety and environmental regulatory requirements.
• Develops safety, environmental compliance, and emergency response training and awareness programs and conducts related training.
• Monitors employee compliance with safety and environmental compliance requirements and assists employees with maintaining compliance.
• Conducts safety and environmental compliance audits of Public Utilities' facilities including treatment plants, pump stations, storage facilities, construction sites, and the operations center.
• Maintains and updates Departmental Emergency Response plans, documentation, and regulatory submittals.
• Coordinates with County Emergency Management representatives to communicate continuity of operation and Department needs and resources during emergency events.
• Compiles and analyzes data and makes recommendations for establishing or revising safety and environmental compliance programs, policies and practices.
• Monitors materials, equipment usage and environment to determine level of hazard.
  Coordinates the Hazard Communication Program and assists divisions in maintaining compliance.
• Assists with environmental compliance and environmental regulatory programs such as SPCC, Storm water/MS4, Tier II reporting, etc.
• Develops and maintains Job Safety Analysis (JSA) documents.
• Collaborate with the Human Resources Risk Management division to investigate incidents in which an employee, contractor or other person is injured. Completes or assists with the completion of accident reports and analysis of measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of similar future incidents.
• Assist others with maintaining equipment, reports, records, etc. related to safety, environmental, and emergency response programs.
• Act as liaison with local, state and federal agencies on issues related to safety, environmental, and emergency response programs.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Hazards
  1. May encounter hazardous chemicals during workplace inspections
  2. Occasional exposure to adverse weather and contact with animals and insects
  3. May be exposed to chemicals, dust, fumes, noise, and vibration
• Environment
  1. Office
  2. Field - Must drive to audit sites as needed
  3. Plants, pump stations, and other industrial facilities
• Physical Effort
  1. Minimal - requires some physical ability and stamina to conduct fieldwork
• FLSA
  1. Non-Exempt

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the principles and practices of safety administration and OSHA, required. Knowledge applied to water and sewer operations, preferred. Ability to make safety inspections and to recommend appropriate corrective actions. Ability to understand and administer environmental regulations and programs. Ability to effectively train others in proper methods and procedures. Ability to keep accurate records. Effective written and oral communication skills. Ability to maintain relationships with representatives from other agencies, employees and the public. Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Power Point.

Education, Experience and Training:
Safety & Environmental Programs Specialist I
High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of two years' experience and knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health, safety training and compliance, and environmental training and compliance, required - OR - Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable.
Safety & Environmental Programs Specialist II
High School Diploma or equivalent required, with some college coursework or an associate's degree in a related field preferred. A minimum of three years' experience and knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health, safety training and compliance, and environmental training and compliance, required - OR - Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable.
Safety & Environmental Programs Specialist III
Associate's degree in safety management/technology, occupational health and safety, environmental science or related field, with a minimum of five years' experience and knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health, safety training and compliance, and environmental training and compliance required - OR - Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable.
Safety & Environmental Programs Specialist Senior
Bachelor's degree in safety management/technology, occupational health and safety, environmental science or related field, with a minimum of eight years' experience and knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health, safety training and compliance, and environmental training and compliance required - OR - Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable.

Special Conditions:
• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Must obtain valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of employment to be eligible to operate a county vehicle
• Twelve-month probationary period
Supplemental Information

Safety & Environmental Programs Specialist 1- Base Salary - $46,361
Safety & Environmental Programs Specialist 2- Base Salary - $52,387
Safety & Environmental Programs Specialist 3- Base Salary - $59,197
Safety & Environmental Programs Specialist 4- Base Salary - $66,893
SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Hanover County is proud to provide our employees with the following comprehensive benefits package. Hanover provides a benefit package that provides for you in times of need, they offer an ongoing level of financial security, peace-of-mind, and healthy work-life balance. This is part of our goal to make Hanover County an attractive place to work. To see exactly what you will find with our offerings, click the link below:This is an overview and does not provide all provisions, limitations, and exclusions. If there is a contradiction between this and the official plan documents, the plan documents will prevail. The Pamunkey Regional Jail and Library share some of the County benefits, please visit their website for more details.

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