Safety Specialist I/II/III

Under the direction and supervision of the Maintenance Director, and in coordination with the Risk Management Department, the Safety Specialist is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing the Maintenance Department’s health and safety activities. These activities operate within and support the broader health, safety, and environmental (HSE) program administered by the Risk Management Department for the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) and Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD).

Must have a high school diploma or GED, three (3) years of experience in an occupational health or safety, construction safety, environmental compliance, or risk management field with substantive responsibilities related to the primary job duties and responsibilities listed below. Must be familiar with and able to locate and research applicable HSE subjects within OSHA, ANSI, NFPA codes and other related regulations. Must have intermediate computer skills involving proficiency with Microsoft Office as well as experience working with web-based software, databases and file management systems. This position also requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others. Must have and maintain an unrestricted Alaska driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

AHERA-Compliant Building Inspector or AHERA-Compliant Management Planner.

Safety Specialist II:

In addition to level I qualifications must have an associate degree in a related field or two additional years of progressively responsible experience for each year of the degree requirement. Must have an AHERA-Compliant Building Inspector or Management Planner certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

Occupational Hygiene & Safety Technician (OHST) or Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST).

Safety Specialist III:

In addition to level I and level II qualifications, must have an AHERA-Compliant Building Inspector or Management Planner certification, and an Occupational Hygiene & Safety Technician (OHST) or Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST) certification.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

1. Oversees all health and safety activities within the Maintenance Department, operating within and supporting the broader health, safety, and environmental (HSE) program administered by the Risk Management Department.2. Conducts annual Loss Control Incentive Program (LCIP) inspections at Maintenance and School facilities and reviews findings with Risk Management.3. Regularly inspects Maintenance and School facilities for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, collaborating with stakeholders to develop action plans to mitigate deficiencies.4. Investigates incidents and prepares detailed investigative reports, including chronological narratives, photographs, statements, and supporting documentation; develops conclusions and recommends hazard elimination or control measures.5. Provides technical health, safety, and environmental training to applicable KPB Maintenance and KPBSD employees and supervisors, including programs required by OSHA and other applicable regulatory and consensus standards (e.g., ANSI, NFPA), and conducts monthly Maintenance department safety meetings.6. Coordinates with Risk Management to maintain records for incidents, chemical exposures, facility inspections, training, licensing, drug and alcohol testing, risk records, and equipment qualifications in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.7. Provides recommendations and input to Risk Management regarding safety policies, procedures, and guidelines (PP&G) that support the broader HSE program administered by the Safety Manager.8. Reviews contractor safety performance and documentation to ensure compliance with OSHA multi-employer worksite requirements and manage potential liability to the Borough.9. Prepares and delivers health and safety reports to management and other relevant stakeholders, providing analysis, trends, and recommendations to support decision-making and regulatory compliance.

Safety Specialist II:
10. Serves as the Maintenance Department’s AHERA compliance representative, performing duties required under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.
11. Serves on the Incident Management Team (IMT), supporting the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) with preparedness and response activities for local emergencies such as wildland fire, flooding, volcanic activity, and tsunamis.

Safety Specialist III:
12. Develops and delivers technical health, safety, and environmental training to applicable KPB Maintenance and KPBSD employees and supervisors, including programs required by OSHA and other applicable regulatory and consensus standards (e.g., ANSI, NFPA), in alignment with Risk Management’s broader HSE program.

Work is performed while standing, sitting and walking. Requires the ability to communicate effectively utilizing speech, vision, and hearing. Requires the use of hands for performing simple grasping and fine manipulations. Requires ability to balance, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb and reach. Requires wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include respirators, as this position will be exposed to moving machinery, dust, fumes, vapors and drastic changes in temperature and humidity. This position also requires regular lifting of up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting or moving of loads up to 70 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires travel to locations across the entire KPB which includes regular travel by car or truck and occasional travel by small aircraft or watercraft. Overnight, out-of-town stays may also be required on occasion.