Safety Officer (EHS)

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 71,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County in Houston seeks a safety specialist to monitor and support METRO's construction safety programs on projects and ensure compliance with regulations.

Responsibilities include auditing safety and loss control programs, conducting inspections, delivering safety training (CPR/AED, HAZCOM, PPE), and coordinating with contractors to uphold PTASP and SMS requirements while maintaining strong customer service for METRO stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in industrial or construction safety or environmental compliance.
• Current working knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations including fire code.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations as applied to construction contractors.
• Professional certifications: CSHO or OHST preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists the manager and staff with safety program implementation and auditing for construction projects.
• Conducts general safety inspections to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provides safety training including CPR/AED, HAZCOM, PPE, and forklift safety.
• Maintains safety orientation for new employees.
• Prepares incident reports and communicates investigations with corrective actions.
• Controls entry and usage of hazardous chemicals via SDS data.
• Supports PTASP and SMS in daily operations and committee activities.

Skills

OSHA regulations

Safety training

Contractor safety oversight

Communication skills

Public safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in Safety/Environmental Health

Tools

Safety database systems

Job description

Under general supervision, provides specialized safety support and consultation on METRO operating and administrative department and performs on-site monitoring of contractors’ safety performance on METRO’s construction projects. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Assists the manager and staff with the implementation and auditing of safety and loss control programs to control risk and losses related to construction projects, industrial and occupational exposures.
• Conducts general safety inspections at METRO facilities to ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Actively involved in construction safety including system expansions, rail expansion projects, road improvements and public facility upgrades.
• Provides safety training for METRO employees including CPR/AED, bloodborne pathogen, HAZCOM, PPE, forklift, environmental, fall protection, etc.
• Provides safety orientation for all new employees.
• Maintains contracts with outside vendors to provide industrial hygiene and other selected services to METRO on an as-needed basis.
• Prepares incident reports and communicates investigations to management and documents corrective actions.
• Controls and approves the entry and usage of hazardous chemicals in the workplace by assessing toxicological data provided on Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Serves as an active participant on various internal and external committees and groups to promote safety and environmental awareness focusing on existing operations.
• Assigned to rotation for On-call hours after hours and weekends.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies Safety Management System (SMS) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Pay Range: $70,700 - $92,800

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Environmental Health or a related degree is preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum four (4) years’ experience in industrial or construction safety or environmental compliance.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Current working knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations including fire code is required. Knowledge of OSHA regulations as applied to construction contractors required. Strong PC skills with emphasis on safety database systems. Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills and good interpersonal skills. Professional certifications: Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO), certification from an authorized OSHA Training Institute or an Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST) certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals are preferred.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.