Safety/Risk Management Specialist

Henry County Water Authority; Illinois; On-site; USD 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Henry County Water Authority seeks a Safety and Risk Management Specialist to be a hands-on field resource supporting safety programs across facilities, field operations, and construction sites. You will observe work practices, coach staff, and help implement practical risk controls to reduce injuries and losses.

The role focuses on incident investigation, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement, requiring strong communication and collaboration with employees and management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 2–3 years related experience preferred.
• OSHA 30 certification preferred; CPR/First Aid and related instructor certifications desirable.
• Strong communication and coaching skills; ability to train staff and partners in safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a regular, visible field presence across HCWA operations.
• Conduct field observations, inspections, and safety audits to identify hazards and risks.
• Develop, implement, and enforce safety policies and procedures in line with laws and regulations.
• Provide practical safety guidance and coaching to employees and supervisors.
• Investigate injuries, incidents, near misses, and property damage; prepare clear investigation reports.
• Analyze data to identify trends and lead targeted risk-reduction efforts.

Skills

Field observations

Safety program development

Incident investigation

Regulatory compliance

Risk assessment

Emergency preparedness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Summary:

The Safety and Risk Management Specialist serves as a hands-on technical and field resource in support of HCWA's comprehensive safety and risk management programs. This position works collaboratively with employees, supervisors, and management to identify hazards, reduce operational risk, prevent injuries and losses, strengthen regulatory compliance, and promote a proactive and positive safety culture throughout the Authority. A key focus of this position is maintaining a visible presence in the field. The Specialist regularly visits HCWA facilities, treatment plants, field operations, reservoirs, construction sites, and other work locations to observe work practices, identify potential hazards and operational risks, provide practical guidance and coaching, and partner with departments to develop solutions that improve employee safety and reduce organizational risk. The position also supports incident investigation, safety training, emergency preparedness, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. They will approach safety as a partnership—building relationships with employees and supervisors and helping create practical solutions that allow work to be performed safely and effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintains a regular and visible presence throughout HCWA operations, including field crews, treatment facilities, reservoirs, construction and maintenance activities, and other work locations.
• Conducts scheduled and unscheduled field observations, facility inspections, jobsite assessments, and safety audits to identify unsafe conditions, work practices, emerging risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develops, implements and enforces safety policies and procedures in compliance with all applicable state, federal and local laws and regulations. Provides guidance and enforcement on the administration of a comprehensive OSHA equivalent safety program.
• Serves as a safety resource and partner to employees and supervisors by providing practical guidance, coaching, and assistance in addressing workplace hazards and safety concerns.
• Works collaboratively with supervisors and employees to identify appropriate corrective measures and follows up to ensure identified hazards and safety concerns are appropriately addressed.
• Responds to and investigates employee injuries, vehicle accidents, property damage incidents, near misses, and other safety or risk-related events. Prepares clear and objective incident investigation documentation and provides recommendations for corrective actions, additional training, procedural changes, or other preventive measures.
• Reviews incident, injury, vehicle, property, workers' compensation, and near-miss data to identify trends and opportunities for targeted risk-reduction efforts.
• Assists with workers' compensation, vehicle, property, and general liability claims as needed, including incident investigation, documentation, and coordination with employees, management, claimants, and insurance representatives.
• Supports the Accident Review Board; facilitates Accident Review Board meetings and submits Board recommendations to Division and Department Managers.
• Develops Standard Operating Procedures with regard to safety concerns with all departments at HCWA.
• Researches safety equipment, technology, PPE, training resources, and other solutions that may improve employee safety or reduce organizational risk.
• Works with departments to identify safety training needs based on operational activities, incidents, inspection findings, regulatory requirements, and emerging risks. Conducts and assists with employee safety training, toolbox talks, demonstrations, tabletop exercises, and other educational activities.
• Supports the development, review, implementation, and testing of HCWA emergency response and preparedness plans.
• Participates in emergency drills, tabletop exercises, and other preparedness activities using an all-hazards approach.
• Assists with HCWA's Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan activities and related requirements applicable to public water systems.
• Conducts or assists with risk assessments of facilities, operations, equipment, and work activities and recommends practical risk-control measures.
• Participates in the development and implementation of safety incentive, recognition, and employee engagement programs.
• Promotes a positive safety culture based on employee involvement, accountability, communication, coaching, and continuous improvement.
• Builds effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization and serves as an approachable resource for safety and risk-related questions or concerns.
• Identifies opportunities to improve safety processes, programs, communication, technology, training, and employee engagement.
• Develops formal Safety Policies and Procedures Programs for the Authority, to include a Safety Manual, Facilities and Work Site Inspection Forms, and Educational Materials. Assists in developing and updating safety training materials, presentations, educational resources, and awareness campaigns.
• Must be able to effectively communicate, with tact and diplomacy, with the public and staff members.
• Serves in an on-call capacity and responds, as needed, to after-hours safety incidents, accidents, emergencies, and other risk-related events requiring Safety and Risk Management support.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and two to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Georgia Driver's License; OSHA 30 certified; CPR/First Aid, Flagging and Defensive Driving Instructor certifications are highly desirable; candidates without instructor certifications should be willing to obtain it after hire.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Applications for this position will not be accepted after 5:00 pm. on Monday, October 19th, 2026.

Henry County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.