SAFETY SPECIALIST

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chicago seeks a Safety Specialist, V13 in the Aviation Public Safety Building to oversee safety inspections of airport construction projects and coordinate with federal and state agencies to enforce safety standards.

Applicants need two years of accident prevention and safety inspection experience, or an associate degree with one year of related work, plus the ability to obtain airfield certifications and pass a security background check. 24/7 scheduling is required.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in accident prevention and safety inspection.
• Associate degree or higher plus one year of related experience.
• Candidate must pass airport background check and Security Threat Assessment (STA).
• Must obtain airfield certification within six months of hire.
• Must be able to work 24/7/365.

Responsibilities

• Assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of Safety Specialists engaged in inspecting airport construction projects.
• Serves as liaison between local and federal agencies (e.g., IDOL, OSHA, FAA).
• Performs site inspections to ensure compliance with CAS and safety regulations.
• Develops and updates CDA Safety Programs and/or Policies.
• Supervises assessment of safety hazards and documents findings to mitigate risks.
• Develops safety policies and work practices for airport operations.
• Conducts investigations for insurance related matters and communicates findings to legal counsel.
• Conducts and facilitates safety training for staff.
• Advises safety committees and participates in safety work procedures.

Skills

Accident prevention

Safety inspections

Regulatory liaison

Training & briefing

Education

Associate degree or higher

Tools

Airfield driving certification (Yellow Stripe)

Airfield certification

Job description

Safety Specialist, V13

Number of Positions: 2 (Two)

Starting Salary: $70,740.00

POSTING UPDATED

Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.

Chicago Department of Aviation

Safety Division

Additional Vacancies Possible Pending Budget Approval

POSTING UPDATED

This position is open to the public and all current City employees covered under the City’s collective bargaining agreement with Local 1001 of the LABORERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA (BARGAINING UNIT#54). Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.

Essential Duties

• Assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of Safety Specialists engaged in the inspection of airport construction projects to ensure adherence to established safety requirements.
• Serves as liaison between local and federal governmental agencies (e.g., IDOL, OSHA, FAA) and integrates safety practices into daily work activities of City employees, private contractors, and airport tenants (e.g., airline staff, concessionaires, ground transportation companies).
• Serves as a liaison, coordinates, and performs site inspections to ensure compliance with regulations and CDA Constructions Safety Manual (CAS) as it relates/pertains to and/or during construction projects.
• Develops and updates CDA Safety Programs and/or Policies.
• Supervises and participates in the assessment of safety hazards at airport facilities and documents findings to mitigate identified risks for employees, contractors, and airport tenants.
• Develop and recommend new and modified safety policies and establish work practices to address daily operations within the airports for CDA employees.
• Conducts advanced investigations occurring at the airport to assist insurance carriers in pending litigation cases and to communicate findings to legal counsel.
• Conducts and facilitates training for subordinate staff and communicates new or modified safety guidelines and requirements to the department.
• Advises and participates in safety committees responsible for the implementation of safety work procedures for department activities, terminal operations, and construction projects.
• Research and makes recommendations for the purchase of airport safety resources including materials, equipment, and professional services.
• Oversee and participates in the updating and licensing requirements of related equipment used throughout the airport (e.g., scanning and X-ray machines).
• Prepare reports summarizing goals and objectives of comprehensive safety plans.
• Participates in the department’s Safety Management System (SMS) team and coordinates safety procedures related to emergency management and preparedness drills and exercises.
• Keeps abreast of existing and new legislation to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements. Performs other related duties as required.

Location

Aviation Public Safety Building, 850 Patton Drive, Chicago

Hours

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (During Training Period)

2:00 PM – 10:00 PM (After Training Period)

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience Two (2) years of experience in accident prevention and safety inspection work, OR Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s degree or higher, plus one (1) year of work experience in accident prevention and safety inspection work

NOTE: The candidate selected for hire must pass an airport background check and a Security Threat Assessment (STA).

NOTE: Must obtain airfield certification within six months of hire.

NOTE: This position is required to work 24/7/365.

NOTE: This position requires a VALID LICENSE at the time of hire.

NOTE: Must obtain and maintain basic airfield driving certification (Yellow Stripe) within six months of hire.

Physical Requirements

• Some lifting (up to 25 pounds) is required
• Ability to walk and stand for extended or continuous periods of time
• Ability to work various hours/shifts

Selection Requirements

This position requires applicants to PASS a written test / skills assessment test with multiple components IN ORDER to be interviewed. Interviewed Bidders possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be hired in seniority order and according to the collective bargaining agreement. Interviewed Non-Bidders possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

APPLICATION EVALUATION

Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration.

The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration.

These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.

The City of Chicago is committed to providing fair chance hiring and welcomes applicants with past convictions, recognizing the value of a diverse workforce and the potential for growth and positive change.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Job Posting Sep 4, 2026, 12:00:00 AM