Safety Specialist

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp; City of Poughkeepsie (NY); On-site; USD 94,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a

Life and Travel Insurance

Tuition Assistance

Wellness Reimbursement Program

Paid Holidays and Vacation

Job summary

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation is seeking a Safety Specialist to administer, develop, and implement safety programs that protect all employees at the workplace. You will conduct field reviews to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal rules and corporate policies.

Under the Safety Director, you will lead program development, provide training, advise management, and coordinate inspections with OSHA and other agencies while updating safety rules and procedures.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Occupational Safety & Health or related field.
• 2 years of practical safety/operational utility experience; or 5 years w/o degree.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and ability to apply them.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, technical, interpersonal, decision-making and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe work practices follow company policies and regulations.
• Conduct routine field inspections for workforce safety.
• Research and interpret OSHA/regulated safety standards for compliance.
• Develop and implement safety programs and mitigation plans.
• Advise management on safety-conscious behaviors and programs.

Skills

Safety knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Organization

Adaptability

Education

Associate’s degree in Occupational Safety & Health

High school diploma with 5 years safety experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with substantial company match
• Life and Travel Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Paid Holidays and Vacation

What is a Safety Specialist?

Under the general direction of the Safety Director, a Safety Specialist administers, develops, and implements Central Hudson’s safety programs to ensure the safety of all employees at the workplace. A Safety Specialist also conducts field reviews to ensure all field work is in compliance with local, state, and federal rules and regulations, and corporate policies and procedures.

What does a Safety Specialist do?

• Ensures that safe work practices are followed and in accordance with Company policies, procedures, and governmental regulations
• Conducts field inspections on a routine basis to ensure the safety of the workforce
• Serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for researching and interpreting proposed and final federal, state, and local safety and health regulations and standards for company compliance
• Develops and implements safety mitigation plans/programs to improve performance as appropriate, including reviewing, writing and updating safety programs
• Provides advice and counsel to management regarding the development of safety conscious behavior through the development and implementation of occupational safety programs
• Serves as a liaison and represents the Company during any inspections, visits, or inquiries by representatives of OSHA or any other official agencies affecting workplace safety
• Reviews, maintains, and revises the Company's safety rules, policies, and procedures on a periodic basis
• Provides advice and counsel to departments developing work procedures to ensure compliance with safety rules and regulations
• Participates in learning team event analysis with a focus on continuous improvement
• Provides training and guidance to Safety professionals within the company
• Provides specialized safety education and training when required
• Keeps up with industry trends and innovations in occupational safety
• Ensures all OSHA recordkeeping requirements are adhered to
• Participates in the Company's emergency management processes and storm/emergency response
• Coordinates and performs mutual aid safety orientations for mutual aid crews during storm and other emergency response events
• Supports the Safety and Operations team and completes other duties as assigned

What does it take to be a Safety Specialist?

• Associate’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health, STEM related field, Safety Management, Risk Management, or a related field and 2 years of practical safety and/or operational utility experience. In lieu of an associate’s degree, a high school diploma or equivalency and 5 years of practical safety and/or operational utility experience.
• Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn new computer software programs quickly
• Knowledge of safety regulations, concepts, and practices and the ability to apply them and interact with customers, internal departments, support staff, and various levels of management and union personnel
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to effectively interact with customers, support staff, and various levels of management and union personnel
• Strong analytical, technical, interpersonal, decision making and leadership skills
• Must be well organized, customer focused, team oriented, detail oriented, and flexible to handle multiple assignments and deadlines
• Must be able to adapt to fast-paced environments with changing circumstances, direction, and strategy
• Must participate in and promote a culture that fosters and delivers safe workers and safe work practices
• Must be available outside of normal working hours
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health, STEM related field, Safety Management, Risk Management, or a related field
• Experience in the utility industry and growing safety responsibilities within the utility industry
• Experience developing and implementing effective safety policies and training programs
• Knowledge of health, safety, and workers compensation best practices
• Trained in root cause analysis principles and incident investigation techniques
• Knowledge of OSHA recordkeeping requirements
• Knowledge and understanding of DOT, CDL, and FMCSA drug and alcohol programs and policies
• OSHA 30 hour certification course in general industry or construction industry

Deadline

Applications will be accepted until November 4, 2026.

Pay range

Pay range: $93,200- $151,500

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, arrest or conviction record, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, genetic information, familial status, marital status, pregnancy-related condition, domestic violence victim status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance employment in individuals who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. VEVRAA FEDERAL CONTRACTOR

About the Company

Look to Central Hudson for an environment that fosters teamwork, safety awareness and impeccable customer service. We are committed to educational development, employee satisfaction and a diverse workforce. We also have a strong belief in and long history of promoting from within. Our employees enjoy numerous opportunities for transition and growth throughout their careers. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including competitive compensation, health benefits, 401K plan with substantial company match, tuition assistance, wellness reimbursement, life insurance, and paid holidays and vacation.