SAFETY SPECIALIST - WATER MGMT 2026

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chicago/Department of Water Management is seeking a Safety Specialist-Water Management to develop and implement safety regulations and oversee field inspections to ensure OSHA compliance across projects.

The role requires conducting safety training, investigating incidents, and maintaining meticulous records. A valid IL driver’s license is required, with expected shift variations and travel to field sites.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in accident prevention and safety inspection work.
• Associate’s degree or higher plus one year of relevant experience.
• A valid State of Illinois driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement departmental safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Inspect work areas and construction sites to ensure OSHA and city/state safety compliance.
• Conduct safety training sessions and arrange manufacturer trainings on equipment use.
• Investigate accidents to determine causes and prevent recurrence.
• Maintain records of injuries and accidents and update manuals as needed.

Skills

Accident prevention experience

Safety inspection experience

Education

Associate’s degree or higher

Valid driver’s license (IL)

Job description

SAFETY SPECIALIST-WATER MANAGEMENT

Department of Water Management

Number of Positions: 1 (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: U14 $77,628 annually

Application Deadline

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 11/02/2026

Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Nov 3, 2026, 5:59:00 AM

Job Number: 420438

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Assists in developing and implementing departmental safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Inspects work areas and/or construction sites to ensure working conditions are in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and municipal and state safety regulations and policies. Makes recommendations to correct observed and reported safety violations and to implement safe work practices including the use of protective gear (e.g., helmets, steel tipped shoes, safety glasses, gloves). Checks safety devices (e.g., fire extinguishers, alarms, first aid, emergency equipment) for proper working condition. Ensures that safety precautions (e.g., sufficient lighting, warning signs, barricades) are posted near construction or hazardous sites. Ensures proper procedures are followed and rescue equipment is accessible to crews working in confined spaces and during excavations. Prepares and issues warnings, and/or letters of notification to address violations of safety policies and procedures. Investigates accidents to determine their cause and to develop methods and procedures to prevent future occurrences. Evaluates automotive and personal injury accident reports for evidence of cause and prepares reports on findings. Conducts employee training sessions on safety policies and practices and arranges for product manufacturers to train employees on the proper use of safety equipment and gear. Maintains complete and accurate records of personal injury and property accidents. Drives to field sites to observe practices. Reviews safety policies and practices and assists in updating departmental manuals and policies. Attends and/or chairs safety meetings and committees. Performs other additional related duties as required.

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to particular positions within the class.

Address: Various
Days Off: Various
Shift: Various

Lunch: 1-hour

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.

Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications

* A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required

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

NOTE: Candidates selected for hire MUST pass a DRUG/PHYSICAL test prior to being hired

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the successful completion of an online application and an initial screening process. Applicants who meet the established screening criteria may be invited to participate in one or more assessments designed to evaluate the knowledge, skills, or competencies relevant to the role. This position requires candidates to take a skills assessment test with multiple components. BIDDERS who successfully apply for the position, meet the minimum qualifications, and PASS the skills assessment test with multiple components, will be INTERVIEWED. Bidders who possess the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected and hired in seniority order and according to C.B.A rules. NON-BIDDERS who successfully apply for the position, meet the minimum qualifications, and PASS the skills assessment test with multiple components, will be INTERVIEWED The interviewed NON-Bidders who possess 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. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligibility list in lottery order. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

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

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Benefits Information

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

Salary and Title Structure

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at: https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf